Study finds rider dominance may influence posture balance and movement in the saddle
For many who live on the farm, one of the joys of rural living is horseback riding. According to research from the University of Guelph co-authored by Alessia Masini, natural body dominance can affect how riders sit, balance and communicate with their horses.
Most riders are familiar with having a stronger side and a weaker side while riding. The study explored whether those differences could be connected to natural body dominance, such as being right-handed or left-handed. The findings suggest that a rider's handedness, leg dominance, and body structure can affect posture in the saddle and may influence how a horse responds to its rider.
Researchers examined the relationship between rider laterality, which includes hand dominance, leg dominance and leg length, and riding position. The study aimed to better understand why some riders consistently show certain posture patterns and how those patterns may affect overall riding performance.
One of the most notable findings was that left-handed riders generally displayed more symmetrical riding positions than right-handed riders. Symmetry is often considered important in horseback riding because balanced riders can communicate more clearly with their horses and help reduce uneven strain on the animal.
The study found that right-handed riders were more likely to lean their upper body forward when viewed from one side. They also tended to position their right leg farther forward and tilt their head slightly to the right. These posture patterns appeared consistently across many of the riders observed during the research.
“What stood out to us was that rider posture changed depending on whether it was viewed from the right or left side. For example, right-handed riders leaned farther forward when viewed from the left, suggesting that there might be some twisting of the torso to the right, or even what many riders might recognize as a ‘collapsed hip’,” said Masini.
She added, “This raises new questions about how laterality shapes weight distribution in the saddle and stirrups, highlighting the value of future three-dimensional analyses of rider asymmetry.
Left-handed riders showed fewer side-to-side differences. However, the study emphasized that they were not completely symmetrical. Many left-handed riders tended to keep their left heels lower than their right heels. Researchers suggested that this could be linked to subtle differences in leg positioning or natural body structure.
Scientists noted that previous studies have shown left-handed individuals often demonstrate greater functional symmetry between the two sides of the body. Although this research did not directly analyze whole-body movement patterns, the results from riding posture appeared to support that idea.
Another important finding involved the relationship between hand and leg dominance. Researchers discovered that riders who were right-handed were usually right-leg dominant, while left-handed riders were typically left-leg dominant. This connection appeared to influence how riders carried themselves in the saddle.
Right-leg dominant riders often leaned their torso farther forward and positioned one shoulder slightly differently than the other. They were also more likely to keep one leg farther forward. In contrast, left-leg dominant riders generally maintained a more upright riding position. Their legs remained better aligned underneath the body, which may contribute to improved balance and stability.
The research also revealed that rider posture can change depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Certain asymmetries were easier to identify from one side than the other, suggesting that even experienced riders may not always be aware of their own posture habits. This highlights the value of video recordings and motion analysis tools when evaluating riding techniques.
Leg length was another factor found to influence riding position. Riders with longer legs were more likely to tilt their heads slightly to the left during different gaits, including the walk and trot. Longer legs were also associated with subtle changes in hip and shoulder alignment. These findings suggest that natural physical characteristics can affect riding posture just as much as training and experience.
The practical value of these findings lies in helping riders and coaches identify predictable posture tendencies. Understanding that some riding habits may be linked to natural body dominance can make it easier to develop personalized training plans.
For example, a rider who consistently leans forward or places one leg ahead of the other may not simply be developing a bad habit. Instead, those tendencies may be connected to natural dominance patterns. Recognizing these influences can help coaches design targeted exercises to improve balance, symmetry, and effectiveness in the saddle.
Researchers stressed that the study does not suggest one group of riders is better than another. Both right-handed and left-handed riders showed measurable asymmetries. The goal of the research is not to label certain riders as superior but to improve understanding of how individual physical traits influence riding performance.
The findings also have implications for horse welfare. Uneven rider posture may affect weight distribution, saddle pressure, and communication between horses and riders. By improving symmetry, riders may help create a more comfortable and effective partnership with their horses.
As awareness of rider asymmetry grows, coaches and riders can use modern tools such as slow-motion video analysis and movement tracking technology to identify posture issues earlier. Combined with individualized training programs, these tools may help riders achieve better balance, consistency, and communication.
Ultimately, the study highlights that factors such as handedness, leg dominance, and body structure play a role in riding position. Understanding these natural tendencies can help riders develop greater symmetry, improve performance, and build a stronger connection with their horses.
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