Virtual Horse Shows: Participants Perspective on a Novel Alternative During COVID-19 Pandemic☆.

This research explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced participation in virtual horse shows, evaluating personal characteristics, level of satisfaction, attitudes towards technology, and factors influencing participation decisions. The results show that, despite initial challenges, most participants saw benefits to virtual horse shows and plan to continue with such events even after in-person shows resume.

Study Design and Participants

• This study consisted of a survey distributed via Qualtrics to adult horse show participants, as well as adults supporting youth horse show participants. The aim of the survey was to assess personal characteristics of the participants, their level of participation, and satisfaction with virtual and in-person horse shows.

Findings

• Out of the 251 respondents, a majority (91.2%) recognized the benefits of participating in virtual horse shows. These findings show that despite the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, participants adapted and found value in virtual shows.
• Approximately 60% of participants reported plans to continue showing horses virtually even when in-person shows are once again possible.
• Moreover, the study found that due to the opportunity to participate in virtual shows, over three quarters of respondents (76.1%) anticipated increasing their participation in horse showing, whether in-person or virtual.
• The findings also pointed to an improvement in participants’ attitude towards technology, as well as an increase in motivation to participate, ride, and show.

Influencing Factors

• The survey revealed that there were several internal and external factors influencing respondents’ decisions to participate in virtual horse shows.
• Internal factors identified by respondents included their budget and ability to record their ride, indicating some of the logistical challenges and costs associated with switching to a virtual format.
• External factors such as feedback from judges, available divisions, and awards were likely to influence their decision to participate. These factors underscore the importance of the rewarding aspect of participation and the demand for a well-organized and fair competitive structure even in a virtual setting.

Implications and Future Directions

• The conclusion of the study states that virtual horse shows have served as a satisfactory alternative to traditional ones during the pandemic, helping to keep people engaged in the industry.
• However, the authors also note that further research needs to be done to determine whether the newfound popularity of virtual horse showing will continue once in-person shows are fully resumed. This suggests that the impact of the pandemic may indeed be far-reaching and have lasting effects on participant behaviour and show preferences.