| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to explore the horse-rider relationship through the effect of a rider’s mood on the horse’s behavior in practice and competition. A total of 18 Female amateur dressage riders participated in this study. The participants completed five surveys and two observations. Surveys included a demographic survey, Rotter’s I-E Scale, Orientation to Life Questionnaire, and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Observations took place at a scheduled practice and during one competition per participant. The POMS results showed increased mood disturbance from the riders (N=16, M= -9.94), p= 0.03 between practice and competition. Observation data revealed no significance in horse conflict behavior between practice and competition (M= -1.18) p= 0.95. The differences between rider TMD and horse conflict behavior pre- and post-competition, the results demonstrated a strong, positive, and significant correlation (r=0.868), p=0.000. These results are preliminary, but highlight a potential moderator of the horse-rider relationship. | en_US |
