International Journal of Equine Science (Mar 2023)
Competition Anxiety in Equestrians Across Different Disciplines and Performance Levels
Abstract
Competition anxiety among equestrians has been examined very little so far. Therefore, this study investigated the extent and distribution of competition anxiety in female and male equestrians. Furthermore, it was examined whether there are specific differences among equestrians in different disciplines (dressage, show jumping, western, recreational, and eventing) and performance levels. The sample (N = 406) consisted of female (n = 385) and male (n = 21) German competition riders (meanage = 34.84). Competition anxiety (somatic anxiety, concern, concentration (decrease)) was measured with the Competition Anxiety Inventory Trait (German: Wettkampf-Angst-Inventar/WAI-T). The data analysis was based on t-tests, analyses of variance (ANOVAs) including post-hoc tests and correlation analyses. The results reveal that equestrians in higher-level performance classes (2, 3, and 4) had lower perceptions of somatic anxiety (meanclass 2 = 8.70; mean class 3 = 9.13; meanclass 4 = 9.79) than respondents in lower-level classes (meanclass 6 = 11.76, p < .001). There were differences among the disciplines in concern (p < .01) and concentration (decrease); (p < .001). Dressage riders showed higher concern scores (mean = 10.67) than western riders (mean = 7.90). Furthermore, dressage riders scored higher on concentration (decrease) (mean = 7.57) compared to show jumping (mean = 6.69) and eventing (mean = 5.76). Equestrians competing in show jumping (mean = 6.69) had significantly lower concentration (decrease) scores than in recreational riding (mean = 8.22). Female riders (mean = 1.71) rated worrying thoughts as more performance-inhibiting compared to male respondents (mean = 2.19, p < .01). Dressage riders (mean = 1.74) reported feeling more physical arousal before competitions than show jumpers (mean = 1.71). These results underline the importance of considering competition anxiety to adapt training for riders, minimize risks of injuries in equestrian sports, and improve performance. Results may also be of interest for selecting advice and coaching processes.
