Pioneering new research involving Hartpury University has provided fresh insight into breast movement and support in female horse riders, with findings that could help inform future understanding of sports bra requirements for equestrian activity.
The study, The Biomechanical and Perceptual Impact of Breast Support during Riding and Running in Female Equestrians, has been published open access in the International Journal of Equine Science.
The research forms part of an ongoing collaboration between Hartpury University, University Centre Sparsholt and the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth.
Despite the female dominance of equestrianism, female-specific research in the sport remains relatively sparse. This is the first study to measure breast movement in female horse riders in three dimensions and the first to compare this movement in the same participants during horse riding and running, an activity on which much existing sports bra research has focused.
The researchers also investigated riders’ perceptions of bra comfort, performance and appearance in relation specifically to equestrian activity.
Twenty-one female equestrians took part in the research, riding an equine simulator in walk, trot and canter and running on a treadmill under four different breast-support conditions, an encapsulation sports bra, a combination sports bra, an everyday bra and no breast support.
Using motion-capture technology, researchers were able to assess relative breast displacement as well as rider position. Exercise-induced breast pain and bra comfort were also measured, while participants completed a survey exploring bra performance and aesthetics.
The study found that the type of bra worn meaningfully influenced exercise-induced breast pain, rider position and symmetry. Both sports bra conditions reduced breast movement and pain during trot and running compared with an everyday bra or no breast support. Improvements in torso position were also observed during trot when sports bras were worn, while riders were most symmetrical when wearing the encapsulation sports bra.
Researchers found that individual preferences around bra comfort varied, highlighting the complexity involved in identifying appropriate breast support for female equestrians.
The research adds to understanding of breast support specifically within equestrian sport, an area in which research remains limited compared with other forms of physical activity.
The paper brings together expertise from across Hartpury University, with authors from both the University’s Equine Sciences and Sport and Exercise Sciences departments, alongside researchers from University Centre Sparsholt and the University of Portsmouth.
Hartpury contributors include Lorna Cameron, Dr Victoria Lewis, Dr Emma Davies, Dr Jenni Douglas, Christy Maddock and Katy Searle (graduate of the MSci Equine Science programme). The research team also includes Natalie Stones from University Centre Sparsholt and Dr Jenny Burbage from the University of Portsmouth.
Lorna Cameron, Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University, said: “We’re incredibly excited to see this research published. Breast health and appropriate support can have a very real impact on women participating in sport, but there has historically been relatively little research investigating specifically the needs of equestrians.”
“What makes this study particularly exciting is that we have been able to establish relative breast movement in three dimensions during riding and compare it directly with running in the same participants. That gives us a much better understanding of how the demands of riding differ from an activity on which much existing sports bra research and design has been based.”
“Our findings also demonstrate that breast support isn't simply about comfort. The type of support worn was associated with differences in breast pain, rider position and symmetry, which makes this an important area for further research.”
“We hope this work will encourage greater conversation around breast health in equestrian sport and ultimately contribute to better information and products designed with the specific needs of riders in mind.”
The latest publication builds upon a growing body of collaborative research into breast health and equestrian sport. Previous work involving members of the research team has explored issues including breast pain, bra concerns and barriers to participation among female horse riders, as well as the impact of breast-health education for young equestrians.
The researchers say larger, longer-term and field-based studies are now needed to build upon the latest findings.
The full research paper is published open access and can be read here.
