Interaction Between Rider, Horse and Equestrian Trainer : A challenging puzzle

This thesis examines the complex and challenging relationships between rider, horse and equestrian trainer in the context of teaching horse riding. What strategies and methods do equestrian trainers use to support the riders’ understanding of, and performance with, their horses? What role is the horse assigned in this form of interaction? Operating at the intersection between practical knowledge and human-animal studies, the thesis adopts an ethnographic approach, and seeks to develop theories of practical knowledge in the practice of teaching riding. Mari Zetterqvist Blokhuis is a professional riding teacher and holds a BSc in social science. For many years, she worked as head teacher in pedagogy at the equestrian centre in Strömsholm, Sweden. Since 2014, she has been a doctoral student at the Centre for Studies in Practical Knowledge within the research area Critical and Cultural Theory at Södertörn University.