Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare, in normal women, metabolic and cardiorespiratory variables at rest with those obtained during horseback riding at a walking gait. Metabolic and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured employing a portable VO2000 Medgraphics gas analyzer. The results demonstrated a significant increase in oxygen uptake, caloric expenditure, METs and heart rate at the beginning of the exercise. Maintenance of the activity was followed by a decrease in these values which became stable until the end of the riding. The results indicate that the postural adjustments induced by horseback riding are sufficient to produce metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses in the rider.