title: Oxygen Cost of Recreational Horse-Riding in Females.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to characterize the physiological demands of a riding session comprising different types of recreational horse riding in females.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen female recreational riders (aged 17 to 54 years) completed an incremental cycle ergometer exercise test to determine peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) and a 45-minute riding session based upon a British Horse Society Stage 2 riding lesson (including walking, trotting, cantering and work without stirrups). Oxygen consumption (VO₂), from which metabolic equivalent (MET) and energy expenditure values were derived, was measured throughout.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean VO₂ requirement for trotting/cantering (18.4 ± 5.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 52 ± 12% VO₂peak; 5.3 ± 1.1 METs) was similar to walking/trotting (17.4 ± 5.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 48 ± 13% VO₂peak; 5.0 ± 1.5 METs) and significantly higher than for work without stirrups (14.2 ± 2.9 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 41 ± 12% VO₂peak; 4.2 ± 0.8 METs) (P = .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The oxygen cost of different activities typically performed in a recreational horse riding session meets the criteria for moderate intensity exercise (3-6 METs) in females, and trotting combined with cantering imposes the highest metabolic demand. Regular riding could contribute to the achievement of the public health recommendations for physical activity in this population.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Louisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beale
authors.forename: Neil S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Maxwell
authors.forename: Oliver R
authors.initials: OR
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Twomey
authors.forename: Becky
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Church
mesh_terms: D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D056147:Equine-Assisted Therapy / Q000191:economics*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000191:economics*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen