Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

To coach riders – an interview study based on the perceptions of four merited trainers
This is a qualitative study based on four different trainers’ thoughts about coaching in the equine sport. Coaching is yet undefined in the Swedish equestrian world. In other sports, the concept coaching is well known and used, meanwhile in the equestrian sports there is still a conservative attitude due to the history of military tradition riding methods. The aim of this study was to define the concept of coaching within equestrian sport and how it can develop the sport in the future. The trainers were filmed during one lesson each, where actions and different coaching situations where documented and we later used as material for the interviews. In the interviews there were both questions about their personal coaching method and also some common questions about coaching in generally. All of the trainers used a lot of praise and positive feedback. The trainers coached their riders by guiding them and asking questions instead of giving away all the right answers. This method made the students develop the synthesis by themselves. The trainers also agreed that it was important to be a part of not just the riding situation, but also in the maintenance and the plan for trainings and competitions etc. The responsibility for the learning should always lay at the student itself and the coach is present as a mentor with knowledge and advice. The conclusion is that being a coach is to take on a role where the coach should serve as a guide to the student. Coaching can be seen as an alternative teaching method then the traditional riding methods that can satisfy todays need for more individualized training and can develop equestrian sport further.