Equestrian sport presents a unique challenge for athletes’ gastro-intestinal tract, due to the need to accommodate horses’ locomotion, perform discipline specific movements and meet the nutritional requirements of exercise. The gastro-intestinal challenge may be compounded by gut-brain axis involvement, with anxiety well-documented in equestrian athletes. A survey was carried out to assess gastro-intestinal symptom prevalence and severity in recreational and elite equestrian athletes, across a range of disciplines. Participants reported prevalence of 12 symptoms on a 0-10 point scale, and stool consistency using a modified validated questionnaire. Total symptom score, symptom perception and symptom region (Upper GI tract,Lower GI tract and Other) were assessed. A sub-set of elite riders repeated the questionnaire post-competition. Elite riders had a higher average total GI symptom score but did not differ significantly to the recreational sample (W = 438.50; p = 0.13; rB = 0.19; Small). There were no regional differences between groups. Prevalence of all abnormal stool consistencies were higher in the elite sample, when compared to the recreational or total sample. Five elite athletes reported blood in stool. Symptoms are not correlated with nor predicted by rider age, or number of competitions performed per year. Symptoms were not significantly different in competition.
The majority of equestrians present with some GI symptoms, with a small proportion of elite and recreational riders showing symptoms that impair exercise performance. The questionnaire provides a useful starting point for athletes, coaches and support personnel to understand symptom prevalence and severity in equestrians.