This thesis is a sandwich thesis that explores youth participation in equestrian sport. Each of the three papers that comprise the substantive portion of this thesis are stand-alone papers. Each paper employs a mixed methodology which includes document analysis, media analysis, and semi-structured interviews. The goal of the thesis is to analyse and describe: (1) what, if anything, young female equestrians gain from participating in equestrian stables, (2) the form and function of “trust” in competitive youth equestrian sport, and, (3) the characteristics of the equine industry in Canada and how it has evolved since the introduction of the Canadian Pony Club in 1934. These three aspects of equestrian sport in Canada are examined using data from equine industry documents such as reports and program material, equine industry media including websites, online magazines, and blogs, and semi-structured interviews with current and former female equestrians who participated in equestrian sport during their youth. This thesis is a retrospective study. Interviewees were members of the Canadian Pony Club at some point during their youth. The thesis employs a range of sociological theories and perspectives, drawing on the work of Pierre Bourdieu, George Herbert Mead, Niklas Luhmann, and Donna Haraway. Theoretically and substantially, it provides a rigorous understanding of the equine industry in Canada, the human-horse relationship, and female youth participation in equestrian sport. It makes a contribution to sociology by providing an analysis of modernity and the current conditions of the risk society, arguing that the horse (and other animals) now occupy a unique position in society and may act as a means of dealing with the individuality and complexity of a risk society. / Thesis / Candidate in Philosophy

Equestrian sport has been present on the Modern Olympic programme since 1900 with Para-Equestrian Dressage making its debut at the 1996 Paralympic Games. Due to the combined governance of Olympic and Paralympic versions of the sport, the mixed gender of competition and the potential age range of competitors, equestrian sport provides an opportunity through which to understand a unique context of athlete experience. This thesis has sought to identify and evaluate athlete experience within the context of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and to place this experience within the wider career histories of members of the British Equestrian Team. This study utilised a combination of a systematic literature review methodology and ethnographic data collection and analysis with a critical realist approach, creating a framework that values interpretive insights into how the subjects perceive and construct their world whilst at the same time considering ways in which the literature and individual subjects identify, comment on, and frame the reality of the world of equestrian sport. This study has resulted in the emergence of six themes pertaining to experiencing the games; equestrian sporting culture, identity, values, challenges, performance support and success. Results show many similarities and shared experiences for both the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian athletes. The differences regarding the lived experience for these athletes are predominantly associated with the development of the sport, the relative short Paralympic history of equestrian sport in comparison to the Olympic disciplines, and the place of the Games in the context of the riders career histories. Recognising and understanding the kinds of satisfactions and challenges that individuals experience, the significant features of their athlete identity, and the structural constraints and opportunities of their environment may help identify and design the services and provision required to support the athletes through this elite sporting experience.

Ridsporten är en av de största sporterna i Sverige. Ändå har den halkat efter i utvecklingen mot en hållbar framtid. Forskning visar dock att det finns en hel del strategier för hur man kan implementera hållbarhet i sin textila värdekedja, vilket ridsportföretagen också skulle kunna dra nytta av.   Syftet med denna studie har varit att kartlägga några av de svenska produktutvecklande varumärkena inom ridsportindustrin, för att se hur de arbetar med hållbarhet, samt vilka utmaningar och hinder som finns i och med detta arbete. En kvalitativ metod användes i undersökningen, där intervjuer genomfördes med svenska företag som tillverkar produkter avsedd för ridsport. Produktionen sker uteslutande utomlands.   Undersökningens resultat visar att de fyra deltagande företagen, jobbar på olika sätt med hållbarhet. Trots att de två framträdande och mest etablerade företagen är någorlunda lika till sin utformning och till sin vision om hållbarhetsarbetet, har man tagit olika vägar för att uppnå dessa. Avgörande faktorer verkar vara möjligheter att avsätta resurser till ett aktivt hållbarhetsarbete, och engagemang från anställda och företagsledning, men även traditionella faktorer spelar in. Där det äldre företaget arbetar mer konservativt med väl inarbetade strategier, såsom code of conducts och långa leverantörsrelationer för att skapa stabila förbindelser, tar det mer nyetablerade företaget en annan väg, där innovationer och forskning står i fokus.   Likheter med hur konventionella företag inom konfektion arbetar har utkristalliserats, vad gäller leverantörsstyrning och arbetet med code of conducts avseende arbetsrättsliga frågor. / Equestrian sport is one of the largest sports in Sweden. Despite this, it has lagged behind in the development towards a sustainable future. However, according to research, there are a lot of strategies for implementing sustainability in the textile value chain, which the equestrian companies could benefit from.   The purpose of this study has been to map some of the Swedish product development brands in the equestrian industry, to see how they work with sustainability and what kind of obstacles and challenges they face within this work. A qualitative method was used in the study, where interviews were conducted with Swedish companies that manufacture products for horses and riders. Production takes place exclusively abroad.   The results of the study show that the four participating companies work differently with sustainability. Although the two most prominent and most established companies are reasonably similar in their design and in their vision of sustainability, different measures have been taken to achieve these. Crucial factors seem to be the ability to allocate resources to active sustainability work, and commitment from employees and management, but also traditional factors weigh in. Where the older company works more conservatively with well-implemented strategies, such as code of conducts and long-term supplier relationships to create stable relationships, while the more newly established company takes another path, where innovation and research are the main focus. Similarities to how conventional clothing companies work has been identified, in terms of supplier management and managing code of conduct's regarding labor issues.

The Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach is a sport psychology programme aimed at performance development in athletes. This study set out to gain an understanding of how adolescent equestrian athletes experienced this programme, using an in-depth qualitative approach called interpretive phenomenology analysis (IPA). Four equestrians, three females and one male, ranging in age from 16 to 18 years, completed an experiential learning-based programme over a two-day period. Semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted with each participant to gain an understanding of their experience of the programme in terms of (1) their learning regarding the programme; (2) possible application of the learning to equestrian sport; and (3) possible transference of the learning to other areas of their lives. The interviews were transcribed and analysed according to the principles of IPA and the findings pertaining to each participant are discussed in terms of the most significant themes identified during the interviews. The concluding chapter discusses both the common and the unique findings obtained from the participants’ accounts in relation to the existing literature. The findings of this study highlight the importance of the partnership between equine and human when applying MAC in equestrian sport and also illustrate the applicability of MAC, not only in equestrian sport, but also in other areas of an adolescent’s life. This project contributes to sport psychology since it is the first qualitative study describing the experiences of adolescent equestrians regarding the MAC approach. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lk2014 / Psychology / MA / Unrestricted

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.

<p>This study was made to examine how successful elite Swedish equestrian athletes perceived their transition from junior to senior level. The objectives were a) to examine Young Riders perceived demands, resources and barriers in the transition to elite seniors, and b) to examine the riders’ coping strategies, perceived quality and lessons learned from the transition. The study involved six informants (n = 6), including three females and three males (1 event rider, 2 show jumpers and 3 dressage riders). Participants were between 25-31 years of age (m = 27). A semi-structured interview guide was developed for equestrian sport and based on the Athletic Career Transition Model (Stambulova, 1997, 2003) and the Develomental Model (Wylleman & Lavallee, 2004). The results show that participants perceived emotional support as an important resource and had the ability to set long term goals. They used problem focused- and approach-cognitive coping strategies in a successful way in order to manage their perceived demands and barriers during their transition to the senior level.</p>

This study was made to examine how successful elite Swedish equestrian athletes perceived their transition from junior to senior level. The objectives were a) to examine Young Riders perceived demands, resources and barriers in the transition to elite seniors, and b) to examine the riders’ coping strategies, perceived quality and lessons learned from the transition. The study involved six informants (n = 6), including three females and three males (1 event rider, 2 show jumpers and 3 dressage riders). Participants were between 25-31 years of age (m = 27). A semi-structured interview guide was developed for equestrian sport and based on the Athletic Career Transition Model (Stambulova, 1997, 2003) and the Develomental Model (Wylleman & Lavallee, 2004). The results show that participants perceived emotional support as an important resource and had the ability to set long term goals. They used problem focused- and approach-cognitive coping strategies in a successful way in order to manage their perceived demands and barriers during their transition to the senior level.

Många av de skador som inträffar inom ridsport är ofta orsakat av ett trauma (Havlik, 2010) vilket för det mesta resulterar i allvarliga skador. De psykologiska reaktionerna som uppkommer hos skadade ryttare är mångfacetterade och rehabiliteringsprocessen och resultatet är ofta en följd av ryttarens kognitiva värdering av sin skada (Wiese-Bjornstal, Smith, Shaffer &amp; Morrey, 1998). Syftet med studien var att ur ett holistiskt perspektiv (1) skapa en förståelse över vilka psykologiska reaktioner ryttare upplever efter att ha råkat ut för en allvarlig idrottsskada, (2) förstå hur deras upplevelse av rehabiliteringsprocessen påverkade deras kognitiva värdering samt (3) förstå vilka faktorer som underlättade eller försvårade vägen tillbaka till aktiv ridsport igen. En kvalitativ metod i form av narrativa intervjuer användes och analysmetoden var holistiskt-innehåll (II), holistiskt-form (III) och kritisk narrativ analys (VI). Antalet deltagare var två ryttare som har tagit sig tillbaka till ridsporten efter en allvarlig skada. Resultatet av holistiskt-innehålls analysen redovisas enligt studiens frågeställning. Resultatet av holistiskt-form analysen visade 4 vändpunkter i ryttare A´s berättelse och 5 vändpunkter i ryttare B´s berättelse. Den kritisk narrativa analysen visade att ryttare A och B berättade om sig själva i relation till 3 olika teman. Resultaten diskuteras i relation till teoretiska referensramen samt tidigare forskning. / Many of the injuries occurring in equestrian sports are often caused by some form of trauma (Havlik, 2010) and they often results in a serious injury. The psychological reactions that equestrian riders may experience are multifaceted and the rehabilitation process and the result is often a result of the rider's cognitive appraisal of the injury (Wiese-Bjorn Stal, Smith, Shaffer &amp; Morrey, 1998). The purpose of this study was from a holistic perspective (1) create an understanding of the psychological reaction a equestrian rider may feel after having suffered a serious sport-related injury, (2) understand how their experience of the rehabilitation process affected their cognitive appraisal, and (3) understand the factors that helped/did not help them get back to equestrian-sport. A qualitative approach through narrative interviews were used and the analysis was holistic-content (II), holistic-form (III) and critical narrative analysis (VI). Two equestrian riders who made a comeback to equestrian-sport after a serious injury participated. The result of the holistic-content analysis was reported according to the study questions. The result of the holistic-form analysis indicate 4 turning points in the rider A's story and the 5 turning points in the rider B's story. The critical narrative analysis illustrates that rider A and B described themselves in relation to 3 different themes. The results are discussed in relation to the theoretical framework and previous research.

Darbo problema: Problemą apibūdinti galima keliant klausimus, ar žirginio sporto atstovai paslaugų kokybei kelia įgyvendinamus reikalavimus ir kaip kokybė atitinka reikalavimus? Darbo objektas: žirginio sporto organizacijų teikiamų paslaugų kokybė. Darbo tikslas: įvertinti žirginio sporto organizacijų teikiamų paslaugų kokybę. Darbo uždaviniai: 1. Atskleisti ir apibrėžti žirginio sporto organizacijų teikiamų paslaugų sampratą bei klasifikaciją; 2. Atskleisti paslaugų kokybės sampratą ir esmę; 3. Išanalizuoti paslaugų kokybės vertinimo modelius bei metodus; 4. Ištirti ir įvertinti žirginio sporto organizacijų teikiamų paslaugų kokybę. Darbo metodika: 1. Mokslinės ir publicistinės literatūros bei statistinių duomenų analizė; 2. Atlikta anketinė apklausa, kuri parengta remiantis „Servqual“ metodologija; 3. Tyrime dalyvavusių respondentų nuomonių bei apklausos rezultatų sisteminimas, analizavimas, grafinis atvaizdavimas, interpretavimas. Darbo struktūra. Darbą sudaro įvadas, dvi pagrindinės dalys, išvados. Įvade atskleidžiamas nagrinėjamos temos aktualumas, iškeliamas tikslas ir jam įgyvendinti suformuluojami darbo uždaviniai. Pirmojoje dalyje apžvelgiama literatūra, nagrinėjama tema teoriniu aspektu. Antrojoje darbo dalyje pateikiamas praktinis tyrimas. Darbo pabaigoje pateikiamos išvados, naudotos literatūros šaltinių sąrašas, priedai. Darbe pateiktos 4 lentelės, 39 paveikslai, 2 priedai. Darbo apimtis – 56 (63) puslapiai. Panaudoti 47 literatūros šaltiniai. / Assessment of Service Quality in Equestrian institutions.

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.