Research
Dr. Inga Wolframm is Professor of Sustainable Equestrianism at the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein in the Netherlands. She holds an MSc in human and equine sports science and a PhD in rider psychology. Her previous research ranged from rider personality, affective mood states and mental skills training, to horse-rider coordination dynamics, judging bias and visual search behaviour. She’s worked with equestrians from grass-roots to international level and has published several books about rider psychology and the horse-rider interaction. She’s passionate about equestrian sport, and even more passionate about making it future-proof, by demonstrating how humans and horses can interact sustainably with each other and the environment. Her research focusses on using evidence-based theory to explain real-life problems and develop practical solutions for equestrians everywhere.
Credits: Ronald Kersten
Used like Pawns or Treated like Kings? How Narratives around Racehorse Welfare in the 2023 Grand National May Affect Public Acceptance: An Informed Commentary
The 2023 Grand National steeplechase race was delayed due to animal rights protests, resulting in several horses falling and one sustaining a fatal injury. This event exposed the growing public pressure on the racing industry, highlighting the concept of "social licence to operate" (SLO). The narratives presented may shape the future of the racing industry, as societies and cultures evolve and shift their focus towards education and animal conservation.
Let Them Be the Judge of That: Bias Cascade in Elite Dressage Judging
The study examines if the current dressage system predisposes international judges to biases and favors certain horse-rider combinations. It examines 510 judging scores from seven elite-level competitions. Factors like race location, nationality, starting order, and previous performance rankings influence final dressage results. The results suggest a clear evidence-based set of judging guidelines to reduce complexity, make scores more objective, transparent, and fair.
Changing Hearts and Minds in the Equestrian World One Behaviour at a Time
Equestrianism faces challenges due to evolving attitudes towards ethics and equine wellbeing, impacting its social license. Trends, societal features, and human nature contribute to these issues. Frameworks like the COM-B model and Behavior Change Wheel can help develop and implement equine welfare strategies. This review provides a step-by-step approach to designing effective behavior change interventions and a real-world example, suggesting incorporating these strategies may safeguard equestrianism's future.
