The FEI has released a horsemanship competence research paper, which is based on a study by Stefanie Krysiak after an in-depth literature review along with qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 105 individuals from six continents, 30 different countries, in eight equestrian disciplines and twenty-one different stakeholder perspectives.
Participants include Monty Roberts, George Morris, Christoph Hess, Dr. Paul McGreevy, Pat Parelli, Leopoldo Palacios, Anky van Grunsven, Dr. Gerd Heuschmann, Frank Kemperman, Guy Mclean, the four big classical riding schools and many more.
During the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Sports Forum on April 4th, 2016 an issue was raised by Olympic Champion Steve Guerdat who stated: “People need to learn to follow procedures. Judges need to learn that, but one thing we cannot miss is the horsemanship these people should have. Yes we need rules, the rules are black and white, but we must not forget we have a horse in our sport. A living animal and the officials must understand the importance of horsemanship.”
However, a comprehensive understanding of horsemanship was lacking and resulted in the matter often being mystified. Consequently, a study was initiated by the FEI Education and Standards Department to assist in determining whether the concept of horsemanship could be defined more substantively and to develop a potential baseline understanding of the necessary skills, abilities and attributes for horsemanship competence. An in-depth literature review along with qualitative semi-structured interviews with one hundred and five individuals from six continents, thirty different countries, in eight equestrian disciplines and twenty-one different stakeholder perspectives were conducted to address this subject matter.
Based on these findings, horsemanship competence could be defined as the utilization of the fourteen elements outlined:
- Comprehensive Knowledge
- Practical Experience
- Growth Mindset
- Respect for the Horse
- Ethological Empathy
- Effective Application of the Learning Theory
- Aware and Attentive to Body Language
- Commitment to the Priority of Equine Welfare
- Emotional Intelligence ! Humility and Integrity
- Adaptability
- Patience
- Selection and Treatment of Support Team
- Development of a Mutual Symbiotic Relationship
Read the full Horsemanship Reaseach Paper here (pdf file)
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