A fourth-year student at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences is seeking young international riders to participate in a new research project exploring public perception and evidence-based welfare in Olympic equestrian sport.
Emily Lohrbach is currently completing her undergraduate thesis and is inviting competitive riders to share their views on how equestrian sport is perceived by the public, and how welfare science informs training and management at the elite level.
Who can take part?
Emily is looking for riders who:
- Are aged between 18 and 21
- Compete in international Fédération Équestre Internationale, FEI, events
- Compete in one or more Olympic disciplines: dressage, show jumping and or eventing
- Have been competing internationally for at least one year
- Are of any gender
- Are of any ethnicity
The study focuses specifically on athletes competing within FEI-recognised Olympic disciplines, providing insight into how young riders at elite level view equestrian sport’s social licence to operate and the role of evidence-based welfare practices in their own programmes.
What does participation involve?
Participation consists of:
- One online interview
- Conducted via Microsoft Teams
- Lasting approximately 45 to 60 minutes
The interview will explore:
- Riders’ views on equestrian sport’s social licence to operate
- Their understanding of evidence-based welfare
- How scientific knowledge influences their management and training decisions
How to get involved
Riders interested in taking part are encouraged to review the consent form for full details.
For further information or to express interest in participating, please contact:
Emily Lohrbach – Emily.Lohrbach@hartpury.ac.uk
Young international riders who meet the criteria and are willing to contribute their perspectives are warmly invited to get in touch.
