The Horse Rider’s Guide to Bras is a new information leaflet designed to help female equestrians avoid breast pain caused by riding activity. Created by BETA in conjunction with the British Equestrian Federation, this handy resource is based on a large-scale study by Dr Jenny Burbage, of the University of Portsmouth, and Lorna Cameron, of Sparsholt College, Hampshire.
Their research revealed that 40 per cent of 1,324 riders surveyed experienced breast pain, which was significantly related to increased cup size, and at least one bra issue was reported by 59 per cent of participants.
Surprisingly, less than 35 per cent of female riders wear a sports bra and more than 70 per cent of women are reported to be wearing the wrong size. The Horse Rider’s Guide to Bras seeks to address this problem by offering six pages of guidance and tips on how to secure the perfect fit.
“We thought that the study undertaken by Dr Jenny Burbage and Lorna Cameron would be of great interest to both riders and retail members who stock sports and rider-specific bras in-store,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.
“About 900,000 women ride at least once a week and many of them will experience exercise-induced pain at some time. This new guide should go a long way to helping them find a bra that fits well and is beneficial in helping to keep them pain-free and comfortable.”
Copies of The Rider’s Guide to Bras can be obtained free from the BETA online shop, at www.beta-uk.org, or by contacting Laura Clegg in the BETA office, email laurac@beta-int.com or telephone 01937 587062.
