Which identity do girls create in the stable?

Sweden is one of the most horse populated countries in Europe with a general riding activity which is unique in the world. 220 000 individuals are related to the riding schools in Sweden and 85 percent are women. Half of these are younger than twenty-five. Riding is a traditional sport for girls and a sport that through time has picked up ideals like responsibility, bringing up and democracy. Riding as an activity takes time not just for the riding itself but also to the care of the horse. The times of youth at the leisure arenas are important for the identity development among the youth.At the same time the creation of identity in the late modern society has got a more open character that is tested constantly. It also makes it possible with several identities and is a part of an individualization process where looks and body are more important.The purpose of this article is to investigate how the youth in the stable are influenced by what we call the late modern age.This is investigated through a minor ethnographic study where a number of visitors at the stable are observed in their leisure time.Godkänd; 2006; 20090624 (lenaf