The object of this thesis is to explore the connections between race, gender and equestrianism. This aim stems from personal experiences of becoming a “horse girl” in a Swedish horsebackriding context, which indeed is lined with racialized and gendered norms. I am inclined to understand how equestrianism, i.e. horseback riding practices and communities, often comes to be considered as white and (un)obtainable for some and not others. Through interviews with nine equestrians located in the United States and observations in their stable environments, the thesis seek to investigate how gender and racial norms appear and materialize, and thus shape the interviewed participants lived experiences in horse human environments. Through a theoretical framework of Sara Ahmed’s elaboration on phenomenology, Karen Barad’s term intra-action and Donna Haraway’s figuration companion species, the thesis discusses the multi-layered and complex ways in which race and gender is produced in and produces equestrian spaces and practices. The analysis shows that equestrianism is habitually oriented around whiteness, shaping the proximity between some (and not other) human and horse bodies in the regional landscape where the participants reside. Horses are both organized in and organize the contours of the city, entangled in the politics of racial segregation and the materialization of classed environments and neighborhoods. Equestrian communities, especially those that practice the disciplines of dressage and show jumping, repeatedly welcome and extend certain human (and non-human) bodies while stopping and questioning others. Further, different equestrian spaces materializes in differentiating and multi-sensoric ways, making certain color schemes, tactile sensations of textures and scents appear as racialized and gendered, and in turn forms the premises of belonging. The thesis then displays the political and affective connections between human and non-human bodies, objects and rooms in the specific context of equestrianism, and argues that such aspects must be understood as co-produced rather than separate entities. The discussion thus complicates binary dichotomies such as nature and culture, human and non-human and matter and discourse, showing how such aspects instead are entangled in the production of equestrianism and racialized and gendered “difference”.

Esta tese trata de investigar as configurações das práticas equestres no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no século XX. A proposição da pesquisa parte da noção de que as práticas tiveram um papel relevante para a história do Rio Grande do Sul, em particular nos campos da sociabilidade, lazer e preservação das culturas. No cenário sul-rio-grandense, a pesquisa dedica atenção ao desenvolvimento das carreiras de cancha reta, do turfe, do hipismo, do tiro de laço, do freio de ouro e da equoterapia. Tais práticas equestres foram conjecturadas por uma perspectiva socio-histórica, cuja análise foi guiada pela categoria ―configuração‖. Esta foi operacionalizada a partir da obra de Norbert Elias, conduzindo o estudo no sentido de compreender o processo de emergência, distinção e as relações de interdependência estabelecidas entre as práticas equestres no estado. A investigação assentou-se na análise de documentos escritos e impressos, os quais foram concebidos enquanto materiais e textos históricos, portadores de mensagens, sentidos e intuitos reservados à sua conjuntura. As fontes revelaram que o processo de desenvolvimento de configurações no cenário equestre sul-rio-grandense sublinhou uma reconstrução da variada e heterogênea rede de interdependências entre os domínios socializadores representados pelas corridas de cavalos, pelo hipismo, pela equoterapia e pelo tiro de laço. De igual forma, as transformações ocorridas no contexto destes domínios socializadores, ao longo do tempo, derivam das relações de interdependência entre os mesmos, nas esferas do trabalho, da cultura, do lazer, do esporte e da reabilitação. Por conseguinte, a noção de configuração entre práticas equestres pode auxiliar a compreender um campo mais amplo de interações e intercâmbios entre os esportes em geral enquanto domínios socializadores. / This thesis is to investigate the configurations of equestrian practices in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the twentieth century. The proposition of the research builds on the notion that the practices had a significant role in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, in particular in the fields of sociability, leisure and preservation of cultures. In the scenario of Rio Grande do Sul, the research devoted attention to the development of straight line horse races, horse racing, equestrianism, shot of lasso with horse and equine-assisted therapy. Such equestrian practices were conjectured by a sociohistorical perspective, whose analysis was guided by the category "configuration". This was operationalized from Norbert Elias work, leading the study in order to understand the process of emergence, distinction and interdependence of relations between the equestrian sports practices in the state. The research was based on the analysis of written and printed documents, which are designed as historical materials and texts, carrying messages, meanings and intentions reserved to their conjuncture. The sources revealed that a configuration development process in Rio Grande do Sul‘s equestrian scene emphasized a reconstruction of the varied and heterogeneous network of independencies between socializing areas represented by the horse racing, equestrian sports, equine-assisted therapy and shot of lasso with horse. Similarly, the changes occurred in the context of these socializing areas, over time, derived from the interrelationship between them, in the spheres of work, culture, leisure, sport and rehabilitation. Therefore, the notion of a configuration between equestrian practices can help understanding a new broader field of interactions and exchanges between the sports in general as socializing areas.

Esta tese trata de investigar as configurações das práticas equestres no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no século XX. A proposição da pesquisa parte da noção de que as práticas tiveram um papel relevante para a história do Rio Grande do Sul, em particular nos campos da sociabilidade, lazer e preservação das culturas. No cenário sul-rio-grandense, a pesquisa dedica atenção ao desenvolvimento das carreiras de cancha reta, do turfe, do hipismo, do tiro de laço, do freio de ouro e da equoterapia. Tais práticas equestres foram conjecturadas por uma perspectiva socio-histórica, cuja análise foi guiada pela categoria ―configuração‖. Esta foi operacionalizada a partir da obra de Norbert Elias, conduzindo o estudo no sentido de compreender o processo de emergência, distinção e as relações de interdependência estabelecidas entre as práticas equestres no estado. A investigação assentou-se na análise de documentos escritos e impressos, os quais foram concebidos enquanto materiais e textos históricos, portadores de mensagens, sentidos e intuitos reservados à sua conjuntura. As fontes revelaram que o processo de desenvolvimento de configurações no cenário equestre sul-rio-grandense sublinhou uma reconstrução da variada e heterogênea rede de interdependências entre os domínios socializadores representados pelas corridas de cavalos, pelo hipismo, pela equoterapia e pelo tiro de laço. De igual forma, as transformações ocorridas no contexto destes domínios socializadores, ao longo do tempo, derivam das relações de interdependência entre os mesmos, nas esferas do trabalho, da cultura, do lazer, do esporte e da reabilitação. Por conseguinte, a noção de configuração entre práticas equestres pode auxiliar a compreender um campo mais amplo de interações e intercâmbios entre os esportes em geral enquanto domínios socializadores. / This thesis is to investigate the configurations of equestrian practices in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the twentieth century. The proposition of the research builds on the notion that the practices had a significant role in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, in particular in the fields of sociability, leisure and preservation of cultures. In the scenario of Rio Grande do Sul, the research devoted attention to the development of straight line horse races, horse racing, equestrianism, shot of lasso with horse and equine-assisted therapy. Such equestrian practices were conjectured by a sociohistorical perspective, whose analysis was guided by the category "configuration". This was operationalized from Norbert Elias work, leading the study in order to understand the process of emergence, distinction and interdependence of relations between the equestrian sports practices in the state. The research was based on the analysis of written and printed documents, which are designed as historical materials and texts, carrying messages, meanings and intentions reserved to their conjuncture. The sources revealed that a configuration development process in Rio Grande do Sul‘s equestrian scene emphasized a reconstruction of the varied and heterogeneous network of independencies between socializing areas represented by the horse racing, equestrian sports, equine-assisted therapy and shot of lasso with horse. Similarly, the changes occurred in the context of these socializing areas, over time, derived from the interrelationship between them, in the spheres of work, culture, leisure, sport and rehabilitation. Therefore, the notion of a configuration between equestrian practices can help understanding a new broader field of interactions and exchanges between the sports in general as socializing areas.

Esta tese trata de investigar as configurações das práticas equestres no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no século XX. A proposição da pesquisa parte da noção de que as práticas tiveram um papel relevante para a história do Rio Grande do Sul, em particular nos campos da sociabilidade, lazer e preservação das culturas. No cenário sul-rio-grandense, a pesquisa dedica atenção ao desenvolvimento das carreiras de cancha reta, do turfe, do hipismo, do tiro de laço, do freio de ouro e da equoterapia. Tais práticas equestres foram conjecturadas por uma perspectiva socio-histórica, cuja análise foi guiada pela categoria ―configuração‖. Esta foi operacionalizada a partir da obra de Norbert Elias, conduzindo o estudo no sentido de compreender o processo de emergência, distinção e as relações de interdependência estabelecidas entre as práticas equestres no estado. A investigação assentou-se na análise de documentos escritos e impressos, os quais foram concebidos enquanto materiais e textos históricos, portadores de mensagens, sentidos e intuitos reservados à sua conjuntura. As fontes revelaram que o processo de desenvolvimento de configurações no cenário equestre sul-rio-grandense sublinhou uma reconstrução da variada e heterogênea rede de interdependências entre os domínios socializadores representados pelas corridas de cavalos, pelo hipismo, pela equoterapia e pelo tiro de laço. De igual forma, as transformações ocorridas no contexto destes domínios socializadores, ao longo do tempo, derivam das relações de interdependência entre os mesmos, nas esferas do trabalho, da cultura, do lazer, do esporte e da reabilitação. Por conseguinte, a noção de configuração entre práticas equestres pode auxiliar a compreender um campo mais amplo de interações e intercâmbios entre os esportes em geral enquanto domínios socializadores. / This thesis is to investigate the configurations of equestrian practices in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the twentieth century. The proposition of the research builds on the notion that the practices had a significant role in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, in particular in the fields of sociability, leisure and preservation of cultures. In the scenario of Rio Grande do Sul, the research devoted attention to the development of straight line horse races, horse racing, equestrianism, shot of lasso with horse and equine-assisted therapy. Such equestrian practices were conjectured by a sociohistorical perspective, whose analysis was guided by the category "configuration". This was operationalized from Norbert Elias work, leading the study in order to understand the process of emergence, distinction and interdependence of relations between the equestrian sports practices in the state. The research was based on the analysis of written and printed documents, which are designed as historical materials and texts, carrying messages, meanings and intentions reserved to their conjuncture. The sources revealed that a configuration development process in Rio Grande do Sul‘s equestrian scene emphasized a reconstruction of the varied and heterogeneous network of independencies between socializing areas represented by the horse racing, equestrian sports, equine-assisted therapy and shot of lasso with horse. Similarly, the changes occurred in the context of these socializing areas, over time, derived from the interrelationship between them, in the spheres of work, culture, leisure, sport and rehabilitation. Therefore, the notion of a configuration between equestrian practices can help understanding a new broader field of interactions and exchanges between the sports in general as socializing areas.

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibilities of using auditory stimulation in order to raise somatic awareness of horse riders while riding using Somaesthetic Appreciation Design as a method. In research of Somaesthetics and horse-human relations, a gap in Somaesthetics is being questioned, and a new dimension is suggested. Somaesthetics in the design of technology often surround the self of a user, and Somaesthetics as described by Shusterman is focused on self development, but many of our experiences are in union to other beings. The suggestion of a new dimension is called Centaur Somaesthetics, and it focuses on the relation and communication between two somas in order to understand and improve oneself.  One example of an experience where the self is dependent to another being is within equestrianism, where the rider is dependent on the horse. Riders, as well as their horses, use their bodies to communicate while riding, meaning that being aware of one's body as a tool for communication is crucial. When horse and rider find harmony within teamwork, the rider may experience a centaur feeling of being one with the horse. This centaur feeling relies on the rider's ability to support and direct the horse, but to do this we need to understand the horse. One of the basics in equestrianism is rhythm and tempo, where a correct rhythm and a consistent tempo in all gaits is desirable as it is a sign of good communication and a well-educated horse. By applying the Somaesthetics principle of raising somatic awareness to understand and improve oneself - this study has explored the possibilities of using audio in combination with the self-tracking application Equilab, using their technology of tracking motion data to determine rhythm and tempo. This has resulted in the concept of using rhythm-adaptive and tempo-flexible music to support the riders to be more aware of their bodies as a tool for communication. The music will present a correct rhythm of the ridden gait as well as it is being played at a consistent tempo of the horse’s natural tempi. While testing a design of the concept called Hear the Centaur, the conclusion of the music having great signs of a heightened somatic awareness was established. No objective data of a more consistent tempo or a more correct rhythm was found, but all riders who participated in the study articulated that they found a great support in the music. All riders found support in the area that they were currently struggling with, and all riders mentioned that the music helped them with their communication to their horse.

Equestrian sport is one of the biggest sports in Sweden with 29 600-competition riders. Equestrian sport demands a high physical capacity and competition riders need to have both strength, endurance and balance. Therefore, strength training should always be a part of a competition rider´s training regime, because strength training can lead to enhanced performance at the same time as it prevents injuries. Despite this, research that show how much strength training a competition rider perform is limited. Some say that competition riders most often don´t perform any training outside of riding, while some say that physical training is a natural element in a competition rider everyday life. Purpose : The purpose of this study was to describe competition rider´s perceptions regarding strength training as well as the motivation for strength training. Furthermore, the study aims at examining how much and what kind of strength training competition riders perform as well as why/why not strength training is being performed. Method: Information was gathered through questionnaires and through interviews. The selection for the questionnaire was based of competition riders over the age of 18 that compete in islandic horse-competition. The selection for the interviews was based of equestrian trainers in the south of Dalarna that all train competition rider. Results: The result showed that more than half of the competition riders that were part of this study reach the recommendations that are set for strength training. The result also showed a generally positive attitude towards strength training where a perception of strength training leading to a better riding performance was noticeable. The reasons why competition riders perform strength training turned out to be "To be healthy" and "To become a better rider". The reasons why competition rider’s don´t perform strength training turned out to be "Lack of time", "Lack of motivation" and to some extent also "Lack of knowledge". Slutsatser : The competition riders and equestrian trainers in this study generally have a positive attitude towards strength training, but despite of this there are some barriers that prevent strength training. Competition riders should work to overcome these barriers, because strength training has been showed important when performing on top in equestrian sport. / Ridsporten en av de största sporterna i Sverige med 29 600 tävlingsryttare. Ridsporten kräver hög fysisk kapacitet hos utövaren och tävlingsryttare behöver både styrka, uthållighet och balans. Styrketräning bör därför alltid finnas med i ett träningsprogram för tävlingsryttare, då styrketräning kan optimera en tävlingsryttares prestation samtidigt som det förebygger skador. Forskning visar alltså att tävlingsryttare bör utföra styrketräning, men forskning som visar hur mycket styrketräning tävlingsryttare utför i praktiken är begränsad. Vissa menar att tävlingsryttare oftast rider sig i form, medan andra menar att fysisk träning är ett naturligt inslag i en tävlingsryttares vardag. Syfte : Syftet med studien var att redogöra för tävlingsryttares uppfattning gällande styrketräning samt motivationen till styrketräning. Vidare syftar studien till att undersöka hur mycket och vilken form av styrketräning tävlingsryttare utför samt varför/varför inte styrketräning utförs. Metod: Information samlades in genom enkäter samt intervjuer. Urvalet till enkäterna bestod av tävlingsryttare över 18 som tävlar inom islandshästridsporten. Urvalet till intervjuerna bestod av ridtränare i södra Dalarna som tränar ryttare inom islandshästridsporten. Resultat: Resultatet visade en positiv inställning till styrketräning där en uppfattning om att styrketräning kan leda till bättre ridprestation kunde urskiljas. Mer än hälften av tävlingsryttarna i denna studie når upp till de rekommendationer som finns för styrketräning. Den form av styrketräning som oftast utförs är en blandning av max, volym- och uthållighetsstyrka samt endast uthållighetstyrka. Vidare visade resultatet att de faktorer som ofta leder till att tävlingsryttare styrketränar är "För att vara hälsosam" samt "För att bli en bättre ryttare". De faktorer som ofta ligger till grund för utebliven träning är "Tidsbrist", "Motivationsbrist" samt i viss mån även "Okunskap". Slutsatser: Tävlingsryttarna och ridtränarna i denna studie har generellt sett en positiv inställning till styrketräning, men trots detta finns det vissa barriärer som förhindrar styrketräning. Tävlingsryttarna bör försöka överkomma dessa barriärer, då styrketräning har visat sig vara av största vikt för att prestera på topp inom ridsporten.