Host of hot topics on the agenda at Saddle Research Trust Conference

SRT21 Media Release 4

Hot topics such as riders’ self-perception of body image and road-associated risks for riders will be raised at the Saddle Research Trust’s 4th International Conference, to be held virtually on Saturday 11th December 2021.

The hot topics will bring to the fore some of the latest news and views within the equestrian industry, with the Olympic standard dressage rider Richard Davison wrapping up the presentations with his own reflections at the end of the discussions.

“With global registrations already received from Australia, Canada and the US to New Zealand, Russia and Western Europe, our 4th Conference is going to be truly international in terms of both speakers and delegates,” said Anne Bondi, Director of the Saddle Research Trust. “We are also very excited to see the exceptional quality of the presentations, which will provide plenty of food for thought for delegates on the important topic of welfare and performance.”

Dr Dee Pollard, research analyst at the British Horse Society, will review the results of a recent study covering current figures of road incidents involving horses, perceptions of road-associated risk in equestrians, attitudes to road safety and ways in which real or perceived risk could be mitigated.

Dr Céleste Wilkins, researcher and lecturer in biomechanics at Hartpury University, will speak about dynamic technique analysis of dressage riders, explaining her research in analysing how riders move, how they achieve harmony, and rider trunk-pelvis strategies.

Sofia Forino, a lecturer and post-graduate student at the University Centre Sparsholt, Hampshire, will discuss the findings of her study on the self-perception of body image in female riders. This study aimed to identify self-perceptions of body image in female equestrians, identify rider perceptions of judge and coach body image bias, highlight relationships between female equestrian body image and self-consciousness, explore any effect of breast size, and the effect this has on participation and performance success.

Hot topics is one of a full day of high-quality interactive presentations from world-renowned researchers and vets at the Conference, which is exploring the ‘Welfare and Performance of the Ridden Horse: The Future’.

The Conference has been split into four sessions, each closing with an interactive Q&A. The event is also eligible for CPD points for delegates whose professional bodies are registered with the SRT.

Session 1: Applying the science
Session 2: Through the lens
Session 3: The horse as a stakeholder
Session 4: Hot topics

To book your tickets click here.

Body image picture reference: Harris, C., Bradlyn, A., Coffman, J. et al. BMI-based body size guides for women and men: development and validation of a novel pictorial method to assess weight-related concepts. Int J Obes 32, 336–342 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803704

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