Menstrual Equity in the Saddle: What New Research Reveals About Female Riders

Equestrian sport is often celebrated as unique: men and women competing on equal footing. But new research suggests that this “equality” isn’t the whole story. For female riders, menstruation adds a hidden barrier that our sport has long ignored.

The Myth of Equality

Yes, on paper, women compete against men. But biology and cultural traditions still create challenges that men never face. Until now, menstruation hasn’t been studied in this context.

The Study

A cross-sectional survey of 328 female Pony Club riders in Australia (ages 10–17) revealed that periods directly affect participation. Riders reported that traditional competition attire — white or light-coloured breeches — intensified anxiety about leaking or being visibly “on their period.”

Uniforms as a Barrier

White breeches aren’t just a dress code. They’re a distraction. They take mental focus away from the horse and the performance — and in a sport where safety depends on concentration, that matters.

What Riders Want

80% of participants supported a switch to darker breeches. But tradition runs deep. White pants are associated with prestige, formality, and respect. That culture is holding back progress.

Why Rules Alone Won’t Fix It

Even if competition rules changed tomorrow, riders would still be battling stigma. To create truly equal conditions, we need education, practical initiatives, and a culture where talking about periods isn’t taboo.

This is the first study to focus on menstruation in equestrian sport — and it should be the start of a bigger conversation. If we want true equality, we need to address the physical realities of female riders and challenge traditions that no longer serve us.

What do you think — should equestrian sport modernise its dress codes to support period-friendly participation?