Horse-Rider Pairing Perception by Dressage Judges and Equestrian Coaches.

The ideal equestrian body image (BI) is a smaller physique and riders feel body shape (BS) influences subjective judge scoring within dressage competitions. The aims were to identify perceptions of equestrian coaches and dressage judges of rider body shape (BS), identify perceptions of appropriate horse-rider matching and establish the impact of BS on perceived rider ability. An online survey (GoogleFormsTM) was shared, respondents (n = 265, coaches = 174 judges = 91) viewed images of twelve riders of different BS (Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph) mounted on three horses of different breeds/types and asked to indicate the best horse-rider match. Judges were asked if body shape or inappropriate horse-rider matching influenced scores given, this was used to identify any bias from judges. A significant perception for horse rider matching identified the cob as the most appropriate for the Endomorph physique (P < .001). Ectomorph was the most chosen as the ideal BS on all horses. Both coaches and judges identified the ideal physique as a smaller image from the BI scale. Both coaches and judges individually perceive that BS impacts rider ability (P < .001). These findings of BS perceived as linked to rider skill potentially identifies an issue and may correspond to the smaller physique being idealistic. Future research into physique related bias from judges is required to further identify the impact of BS on subjective judging within equestrian sport.

Potential Impacts of Body Image Perception in Female Equestrians.

Female body image (BI) has been investigated in many sports yet, in female-dominated equestrianism, there is a paucity of BI research. This study aimed to identify self-perceptions of BI, rider perceptions of judge and coach bias, relationships between BI and self-consciousness and effect of breast size. A four-part, 27 question survey (GoogleForms) was completed by female equestrians (n = 493). The second smallest BI was considered ideal for equestrianism (χ2 = 352.751, P < .001) regardless of age, own BI or level of riding commitment. There was a perception judges favor riders with smaller frames (χ2 = 54.2111, P < .001) and an association between riders with a larger BI feeling self-conscious when riding (χ2 = 87.514, P < .001). More respondents perceived the ideal equestrian BI to be smaller than theirs (Median = -1.5, W = 7777.00, P < .001) and an association between those dissatisfied with their BI and self-consciousness when riding was seen (χ2 = 83.649, P < .001). Perception of the ideal equestrian frame is smaller than many riders' own BI, and a larger BI perception negatively impacts self-confidence, potentially hindering performance and participation. Female riders with a larger frame feel they are perceived negatively by judges and further study is indicated to investigate the extent of this potential bias on subjective judging in equestrian disciplines.