Rider Safety in Outdoor Equestrian Activities: Behavioral and Environmental Approaches

Abstract

Equestrian sports have significant physical, emotional, and therapeutic advantages but are also associated with high risks, especially in open environments where visibility and communication are restricted. Past studies have emphasized injuries and safety gear while neglecting the complex relationship between environmental conditions, equine behavior, and system coordination in non-elite sports. This research undertakes a qualitative approach by conducting field studies in a rural center in France and using semi-structured interviews with participants from different backgrounds. The research findings reveal three main problems in the current system: the delay in detecting and localizing incidents, fragmented coordination among stakeholders, and equine-related accidents due to stress behavior. In response to the identified problems, three strategies have been recommended in the research. These strategies include improving the riders’ visibility, stabilizing and interpreting equine behavior, and improving communication in emergencies. This research has positioned the role of behavioral risk mitigation in designing as a mediator between humans and horses and the environment.

Keywords: Solo Equestrian Safety, Response To Emergency, Human-horse Relationship

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007824