Riding Through Change: The impact of perimenopausal/ menopausal symptoms on equestrian women

Mills, Claire ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4156-4593 and Howard, Kathryn (2025) Riding Through Change: The impact of perimenopausal/ menopausal symptoms on equestrian women. In: School of Education and Science Research Conference, 25th June 2025, University of Gloucestershire. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Introduction: Perimenopause (P) and Menopause (M) and are widely acknowledged as a time of individual and complex physiological and psychological change, but implications particularly within equestrians, are under-researched. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of these symptoms on equestrians for supporting sustained activity during this stage of life. Methods: n = 285 female participants from 20 equestrian disciplines, aged between 30 -65 years of age, who were experiencing M and P related symptoms were recruited. Participants completed an online non-validated questionnaire which was administered by JISC online surveys and disseminated via equestrian social media platforms. Thematic approaches were used for further analysis and interpretation. Results: 5 distinctive themes were identified: (1) emotional and psychological impact; results found loss of confidence (72%) and reduced self-esteem (65%) the most prevalent symptoms. (2) cognitive challenges; included brain fog (67%) and memory problems (65%). (3) Physical health and fitness; found lacking energy (83%), poor quality sleep (73%) and joint pain (71%) problematic. (4) impact on participation; results indicated reduced confidence in riding (69%) and reduced self-esteem affecting confidence to participate (54%). Finally (5) support mechanisms; 62% of participants highlighted limited or no engagement from their coaches. Conclusions: This study contributes to the growth in conversation regarding women’s health in sport and highlights the need for appropriate education and management to support this demographic which could go some way to prevent the decline in participation from a dedicated and experienced demographic during this stage of their life.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology > QP301.H75 Physiology. Sport
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Depositing User:	Claire Mills
Date Deposited:	30 Jun 2025 08:30
Last Modified:	30 Jun 2025 08:30
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15134

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