New research involving Hartpury University has measured breast movement during riding and running and explored the effect of different support options.
Research involving Hartpury University has examined how breast support affects movement, comfort and riding position in female equestrians.
The study involved 21 riders using an equine simulator in walk, trot and canter as well as running on a treadmill. Researchers compared different support conditions and used motion-capture technology to measure movement.
Hartpury says sports bra conditions reduced breast movement and exercise-related pain during trot and running compared with an everyday bra or no support. The researchers also recorded differences in rider position and symmetry.
The work was carried out with University Centre Sparsholt and the University of Portsmouth's Research Group in Breast Health. The authors say further larger and longer-term studies would help build on the findings.
Source
This report is based on information published by Hartpury University on 2 October 2026. Severn News has rewritten and summarised the material independently.