Wearing the right sports bra could influence a female rider’s position and symmetry in the saddle, as well as reducing breast movement and pain, according to new research.
The study, published in the International Journal of Equine Science, investigated how different levels of breast support affected 21 female equestrians while riding an equine simulator and running on a treadmill. (Rasayely Journals)
Researchers compared four conditions: an everyday bra, an encapsulation sports bra, a combination sports bra and no bra. Participants rode in walk, trot and canter, with motion-capture technology used to measure breast movement and rider position.
Both sports bra designs reduced breast movement and exercise-induced breast pain during trot compared with the everyday bra. Importantly for riders, torso position also improved when wearing either sports bra, while riders showed the greatest symmetry when wearing the encapsulation sports bra.
The researchers also found an association between increased breast movement and increased breast pain, although individual preferences around bra comfort varied considerably.
The findings suggest that breast support could be an overlooked consideration in rider performance, particularly given the importance of rider position and symmetry to the horse-rider interaction.
However, the researchers stress that this was a relatively small study carried out using an equine simulator rather than horses. They say larger, longer-term studies conducted in real-world riding environments are now needed to investigate the findings further.
The study, The Biomechanical and Perceptual Impact of Breast Support during Riding and Running in Female Equestrians, was published on 22 September 2026.
Read the full study in the International Journal of Equine Science
