A preliminary investigation into the effects of Feldenkrais on the performance of horse riders
The Feldenkrais technique has been effective in improving performance in sport in a number of different disciplines. It has also been used as an aid to personal development. Given the importance of balance, posture and self-awareness in the sport of horse riding, Feldenkrais learning should be beneficial to those participating in equestrian sports.
In order to investigate the effectiveness of this approach, a preliminary investigation was carried out. A study was set up by staff and students at the Brackenhurst Equestrian Centre, Nottingham Trent University during the spring of 2006. The study was written up by one of the third year Equestrian Psychology degree students, Nicola Roberts, as part of her assessed work. A full copy of the dissertation can be found in the Brackenhurst library, but a summary of the work and findings is presented here.
A selection of 16 riders took part in the study. They were students at Brackenhurst who were of mixed riding ability, but had all had at least 5 years experience. They were all female and were aged between 18 and 27 years. At the start of the study all 16 riders were assessed on horseback for both their position and riding performance during a standardized ridden test. They were scored for balance and position at walk, trot and canter, and during transitions. A qualified riding instructor (BHSII) carried out these assessments.
The riders were then divided into two groups (of eight riders), one of which would undergo Feldenkrais training, the other acted as a control group. The Feldenkrais group then attended training sessions over a period of four weeks. Both the Feldenkrais and control groups rode throughout this period. The Feldenkrais group attended three Awareness Through Movement (ATM) sessions that were conducted in a classroom setting. They also attended one Functional Integration (FI) session on horseback.
The 16 riders were then all re-assessed using the same standardized procedure and by the same instructor. The instructor had no knowledge of which riders had undergone the Feldenkrais training; they were all scored “blind”. The initial findings provide substantial support for the effectiveness of Feldenkrais training for improving performance in equestrian sport. The “before” and “after” scores are shown in Figure 1. It can be seen that the Feldenkrais group initially consisted of riders who gained lower scores in their initial assessment than the control group. However, following the second assessment, the Feldenkrais group have improved far more than the control group, in fact overtaking them in their ridden performance.
For anyone who is interested in the statistical analysis, it was found that initially there was a significant difference in the riding ability of the two groups of riders (p < 0.05), with the control group gaining higher scores. The ability to match riders in the two groups was limited by the availability of the individuals to attend the training sessions, although ideally there would have been less initial difference between the two groups. However, only the Feldenkrais group showed a highly significant improvement in their riding following their ATM and FI sessions (p < 0.001). Both groups would be expected to show some improvement as a result of their additional riding experience, but this was very marked with the Feldenkrais group. Their riding scores were actually higher than those of the control group during the second assessment, but not significantly so.
In conclusion, this preliminary investigation has provided clear evidence that the Feldenkrais method has a part to play in the training of horse riders and offers a real opportunity for people to improve their riding skills. Whether these effects would be greater in riders of higher ability, and could be used to provide more elite athletes with the competitive “edge” remains to be seen, but the initial finding are promising. Further study is now required in order to highlight the areas in which this approach is likely to produce the most beneficial results, and also to identify those riders for whom it may open equestrian doors that until now have only been slightly ajar!
Mrs C.H Nottingham Trent Uni.
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