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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.
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Publication Date: 2021-05-10 PubMed ID: 34068606PubMed Central: PMC8151029DOI: 10.3390/ani11051352Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

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