Evaluating rider self-reports – challenges in monitoring equine adaptation to training and competition in eventing by self-reports

Abstract

Self-report measurement of fatigue and wellbeing is frequently used in various sports to assess adaptability to training alterations. The aim of this study was to describe how German elite riders in the discipline of eventing assess their own fitness as well as that of their horses for the entirety of an eventing season. Short online questionnaires were used to allow eight riders to describe the training of their horses. Five criteria (general performance, ability to concentrate, general state of mind, general muscular condition and emotional wellbeing) were used to assess their horse’s, as well as their own wellbeing. A 1–10 rating scale was used to score each criterion resulting in an average of 38 out of 50 (maximum wellbeing). The horse score and the rider’s score were linearly correlated above a score of 30 points. The horse score also positively correlated with its success at competitions. Horses which are regularly turned out for grazing received a higher horse score. It can be concluded that self-report measurement of fatigue and wellbeing can be a useful tool for trainers and riders to better determine the horse’s fatigue and recovery.