A pilot study: Rider perceptions of their wellbeing as relevant to their ride experience
Stringer, A*. and Greening, L.
Equestrian Performance Centre, Hartpury University, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, UK *Corresponding/presenting author: antonia.stringer@hartpury.ac.uk
Riding is a unique, physical activity, requiring non-verbal communication and symbiosis of two sentient bodies. Growing empirical evidence demonstrates influence of the physical, psychological and emotional condition of the human on the complex interplay within the partnership. Increasing appreciation of rider impact, is accompanied by increasing responsibility to mitigate undue stress and strain on the ridden horse. ‘One Welfare’ recognises the underpinning significance of human wellbeing on animal welfare, however there is a paucity of equine specific data. The aim of this pilot was to determine methods for gaining an understanding of wellbeing within an equestrian context, exploring how riders perceive and recognise components as relevant to their ride experience and horse.
Semi-structured interviews with three female riders, aged 29-59 years, who self-described as professional (dressage), leisure and learning were conducted online. Open-ended questions around rider motivation, wellbeing perception, influence on the horse and support systems, explored how rider wellbeing was understood, managed and considered relevant to the horse. Inductive thematic analysis generated four key themes, rider physicality, emotional state, injury and risk awareness, and socioenvironmental influence. Rider physicality was discussed in terms of asymmetry and core stability, the professional also considered weight, stamina, tension and pain as impacting the horse. Two riders stated they used riding to manage their mental health, and all believed their emotional state had a significant effect on their ride experience; referencing the intuitive nature of the horse. All had fallen off in the last year; two had subsequently ridden with broken ribs. Coaches, discussed at length as essential support, were regarded as integral to managing rider psychology and ‘baggage’. Social media pressure and resource constraints were raised as stressors. The results of this pilot suggest that, with refinements to the questions, a larger scale study would provide informative insights into wellbeing within an equestrian context.
Lay message
This preliminary study explored riders’ perceptions and recognition of their own fitness and wellbeing as relevant to the horse; not only for enhancing ridden performance, but for improving the health, safety and longevity of the horse and rider partnership. Rider’s motivation, experience and environment were found relevant to self-awareness of how their own physical, psychological and emotional state and condition impacts and effects their horse.
Keywords: rider wellbeing; one welfare; horse-rider relationship; qualitative; pilot
antonia stringer 