Scientists found that horses had similar stress responses when ridden by male and female riders of comparable riding abilities. | Photo: Juliane Kuhl/Vetmeduni Vienna

For centuries, horse riding was largely restricted to males. The previous situation is in stark contrast to the present day, when nearly 80% of riders are women. Modern-day equestrian sports are unique in that men and women compete directly against one another at all levels, from beginners in gymkhanas to national champions in the Olympic Games.

“For this reason it is interesting to consider whether a theory of riding that was developed exclusively for men can be applied to women,” explains study author and doctoral candidate Natascha Ille.

“It is often assumed that women are more sensitive towards their horses than men. If this is so, male and female riders should elicit different types of response from their horses,” Ille said