The performance success within the competitive equestrian field: A novice and intermediate rider focused investigation

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate Equestrian Sports Dynamics (Motivation, Coach-Athlete Relationship, Self-Efficacy and Training-both Physical and Mental) of affiliated U.K equestrian riders upon their performance success of affiliated competition across three disciplines, Showjumping, Dressage and Eventing (The three dominant disciplines in the Equine U.K.) A hybrid questionnaire was produced from the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire, Mental Toughness Inventory, Sports Motivational Scale-28, the Self-Efficacy Scale and one's own adopted and refined questions (for the physical training research). The total participants accepted (n=236, Showjumping=107, British Eventing=49, British Dressage=80) and the total participants rejected (n=144) were accounted. A multiple regression analysis was implemented with revealing findings. Motivation was significantly and negatively correlated with performance success on Novice Eventers and Intermediate Showjumpers. These proved to be the only predictors of performance success, however interestingly, it was found that the predictor variables across the disciplines and levels were for the most part, moderately and positively correlated upon each other. However, these findings were not significant. This suggests there is evidence for the Equestrian Sports Dynamics that do work in unison for future investigations on the relationship of these moderately correlated variables, despite nonsignificance. It is recommended that further investigations of these Equestrian Sports Dynamics are to be implemented to extend the understanding of this sporting phenomenon in utilising these key elements to push forward Britain's Equestrian rider performance which is to be replicated on the national and world stage.

Effect of mental toughness on sporting performance: review of studies

“…Petho [23] did not establish correlations between the selected statements of the MTQ questionnaire and the results obtained in different equestrian events. However, it should be emphasized that the construct of mental toughness was not used in this survey.…”

“…The reviewed articles present the results of the study of athletes of various ages, starting from early adolescence [21,24,29,33,36], through youth [27,28,35,37,39], to adulthood [22,25,29,34,38]. The oldest studied competitor was 78 years old [23]. Most of the groups were homogeneous in terms of age.…”

Competitive Readiness: Developmental Considerations to Promote Positive Youth Development in Competitive Activities

“…First, children should be able to participate in activities about which they are excited and passionate. To ensure that children want to play-and compete-adults should consider a child's motivational readiness, realizing that a "ready" state regards more than skill proficiency or physical capacity (Dockett & Perry, 2002;Petho, 2017). For youth in early childhood, competition does not need to be entirely excluded, but adult leaders should de-emphasize performance outcomes in favor of fostering enjoyment and passion for participation (Côté, 1999).…”

Why do people own horses? The experiences of highly involved dressage hose owners in the United Kingdom.

“…von Lewinski et al, 2013;Münz et al, 2014;Bartolomé & Cockram, 2016;Williams & Tabor, 2017;Clayton & Hobbs, 2017). The literature cluster is dominated by physiology and biomechanical research, but as with other sports, there is a portion of the literature cluster concentrated on sport psychology (Meyers et al, 1999;Petho, 2016) and riding motivation (see below). This cluster also includes research on horse riding as leisure (e.g.…”