1 Performance demands in the Endurance Rider 2 3 Williams, J.M.1*, Douglas, J.1, Davies, E.1, Bloom,F.1 and Castejon, C.2 4 5 2. Hartpury University, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, UK. 6 1 Cordoba University, Cordoba, Spain 7 8 9 *Corresponding author:
[email protected] 10 11 Abstract 12 13 Endurance is one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines worldwide. Races are long 14 distance competitions (40-160km), organized into loops, over variable terrain usually 15 within one day. Horse and rider combinations in endurance races have to complete the 16 course in good condition whilst also aiming to win. Horse welfare is paramount within 17 the sport and horses are required to ‘pass’ a veterinary check prior to racing, after each 18 loop of the course and at the end of the race. Despite the health, fitness and welfare of 19 both athletes within the horse-rider dyad being essential to achieve success, few 20 equivalent measures assessing the wellbeing of the endurance rider are implemented. This 21 review considers evidence from ultra-endurance sports and rider performance in other 22 equestrian disciplines, to consider physiological and psychological strategies the 23 endurance rider could use to enhance their competition performance. Successful 24 endurance riding requires an effective partnership to be established between horse and 25 rider. Within this partnership, adequate rider health and fitness are key to optimal 26 decision-making to manage the horse effectively during training and competition, but just 27 as importantly riders should manage themselves as an athlete. Targeted management for 28 superior rider performance can underpin more effective decision-making promoting 29 ethical equitation practices and optimizing competition performance.