FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Symbiosis or Sporting Tool? Competition and the Horse-Rider ...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(5); 1352; doi: 10.3390/ani11051352

Symbiosis or Sporting Tool? Competition and the Horse-Rider Relationship in Elite Equestrian Sports.

Abstract: The horse-rider relationship is fundamental to ethical equestrianism wherein equine health and welfare are prioritized as core dimensions of sporting success. Equestrianism represents a unique and important form of interspecies activity in which relationships are commonly idealized as central to sporting performance but have been largely unexplored in the sport psychology literature. Horse-rider relationships warrant particular consideration in the elite sporting context, given the tension between constructions of "partnership" between horse and rider, and the pragmatic pressures of elite sport on horse and rider and their relationship. The current study examined the link between sporting performance and the horse-rider relationship in an elite equestrian sporting context. Thirty-six international elite riders from eight countries and six equestrian disciplines participated in a single in-depth interview. A social constructionist, grounded theory methodology was used to analyze this data. The horse-rider relationship was positioned in three different ways in relation to elite sporting outcomes: as pivotal to success; non-essential to success; or as antithetical to success. Participants shifted between these positions, expressing nuanced, ambivalent attitudes that reflected their sporting discipline and their personal orientation to equestrianism. Competitive success was also defined in fluid terms, with participants differentiating between intrinsic and extrinsic markers of success. These findings suggest a complex and multifaceted connection between interspecies performance and relationships in elite sport. Where strong horse-rider relationships are antithetical to performance, a threat to the welfare and ethics of equestrian sport exists. Relevant sporting governing bodies must attend to this problem to ensure the centrality of animal welfare, wellbeing, and performance longevity to equestrian sports.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-05-10 PubMed ID: 34068606PubMed Central: PMC8151029DOI: 10.3390/ani11051352Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research explores the intricate relationship between a horse and its rider in elite equestrian sports. The primary aim is to understand how this relationship may affect performance and success, and the ethical implications of such dynamics.

Understanding the Horse-Rider Relationship

The study highlights the importance of examining the relationship between the horse and the rider in elite equestrian sports. Their relationship is a core dimension of successful sporting performance. However, the sport psychology literature has yet not fully explored this unique and intricate interspecies relationship.

  • Both the riders’ personal orientation towards equestrianism and the specific sporting discipline they were a part of influenced the relationship they maintained with their horses.
  • The dynamics of the horse-rider relationship were classified into three categories in observable correlation to elite sporting outcomes: crucial to success; inconsequential to success; or detrimental to success.
  • There were instances when participants oscillated between these classifications, revealing multifaceted and conflicting attitudes towards their horses.

Evaluating Success

The study also attempted to deconstruct the understanding of “success” in the elite equestrian sporting context. There were two primary ways of defining success viz., intrinsic and extrinsic markers.

  • Intrinsic markers of success largely pertained to the individual goals and satisfaction of the rider.
  • Extrinsic markers of success, on the other hand, revolved around public recognition, accolades and monetary gains.
  • The fluid comprehension of success added complexity to the relationship between the horse-rider pair and their collective performance.

Ethical Concerns and Recommendations

This study highlights a potential ethical problem in elite equestrian sports. When a strong horse-rider relationship is deemed detrimental to performance, it raises concerns about animal welfare.

  • There is a need for sporting governing bodies to address this issue proactively to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of horses involved in such sports.
  • This would prevent the exploitation of horses for the sake of achieving performance objectives and ensure sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders involved.

Cite This Article

APA
Hogg RC, Hodgins GA. (2021). Symbiosis or Sporting Tool? Competition and the Horse-Rider Relationship in Elite Equestrian Sports. Animals (Basel), 11(5), 1352. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051352

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
PII: 1352

Researcher Affiliations

Hogg, Rachel C
  • School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia.
Hodgins, Gene A
  • School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia.

Grant Funding

  • n/a / Australian Postgraduate Award

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 127 references
  1. Olympic.org Sports. [(accessed on 22 August 2019)]; Available online: https://www.olympic.org/sports.
  2. Eurodressage Equestrian Sport Keeps Olympic Status for 2024 Olympic Games, New Format for 2020 Games Approved. [(accessed on 8 May 2019)]; Available online: https://www.eurodressage.com/2017/06/09/equestrian-sport-keeps-olympic-status-2024-olympic-games-new-formet-2020-games-approved.
  3. Dashper K. Listening to Horses Developing Attentive Interspecies Relationships through Sport and Leisure. Soc. Anim. 2017;25:207–224.
    doi: 10.1163/15685306-12341426google scholar: lookup
  4. Wylleman P. Interpersonal relationships in sport: Uncharted territory in sport psychology research. Int. J. Sport Psychol. 2000:555–572.
  5. Association A.P. Sports Psychology. [(accessed on 22 August 2019)]; Available online: http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/sports.aspx.
  6. Society A.P. Sport and exercise psychologists. [(accessed on 22 August 2019)]; Available online: https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists/Psychologists-with-an-Area-of-Practice-Endorsement/Sport-and-exercise-psychology.
  7. Hanin Y.L. Social psychology and sport: Communication processes in top performance teams. Sport Sci. Rev. 1992;1:13–28.
  8. Carr S. Implications of attachment theory for sport and physical activity research: Conceptual links with achievement goal and peer-relationship models. Int. Rev. Sport Exerc. Psychol. 2009;2:95–115.
    doi: 10.1080/17509840902759173google scholar: lookup
  9. Jowett S, Wylleman P. Interpersonal relationships in sport and exercise settings: Crossing the chasm. Psychol. Sport Exerc. 2006;2:119–123.
    doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2005.08.001google scholar: lookup
  10. Poczwardowski A, Barott J.E, Jowett S. Diversifying approaches to research on athlete-coach relationships. Psychol. Sport Exerc. 2006;7:125–142.
    doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2005.08.002google scholar: lookup
  11. Smith A.L. Peer relationships in physical activity contexts: A road less traveled in youth sport and exercise psychology research. Psychol. Sport Exerc. 2003;4:25–39.
    doi: 10.1016/S1469-0292(02)00015-8google scholar: lookup
  12. Reis H.T. Compatible and Incompatible Relationships. Springer; Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: 1985. The role of the self in the initiation and course of social interaction; pp. 209–231.
  13. Carr S. Attachment in Sport, Exercise and Wellness. Routledge; Abingdon, UK: 2013.
  14. McAdams D.P. Handbook of Personal Relationships. Wiley; Hoboken, NJ, USA: 1988. Personal needs and personal relationships; pp. 7–22.
  15. Shaw D.G. The torturer’s horse: Agency and animals in history. Hist. Theory. 2013;52:146–167.
    doi: 10.1111/hith.10691google scholar: lookup
  16. Dashper K. Tools of the trade or part of the family? Horses in competitive equestrian sport. Soc. Anim. 2014;22:352–371.
    doi: 10.1163/15685306-12341343google scholar: lookup
  17. Heuschmann G. Balancing Act: The Horse in Sport—An Irreconcilable Conflict?. Trafalgar Square; North Pomfret, VT, USA: 2012.
  18. Campbell M. When does use become abuse in equestrian sport?. Equine Veter. Educ. 2013;25:489–492.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12087google scholar: lookup
  19. McLean A.N, McGreevy P.D. Ethical equitation: Capping the price horses pay for human glory. J. Vet. Behav. 2010;5:203–209.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.04.003google scholar: lookup
  20. Rudolph H. Horse sense and high competition: Procedural concerns in equestrian doping arbitration. Ky. J. Equine Agric. Nat. Resour. Law. 2009;2:47.
  21. Coulter K. Gender and Equestrian Sport. Springer; Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: 2013. Horse power: Gender, work, and wealth in Canadian show jumping; pp. 165–181.
  22. Cooke V.G. Equestrian Eventing: The Olympics’ Most Dangerous Sport? [(accessed on 13 November 2015)]; Available online: http://olympics.time.com/2012/07/28/equestrian-eventing-the-olympics-most-dangerous-sport/
  23. Pretty G, Bridgeman D. The Sport Psychologist’s Handbook: A Guide for Sport-Specific Performance Enhancement. John Wiley & Sons; West Sussex, UK: 2005. Of two minds: Consulting with the horse-and-rider team in dressage, showjumping and polo; pp. 569–585.
  24. Tompkins K, Pretty G.H. The relative importance of riders’ perceptions of their cognitive and somatic anxiety and self confidence, and their horse’s attributes, in predicting riders’ performance. Aust. J. Psychol. 2000;52:116.
  25. Visser EK, Van Reenen CG, Blokhuis MZ, Morgan EK, Hassmén P, Rundgren TM, Blokhuis HJ. Does horse temperament influence horse-rider cooperation?. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2008;11(3):267-84.
    doi: 10.1080/10888700802101254pubmed: 18569223google scholar: lookup
  26. Whitaker J, Whitelaw I. The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge. Macmillan; Basingstoke, UK: 2007.
  27. Fox-Pitt W. What Will Be: The Autobiography. Hachette UK; Paris, France: 2010.
  28. FEI Alltech FEI WEG 2014 Chez Phillip Episode 1. [(accessed on 24 August 2014)]; Available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1q9pt8HTnU.
  29. Adelman M, Knijnik J. Gender and Equestrian Sport. Springer; Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: 2013. Introduction—Women, men, and horses: Looking at the equestrian world through a “gender lens”; pp. 1–14.
  30. Endenburg N. Perceptions and attitudes towards horses in European societies.. Equine Vet J Suppl 1999 Apr;(28):38-41.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05154.xpubmed: 11314233google scholar: lookup
  31. Kiger Older Olympians Still Got Game in London. [(accessed on 4 October 2014)]; Available online: http://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-07-2012/athletes-50-and-older-in-london-2012-summer-olympic-games.html.
  32. Kessel A. Olympic Pair Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro a Going Concern for Now, the Guardian. Retrieved. [(accessed on 14 December 2013)]; Available online: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/14/charlotte-dujardin-valegro-equestrian-olympic.
  33. Todd M. Second Chance: The Autobiography. Hachette UK; London, UK: 2012.
  34. AHCF The Economic Impact of the United States Horse Industry. [(accessed on 22 February 2021)]; Available online: https://www.horsecouncil.org/resources/economics/
  35. Network E.H. Horse Industry’s Economic Impact. [(accessed on 22 February 2021)]; Available online: https://www.europeanhorsenetwork.eu/horse-industry/economic-impact/
  36. Equestrian Australia Equestrian Brings More than $1 Billion to the Economy. [(accessed on 22 February 2021)]; Available online: https://www.equestrian.org.au/news/equestrian-brings-more-1billion-economy.
  37. Buchanan L, Dann S. Participation in equestrian sport: Motives, barriers and profiles. Proceedings of the ANZMAC 2006 Conference Proceedings Brisbane, Australia. 4–6 December 2006; pp. 4–6.
  38. King M. William & Mary. David and Charles; Devon, UK: 1998.
  39. Funnell P. Pippa Funnell: The Autobiography. Hachette UK; London, UK: 2012.
  40. BV G.C.T. Record Prize Money for Longines Global Champions Tour. [(accessed on 18 November 2014)]; Available online: http://www.globalchampionstour.com/news/2014/971/record-prize-money-for-longines-global-champions-tour/
  41. Evans DL, Harris RC, Snow DH. Correlation of racing performance with blood lactate and heart rate after exercise in thoroughbred horses.. Equine Vet J 1993 Sep;25(5):441-5.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02987.xpubmed: 8223377google scholar: lookup
  42. Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O, Maśko M, Domino M, Winnicka A. Infrared Thermography Correlates with Lactate Concentration in Blood during Race Training in Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Nov 9;10(11).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10112072pmc: PMC7695344pubmed: 33182281google scholar: lookup
  43. Hobbs SJ, St George L, Reed J, Stockley R, Thetford C, Sinclair J, Williams J, Nankervis K, Clayton HM. A scoping review of determinants of performance in dressage.. PeerJ 2020;8:e9022.
    doi: 10.7717/peerj.9022pmc: PMC7185025pubmed: 32355578google scholar: lookup
  44. Stachurska A, Pieta M, Niewczas J, Markowski W. The freestyle dressage competition as a test of the horse’s performance. Comp. Exerc. Physiol. 2006;3:93.
    doi: 10.1079/ECP200684google scholar: lookup
  45. Wolframm I. Natural Bias: The Hidden Controversy in Judging Sports. [(accessed on 1 January 2015)]; Available online: http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2010/11/04/natural-bias-hidden-controversy-judging-sports.
  46. Wolframm I, Schiffers H, Wallenborn A. Visual attention in Grand Prix dressage judges. J. Vet. Behav. Clin. Appl. Res. 2013;2:e25.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2012.12.058google scholar: lookup
  47. McKernan B.F. Self-Report Form of the Horse-Rider Relationship Scale|Validation in an Equestrian Eventing Setting. 2003.
  48. Wipper A. The partnership: The horse-rider relationship in eventing. Symb. Interact. 2000;23:47–70.
    doi: 10.1525/si.2000.23.1.47google scholar: lookup
  49. Bridgeman D.J. The Working Relationship between Horse and Rider during Training and Competition for Equestrian Sports. Ph.D. Thesis University of Southern Queensland; Toowoomba, Australia: 2009.
  50. Collins D. Dressage Masters: Techniques and Philosophies of Four Legendary Trainers. Rowman & Littlefield; Lanham, MD, USA: 2006.
  51. Rolton G. Free Rein the Autobiography of an Olympic Heroine. Harper Collins Australia; Sydney, Australia: 2017.
  52. Green L. Four Square: A Tribute to Be Fair, Wide Awake, George and Killaire. Methuen; London, UK: 1985.
  53. Smart C. Ways of knowing: Crossing species boundaries. Methodol. Innov. Online. 2011;6:27–38.
    doi: 10.4256/mio.2011.004google scholar: lookup
  54. Pretty G. The Practice of Sport and Exercise Psychology: International Perspectives. Fitness Information Technology, Inc.; Morgantown, WV, USA: 2001. Consulting with the horse and rider team: Challenges for the sport psychologisy.
  55. Jones B, McGreevy P.D. Ethical equitation: Applying a cost-benefit approach. J. Vet. Behav. 2010;5:196–202.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.04.001google scholar: lookup
  56. Chamberlain E. Horse: How the Horse Has Changed Civilisations. Signal; Oxford, UK: 2007.
  57. Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O, Grzędzicka J, Seń J, Czopowicz M, Żmigrodzka M, Winnicka A, Cywińska A, Carter C. Stress response after race and endurance training sessions and competitions in Arabian horses.. Prev Vet Med 2021 Mar;188:105265.
    doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105265pubmed: 33497894google scholar: lookup
  58. Art T, Lekeux P. Exercise-induced physiological adjustments to stressful conditions in sports horses. Livest. Prod. Sci. 2005;92:101–111.
    doi: 10.1016/j.livprodsci.2004.11.013google scholar: lookup
  59. Bartolomé E, Cockram M.S. Potential effects of stress on the performance of sport horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2016;40:84–93.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.01.016google scholar: lookup
  60. Budiansky S. The Nature of Horses. Free Press; Washington, DC, USA: 1997.
  61. Sneed K. When cheaters prosper: A look at abusive horse industry practices on the horse show circuit. Ky. J. Equine Agric. Nat. Resour. Law. 2013;6:253.
  62. McGreevy P.D, Harman A, McLean A, Hawson L. Over-flexing the horse’s neck: A modern equestrian obsession?. J. Vet. Behav. 2010;5:180–186.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.03.004google scholar: lookup
  63. DeHaven WR. The Horse Protection Act--a case study in industry self-regulation.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000 Apr 15;216(8):1250-3.
    pubmed: 10767963
  64. The Humane Society of the United States of America What is Soring? Important Facts about this Cruel Abuse. [(accessed on 8 November 2014)]; Available online: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/tenn_walking_horses/facts/what_is_soring.html.
  65. VanDierendonck M.C, Goodwin D. Social Contact in Horses: Implications for Human-Horse Interactions. Royal Van Gorcum BV; Assen, The Netherlands: 2005.
  66. Henderson AJ. Don't fence me in: managing psychological well being for elite performance horses.. J Appl Anim Welf Sci 2007;10(4):309-29.
    doi: 10.1080/10888700701555576pubmed: 17970632google scholar: lookup
  67. Hausberger M, Roche H, Henry S, Visser E.K. A review of the human-horse relationship. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2008;109:1–24.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2007.04.015google scholar: lookup
  68. Derksen FJ, Clayton HM. Is equitation science important to veterinarians?. Vet J 2007 Nov;174(3):452-3.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2006.11.001pubmed: 17418599google scholar: lookup
  69. Frazier DL. Who speaks for the horse--the sport of endurance riding and equine welfare.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000 Apr 15;216(8):1258-61.
    pubmed: 10767965
  70. Todd M. So Far, So Good. Hodder Moa Beckett Publishers Limited; Auckland, New Zealand: 1999.
  71. Dupré J. Readings in Animal Cognition. MIT Press; Cambridge, MA, USA: 1996. The Mental Lives of Nonhuman Animals John Dupre; p. 323.
  72. Charmaz K. Constructing Grounded Theory. Sage; New York, NY, USA: 2014.
  73. Bartlett D, Payne S. Grounded theory: Its basis, rationale and procedures. Underst. Soc. Res. Perspect. Methodol. Pract. 1997;16:173.
  74. Charon J.M. Symbolic Interactionism: An. Introduction, an Interpretation, an Integration. 10th ed. Prentice Hall; Boston, MA, USA: 2010.
  75. Mead G.H, Morris C.W. Mind, Self & Society from the Standpoint of a Social Behaviorist. The University of Chicago Press; Chicago, IL, USA: 1934.
  76. Brandt K.J. Intelligent Bodies: Women’s Embodiment and Subjectivity in the Human-Horse Communication Process. Taylor & Francis; Abingdon, UK: 2005.
  77. Sanders C.R. Actions Speak Louder than Words: Close Relationships between Humans and Nonhuman Animals. Symb. Interact. 2003;26:405–426.
    doi: 10.1525/si.2003.26.3.405google scholar: lookup
  78. Schlosser J. Experiencing Animal Minds: An Anthology of Animal-Human Encounters. Columbia University Press; New York, NY, USA: 2012. Tangible Affiliations: Photographic representations of touch between human and animal companions; pp. 30–50.
  79. Myers O.E. No longer the lonely species: A post-mead perspective on animals and sociology: Animals in the Future of Sociology. Int. J. Sociol. Soc. Policy. 2003;23:46–68.
    doi: 10.1108/01443330310790255google scholar: lookup
  80. Alger J.M, Alger S.F. Beyond Mead: Symbolic Interaction between Humans and Felines. Soc. Anim. 1997;5:65–81.
    doi: 10.1163/156853097X00222google scholar: lookup
  81. Alasuutari P. Theorizing in Qualitative Research: A Cultural Studies Perspective. Qual. Inq. 1996;2:371–384.
    doi: 10.1177/107780049600200401google scholar: lookup
  82. David A.S. Extending and Broadening Blumer’s Conceptualization of Symbolic Interactionism. Symb. Interact. 2001;24:367–377.
    doi: 10.1525/si.2001.24.3.367google scholar: lookup
  83. Denzin N.K, Lincoln Y.S. The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. 3rd ed. Sage Publications Ltd.; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: 2005. Introduction: The Discipline and Practice of Qualitative Research; pp. 1–32.
  84. Corbin J, Morse J.M. The Unstructured Interactive Interview: Issues of Reciprocity and Risks when Dealing with Sensitive Topics. Qual. Inq. 2003;9:335–354.
    doi: 10.1177/1077800403009003001google scholar: lookup
  85. Charmaz K. Premises, principles, and practices in qualitative research: revisiting the foundations.. Qual Health Res 2004 Sep;14(7):976-93.
    doi: 10.1177/1049732304266795pubmed: 15296667google scholar: lookup
  86. Adele E.C. Situational Analyses: Grounded Theory Mapping After the Postmodern Turn. Symb. Interact. 2003;26:553–576.
    doi: 10.1525/si.2003.26.4.553google scholar: lookup
  87. King N, Horrocks C. Interviews in Qualitative Research. Sage Publications; London, UK: 2010.
  88. Hall WA, Callery P. Enhancing the rigor of grounded theory: incorporating reflexivity and relationality.. Qual Health Res 2001 Mar;11(2):257-72.
    doi: 10.1177/104973201129119082pubmed: 11221119google scholar: lookup
  89. Dwyer S.C, Buckle J.L. The Space Between: On Being an Insider-Outsider in Qualitative Research. Int. J. Qual. Methods. 2009;8:54–63.
    doi: 10.1177/160940690900800105google scholar: lookup
  90. Asselin ME. Insider research: issues to consider when doing qualitative research in your own setting.. J Nurses Staff Dev 2003 Mar-Apr;19(2):99-103.
    doi: 10.1097/00124645-200303000-00008pubmed: 12679662google scholar: lookup
  91. Adler P.A, Adler P. Membership Roles in Field Research. SAGE; Newbury Park, CA, USA: 1987.
  92. Thompson K, Nesci C. Over-riding concerns: Developing safe relations in the high-risk interspecies sport of eventing. Int. Rev. Sociol. Sport. 2016;51:97–113.
    doi: 10.1177/1012690213513266google scholar: lookup
  93. Coffin B, Davis Y. Rider or Horseman?. Arco Pub. Co.; New York, NY, USA: 1977.
  94. Gilbert M, Gillett J. Equine athletes and interspecies sport. Int. Rev. Sociol. Sport. 2012;47:632–643.
    doi: 10.1177/1012690211416726google scholar: lookup
  95. Knijnik J. Gender and Equestrian Sport: Riding Around the World. Springer; Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: 2013. The Black, the White, the Green: Fluid Masculinities in Brazilian Dressage; pp. 183–194.
    doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-6824-6_11google scholar: lookup
  96. Csikszentmihalyi M. Beyond Boredom and Anxiety. Jossey-Bass; San Francisco, CA, USA: 2000. p. 231.
  97. Majendie M. Girl with the Dancing Horse’ Charlotte Dujardin no Longer Fears Last Waltz. [(accessed on 15 September 2015)]; Available online: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/05/16/sport/charlotte-dujardin-valegro-equestrian/
  98. Strauss A.L. Mirrors & Masks: The Search for Identity. Transaction Publishers; Piscataway, NJ, USA: 1997.
  99. Arluke A. Animals and Human Society: Changing Perspectives. Routledge; London, UK: 1994. Managing Emotions in an Animal Shelter.
  100. Phillips M.T. Proper names and the social construction of biography: The negative case of laboratory animals. Qual. Sociol. 1994;17:119–142.
    doi: 10.1007/BF02393497google scholar: lookup
  101. Beauchamp M.R, Whinton L.C. Self-Efficacy and Other-Efficacy in Dyadic Performance: Riding as One in Equestrian Eventing. J. Sport Exerc. Psychol. 2005;27:245–252.
    doi: 10.1123/jsep.27.2.245google scholar: lookup
  102. Evans R, Franklin A. Geographies of Rhythm: Nature, Place, Mobilities and Bodies. Routledge; London, UK: 2012. Equine beats: Unique rhythms (and floating harmony) of horses and riders.
  103. Kuhl G. Human-Sled Dog Relations: What Can We Learn from the Stories and Experiences of Mushers?. Soc. Anim. 2011;19:22–37.
    doi: 10.1163/156853011X545510google scholar: lookup
  104. Carron A.V, Shapcott K.M, Burke S. Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology: Contemporary Themes. Taylor & Francis; Abingdon, UK: 2007. Group cohesion in sport and exercise: Past, present and future; pp. 117–139.
  105. Beauchamp M, Jackson B, Lavallee D. Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sports Psychology: Contemporary Themes. Routledge; London, UK: 2008. Personality processes and intra-group dynamics in sport teams; pp. 25–41.
  106. Hearne V, McCaig D. Adam’s Task: Calling Animals by Name. Skyhorse Publishing; New York, NY, USA: 2007.
  107. Armstrong Oma K. Between trust and domination: Social contracts between humans and animals. World Archaeol. 2010;42:175–187.
    doi: 10.1080/00438241003672724google scholar: lookup
  108. Cuckson P. Doping Issues and Horse Deaths May Lead to a Ban on Endurance Racing, Warns Pierre Arnould. The Telegraph. [(accessed on 6 October 2013)]; Available online: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10384375/Doping-issues-and-horse-deaths-may-lead-to-ban-on-endurance-racing-warns-Pierre-Arnould.html.
  109. Goddard E. Dutch Endurance Official Resigns in World Equestrian Games Horse Welfare Row. [(accessed on 19 November 2014)]; Available online: http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/summer/equestrian/1021407-dutch-endurance-official-resigns-in-world-equestrian-games-horse-welfare-row.
  110. Bryant J.O. Olympic Equestrian: A Century of International Horse Sport. Blood-Horse Publications; Lexington, KY, USA: 2008.
  111. Rhodin M, Gómez Alvarez CB, Byström A, Johnston C, van Weeren PR, Roepstorff L, Weishaupt MA. The effect of different head and neck positions on the caudal back and hindlimb kinematics in the elite dressage horse at trot.. Equine Vet J 2009 Mar;41(3):274-9.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409X394436pubmed: 19469235google scholar: lookup
  112. König von Borstel U, Pasing S, Gauly M. Towards a more objective assessment of equine personality using behavioural and physiological observations from performance test training. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2011;135:277–285.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.10.007google scholar: lookup
  113. Lashley MJ, Nauwelaerts S, Vernooij JC, Back W, Clayton HM. Comparison of the head and neck position of elite dressage horses during top-level competitions in 1992 versus 2008.. Vet J 2014 Dec;202(3):462-5.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.08.028pubmed: 25296851google scholar: lookup
  114. Durand-Bush N, Salmela J.H. The Development and Maintenance of Expert Athletic Performance: Perceptions of World and Olympic Champions. J. Appl. Sport Psychol. 2002;14:154–171.
    doi: 10.1080/10413200290103473google scholar: lookup
  115. Jackson S.A, Ford S.K, Kimiecik J.C, Marsh H.W. Psychological Correlates of Flow in Sport. J. Sport Exerc. Psychol. 1998;20:358–378.
    doi: 10.1123/jsep.20.4.358google scholar: lookup
  116. Argent G. Experiencing Animal Minds: An Anthology of Animal-Human Encounters. Columbia University Press; New York, NY, USA: 2012. Toward a Privileging of the Nonverbal: Communication, Corporeal Synchrony, and Transcendence in Humans and Horses; pp. 111–128.
  117. Myers G, Myers O.E. Children and Animals: Social Development and Our Connections to Other Species. Avalon Publishing; New York, NY, USA: 1998.
  118. Leslie I. A Model of Animal Selfhood: Expanding Interactionist Possibilities. Symb. Interact. 2004;27:3–21.
    doi: 10.1525/si.2004.27.1.3google scholar: lookup
  119. Gilligan C. In a Different Voice: Psychological Theories and Women’s Development. Harvard University Press; Cambridge, MA, USA: 1982.
  120. Donovan J. Feminism and the treatment of animals: From care to dialogue. Signs: J. Women Cult. Soc. 2006;31:305–329.
    doi: 10.1086/491750google scholar: lookup
  121. Francione G.L, Garner R. The Animal Rights Debate; Abolition or Regulation?. Columbia University Press; New York, NY, USA: 2010. The Abolition of Animal Exploitation; pp. 1–102.
  122. Reuter C. World Equestrian Games: Endurance. [(accessed on 19 November 2014)]; Available online: http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/world-equestrian-games-endurance.
  123. Samuel M. Sport Is Not about Driving Horses to Their Deaths, the Daily Mail. [(accessed on 22 October 2013)]; Available online: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/sitemaparchive/day_20131017.html.
  124. Bradley M. Practical Horse Psychology. [(accessed on 9 December 2014)]; Available online: http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/ansci/g02862.htm.
  125. Meyers M.C, Bourgeois A.E, LeUnes A, Murray N.G. Mood and psychological skills of elite and sub-elite equestrian athletes. J. Sport Behav. 1999;22:399.
  126. Eitzen D.S. Fair and Foul: Beyond the Myths and Paradoxes of Sport. 3rd ed. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; Lanham, MD, USA: 2006.
  127. Midgley M. Bridge-building at last. In: Manning A., Serpell J., editors. Animals and Human Society: Changing Perspectives. Routledge; London, UK: 1994. pp. 188–194.

Citations

This article has been cited 11 times.
  1. Wolframm I. Let Them Be the Judge of That: Bias Cascade in Elite Dressage Judging. Animals (Basel) 2023 Sep 3;13(17).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13172797pubmed: 37685061google scholar: lookup
  2. Darbandi H, Munsters C, Parmentier J, Havinga P. Detecting fatigue of sport horses with biomechanical gait features using inertial sensors. PLoS One 2023;18(4):e0284554.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284554pubmed: 37058516google scholar: lookup
  3. Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing in British Eventing 90, 100 and Novice One-Day Events and Comparison with Performance. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 25;12(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12050590pubmed: 35268159google scholar: lookup
  4. Balog O, Havanecz K, Csányi T, Ökrös C, Tóth L, Berki T. A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities. Front Sports Act Living 2025;7:1744918.
    doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918pubmed: 41660061google scholar: lookup
  5. Elte Y, Wolframm I, Vernooij H, Nielen M, van Weeren R. Equine veterinarians' care priorities regarding vaccination, colic, lameness and pre-purchase scenarios. Equine Vet J 2026 Jan;58(1):203-211.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14537pubmed: 40452182google scholar: lookup
  6. Szczepek Reed B, Lundesjö Kvart S. The Role of Horses as Instructional and Diagnostic Partners in Riding Lessons. Animals (Basel) 2025 May 14;15(10).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15101418pubmed: 40427295google scholar: lookup
  7. Hall-Bromley A, Dixon L. Education and Licensing of Horse Owners: Addressing Poor Horse Welfare in the UK. Animals (Basel) 2025 Apr 3;15(7).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15071037pubmed: 40218430google scholar: lookup
  8. Ross M, Proudfoot K, Merkies K, Lundgren C, Ritter C. A wicked problem: Systemic issues surrounding Canadian equestrian dressage and dressage horse welfare. Anim Welf 2025;34:e11.
    doi: 10.1017/awf.2025.2pubmed: 39935780google scholar: lookup
  9. Fiedler JM, Ayre ML, Rosanowski S, Slater JD. Horses are worthy of care: Horse sector participants' attitudes towards animal sentience, welfare, and well-being. Anim Welf 2025;34:e6.
    doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.69pubmed: 39935777google scholar: lookup
  10. Bogossian PM, Pereira JS, da Silva NF, Hilgert AR, Seidel SRT, Fülber J, Belli CB, Fernandes WR. Social facilitation of trotting: Can horses perceive and adapt to the movement of another horse?. PLoS One 2024;19(8):e0309474.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309474pubmed: 39186726google scholar: lookup
  11. Raw Z, Collins JA, Burden FA. What Is a Working Equid? Analysis of Current Terminology and a Suggested Definition. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 9;14(14).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14142026pubmed: 39061488google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.