For generations, riding schools have been built on structure, discipline and clear instruction. But could traditional coaching styles sometimes unintentionally limit young riders’ confidence, participation and even long-term enjoyment of the sport?
A newly published study in the International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching has explored a fascinating question: how do riding instructors help, or hinder, meaningful participation among young equestrians?
The research, led by Therese Waerner from the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, examined coaching culture in Swedish riding schools and revealed a striking tension between traditional authority-driven instruction and more relationship-based coaching approaches.
Why does participation matter?
At the heart of the study is a simple but important idea: young riders should feel able to speak up, ask questions and have some influence over experiences that affect them.
In equestrian settings, that could mean:
• Feeling comfortable asking questions
• Being involved in decisions around training
• Feeling heard by instructors
• Having confidence to speak openly about horse welfare or concerns
Young riders who feel comfortable asking questions and voicing concerns may be more confident, engaged and likely to stay involved in the sport long term. Feeling heard can also have implications for horse welfare and safety, riders who feel able to speak up may be more willing to raise concerns about discomfort, training practices or a horse’s wellbeing rather than staying silent.
A tale of two coaching styles
Through approximately 170 hours of observations and interviews with riding instructors, researchers found clear differences in coaching philosophy.
Some instructors focused heavily on performance, technical riding skills, structure, rules and safety. Others placed more emphasis on dialogue, trust, emotional safety and confidence-building.
The stable may matter more than the arena
While riding lessons remain central, the study found that real learning and confidence-building often happened in the stable. Informal moments while grooming, tacking up or caring for horses created opportunities for questions, discussion and relationship-building. This shows that effective coaching, and learning opportunity happens in all areas of horse care and riding.
The bottom line
Meaningful participation is not simply allowing young riders to speak, it is ensuring they feel heard.
In a sport built on communication between horse and rider, perhaps the same principle applies between coaches and young equestrians, too. When young riders feel listened to, they may become more confident learners, stronger advocates for horse welfare and more likely to remain engaged in equestrian sport.
