Description
Previous research investigating sustainable, ethical, equine welfare and training in equestrian education found the urgent need for a universal cultural shift towards an evidence-based approach centred on equine welfare. Research emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying the 5 Domains model and the ISES First Training Principles. Challenges such as anthropomorphism, varying standards across disciplines and countries, and the evolving horse-human relationship threatening the social license to operate, were identified. This aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge views and opinions on the implementation of equine welfare and evidence-based practice within equestrian examinations and coach education from international experts responsible of the design, development and implementation of equestrian qualifications, education and continued professional development.Twenty-two leading experts from 11 countries attended a workshop held during the International Group for Equestrian Qualifications Conference in Finland. Participants were divided into four groups and engaged in discussions following a ‘World Café’ method. Each group spent 20minutes discussing a set topic with a moderator responsible for each topic initiating specific questions. The discussions were transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis.
The key findings formed three thematic areas: Examination Syllabus, Equestrian Coach Education, and Riding School Teacher Education which highlighted critical gaps and recommendations for promoting sustainable and ethical equestrian practices. Examination Syllabus findings reveal that whilst there was some evidence-based content, there was potentially a lack of transparency and global consistency, with some outdated qualifications and inadequate resources in equine welfare and learning theory. Embedding modern content and providing accessible pedagogical resources are recommended. Equestrian Coach Education emphasizes the need for professional and ethical coaching practices, including frameworks that prioritize equine welfare, communication skills, and holistic coaching philosophies. Parent education and raising the profile of coaches are also essential to address welfare issues and rider independence. Riding School Teacher Education underscores the importance of equine welfare and teaching methods tailored to younger generations, advocating for modern, interactive tools, and lessons incorporating operant and classical conditioning. Commercial pressures must be balanced with welfare considerations, with initiatives like simulators and ground-based lessons proposed to enhance learning while safeguarding equine wellbeing.
Overall conclusions were that the experts working within NGBs and educational institutions, with their shared values, are positioned to lead this change, though further research is needed to address pedagogical challenges with the support of more evidence-based knowledge.
| Period | Aug 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Equine Science Symposium |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Fort Collins, United StatesShow on map |