| 1. |
- Thorell, Gabriella, et al.
(author)
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From giving orders to engaging in dialogue : Military norms being challenged at the Swedish riding school
- 2018
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In: International Review for the Sociology of Sport. - London, UK : Sage Publications. - 1012-6902 .- 1461-7218. ; 53:4, s. 451-470
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Equestrian sport is one of the largest sports among young girls in Sweden. A majority of these girls get their riding education at riding schools that provide horses and instructors. Previous research has pointed out that the Swedish riding school is characterised by a traditional stable culture that originated in army practices. Presently Swedish children and youth sport at large are undergoing a change driven by increased commercialisation and individualisation. The aim of this article is therefore to explore and analyse how Swedish riding instructors perceive and experience their professional role in regards to these changes. Interviews with 10 riding instructors have been analysed using a constructivist approach of Grounded theory, as well as institutional theory and institutional economic theory. It was discovered that the riding instructors, due to an economic recession, feel that the institutional arrangements of the riding schools have become governed by the economy. The riding instructors thus feel impelled to change and adapt to new teaching styles - from instruction characterised by giving orders to teaching characterised by dialogue. This study illustrates how economic challenges require continuous development of the riding instructors' pedagogical ability, and have made them more aware of their profession, its historical heritage and norms.
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| 2. |
- Rosén, Annika, et al.
(author)
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The competent child and (in)competent others : Horse-riding school activities for preschool children
- 2022
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In: Sport in Society. - : Taylor & Francis. - 1743-0437 .- 1743-0445. ; 25:12, s. 2501-2518
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In recent years, riding schools have opened their activities for younger children. Previous research has described the learning environment of the stable as strongly inspired by a traditional military discourse (Thorell 2017) and in strong contrast to other socialization arenas. The aim of this article is to increase the understanding of riding school activities for preschool children. Research questions concern why and how activities for young children are organized and handled, norms guiding these activities and how children and others participating are perceived. Sources consist of 452 riding schools’ websites and interviews with nine representatives from riding schools. The analytical framework derives from the sociology of childhood. The study shows that a majority of the Swedish riding schools offer activities for preschool children. The activities are framed by contrasting ideas about the competent child, the child’s biological and vulnerable body, incompetent parents, competent youth leaders, and horses.
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| 3. |
- Thorell, Gabriella, et al.
(author)
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Riding Instructors, Gender, Militarism, and Stable Culture in Sweden: Continuity and Change in the Twentieth Century
- 2015
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In: International Journal of the History of Sport. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0952-3367 .- 1743-9035. ; 32:5, s. 650-666
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Equestrian sport underwent significant changes in Sweden during the twentieth century, from being connected to men and the army to being associated with women and leisure activities. Previous research has shown that a stable culture with masculine military norms still exists in spite of these changes. The purpose of this study is to explore why these norms continue to influence Swedish equestrian sport. Institutional economic theory and gender theory are used to explain continuity and change in stable culture. The source material consists of interviews and document analysis. An important finding is that military norms have been reproduced in the education of the riding instructors.
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