Investigating differences in self-regulation between novice, intermediate and advanced equestrian riders

Abstract

s 299 number of studies have investigated their effect in equestrian sports. The aims of the current study were to identify differences in mental skills between elite and non-elite riders and to investigate the effects of a mental skills training program on ridden performance in non-elite riders. For the first part of the study, 4 elite and 4 non-elite riders were recruited for semi-structured interviews on the type of mental skills they used in preparation for a competitive event. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then examined for differences or common themes.Mental preparation skills used by elite riders but absent in preparation routines of non-elite riders were used as a basis to devise a mental training intervention program. The intervention comprised of an initial meeting introducing sport psychology in equestrian sports, followed by 5 sessions covering goal-setting, relaxation techniques, self-talk, concentration training and imagery. For the second part of the study, 10Dutch non-elite dressage riders (mean age 23.3 6 2.8) competing from novice to advancedmedium levelwere recruited.All riders were used as their own controls and were required to ride in three dressage competitions in their region and at their competitive level. Competitions were judged by appropriately qualified judges from the Dutch National Equestrian Federation. Riders had to participate in an initial competition approximately 6–8 weeks prior to the study. All riders competed for the second time approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the intervention and a third, final time upon completion of the 6-week intervention training program. Dressage performance was measured in percentage points. For the duration of the intervention training program riders participated once a week in a 2-hour session covering each of the different mental training topics. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant effect for ‘‘time’’ between the three competitive results (Wilks’ Lambda5 0.42; F2,8 5 5.5; p, 0.05). No significant difference was found between initial and pre-intervention dressage scores (p. 0.05). Post-hoc paired-samples t-tests showed that post-intervention performance scores (61.73 6 3.07) were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores (58.26 2.98; t9 5 23.43; p , 0.01). Findings suggest that mental skills training may have a positive effect on competitive dressage performance in non-elite riders, which may be due to improved horse-rider communication and interaction. Practical implications are that in addition to improving equitation skills riders and trainers should alsoworkon relevantmental training techniques.