The legs play a crucial role in horse riding, serving both as a primary means of communication between horse and rider and as a source of stability through a wide range of dynamic movements. Across all disciplines, the legs absorb significant force, helping the rider maintain control and balance. Within this kinetic chain, the knee is one of the most important joints for both stability and force absorption.
Poor knee mechanics and pain don’t just affect the rider—they also impact the horse. The rider’s biomechanics influence how the saddle interacts with the horse’s back throughout various gaits and activities, such as jumping, polocrosse, and western reining. However, today, we will focus on how knee mechanics affect the rider.
The knee functions as a stabiliser, helping riders maintain balance while also absorbing impact each time the horse’s hooves strike the ground. However, knee pain is a common complaint among riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians. This discomfort is often linked to the knee’s ability to absorb repetitive forces and the rider’s ability to maintain balanced positioning in the saddle. Overuse injuries such as patellofemoral pain, patellar tendinopathy, and iliotibial band (ITB) irritation can develop when the knee is subjected to excessive strain without adequate support or conditioning.
Several factors contribute to knee pain, including muscular imbalances, lower limb alignment, and overall strength. When imbalances exist throughout the leg, they can alter knee positioning, leading to excessive loading and discomfort. External elements such as riding discipline, saddle design, stirrup length, and stirrup type also influence force distribution through the knee. Research has shown that both the horse’s gait and the rider’s leg position significantly impact knee loading. For example, rising trot generates higher forces through the knee each time the rider moves up into the stirrups, compared to sitting trot. In show jumping, the knee must stabilise the rider upon landing, absorbing substantial impact forces. However, as a rider becomes more balanced and experienced, force distribution improves, reducing unnecessary strain on the knee.
Given these factors, strengthening and stability exercises are essential for reducing knee pain and improving control in the saddle. Rather than focusing solely on the knee, it is crucial to train the entire lower limb, as the muscles and joints function together within the kinetic chain. By developing strength, stability, and endurance, riders can enhance their biomechanics, reduce the risk of overuse injuries, and improve comfort and effectiveness in the saddle—benefiting both themselves and their horse.
Written by Physiotherapist Kelcie Mitchell
