Ledarskap i stallmiljö : normer, fostran och framtid

Abstract: A good leadership can for example be characterized by good communication skills, inspiration, self-awareness, the ability to make decisions and a structured way of working. Previous research indicate that stable environment can be seen as a leadership school for future leaders, both in equestrian sport and other professions. The purpose of this study was to explore how the stable environment and equestrian sport shapes the future leaders. The research questions were: How could the leadership within the stables affect the youths? What factors can influence youths when forming their leadership skills? Which qualities can the youths get from the stable environment when forming their leadership skills? The results of this study show that leadership was a central part of learning and playing. When you were a leader in a sport association it was important to have support from the association board. The study shows that associations gives good influences on youth’s leadership skills since it emphasizes personal growth and democracy. Within the sport there were standards and invisible rules, defined by its leaders, that had great impact on the youths. Today the sport has an educational purpose in our society. Equestrian sport is more than just horseback riding and the leadership within the equestrian sport is complex. The study also shows that communication and trust was important to be able to convey a message to the horse. In the stable there were a lot of standards and invisible rules that hade a background from to the military. Through these standards the youth learned to be responsible, effective and focused. Another thing that this study showed was that the stable environment was a place where it´s fun to practice leadership for future tasks. Through this they can grow into the role as a leader and become more confident in themselves. The stable ensures that youths feels important, learns to take control and take on more responsibilities. The conclusion of this study shows that thanks to the standards and settings in the stable it shapes the youths in their leadership skills and gives them qualities like responsibility, effectivity, accuracy and focus that can become important in the future. At the same time, leaders in equestrian sport must be a role model who is open and humble. The study shows that while leadership within equestrian sport is complex, it gives lots of people meaningful occupation, were both internal and external factors affects youths when developing their leadership skills. Through the practice of being a leader in the stable environment self-confidence increases and can lead to assignments in leadership roles in the future.