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

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 non-significance. 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