Föräldraengagemang på ponnytävling : ur hoppdomares perspektiv

Abstract: Equestrian is the second largest youth sport in Sweden, over half a million Swedes are involved in the sport. Children often start their show jumping career in pony classes at smaller shows. In Sweden children are allowed to compete pony until the year they turn 20. The equestrian sport is growing in Sweden and the shows are getting larger, for younger riders that also means an increase of parental involvement. Showjumping is expensive and takes a lot of time, which can put an economical pressure on their families. Young riders are dependent on parents to support them with the finances and transport. Without the parental involvement the Swedish pony sport wouldn’t exist. Ponies are bought for generous amounts of money and the young riders can then feel pressured to produce great results because of the amount of money their parents have invested. Previous results of the pony could also be stressful for the young rider to accomplish, to exceed their own and others expectations. Previous studies have been done out of child’s perspective and parents perspective but never out of a judge’s perspective. This studies purpose was to investigate jumping judge’s views on parental involvement in show jumping competitions for young riders. The study contributes more insight in how parenting involvement affects the young riders at competitions. Five judges were selected to participate in the study, they where all selected by their many years of experience in Swedish pony sport. All judges had participated in shows on at least national level this year and last year they did between 15 and 63 competitions days. All the judges were interviewed and given time to read and reflect on the questions beforehand. The majority of the results show that parental involvement is mostly supportive. However, there are some improper behaviors that can be perceived as pressing, and which may affect children negatively. This type of behavior is often due to lack of knowledge and understanding regarding horses in general and is often seen in parents with lack of former horse experience. By establishing a good routine that gives both parents and the young riders a sense of security you should be able to reduce the amount of stress. Less stress would increase the child’s positive experience and make it more likely for the child to proceed and evolve in the sport. Results also suggest that more support from the coaches, would make it easier for the parents to take a supportive parenting role instead of maneuvering both parenting and coaching. The conclusion of the study was that most of the results show that the parenting involvement is seen supportive and has a positive effect on children. It does occur that some negative behavior does exist, but its seen as a minority. However, there are shortcomings regarding the parent’s knowledge which affects the parent’s behavior and the judges would like to see more commitment from coaches at competitions.