Horseback riders on a quest for wellness

For several years now, the pursuit of well-being through sports and tourism has become increasingly important. The desire to feel free, in harmony with our surroundings, is one of the main characteristics of this "well-being" promoted by our society. Through interviews with professionals and practitioners of equestrian tourism, we will demonstrate that equestrian tourism is a vehicle for well-being. Numerous studies show the benefits of outdoor sports on individuals. Similarly, equestrian activities, which offer many benefits, provide a feeling of freedom, a break from everyday life, a rejection of social norms in the equestrian world, and a return to nature. These benefits are characterized by the relationship between the rider and their horse and the environment they explore. This leads us to question how a return to nature through equestrian tourism leads individuals to develop sensations that promote their physical and mental well-being.

Introduction

According to Corneloup (2011), we can observe that the cultural and sociological form of outdoor sports practices has evolved over time. Moving from traditional to modern cultures, then from modern to post-modern cultures, it has given rise to the transmodernity movement, which aims to be a clever blend of these different cultures within outdoor sports practices. The transmodernity of recreational outdoor activities is, therefore, a movement that aims to rethink the links between sport, territories, tourism, and leisure (Corneloup, 2011). According to Perrin-Malterre (2012), sporting activities, characteristic of transmodernity, are developing in a quest for immersion in the depths of nature. The aim is to become one with nature through a hybrid approach, a mixture of practices, and the promotion of ecological travel combined with a re-enchantment of everyday places. To complement his remarks, Corneloup (2011) emphasizes that the development of transmodernity revolves around well-being and a return to nature, which he considers to be the central elements of this movement.

As part of outdoor sports, the equestrian world cannot escape this transmodernity movement. Indeed, since the 1990s, recreational horse riding has become more accessible (Aubert et al., 2011), which will be beneficial for the growth of equestrian tourism. The French Equestrian Federation (FFE) describes equestrian tourism as "a highly attractive, environmentally friendly activity that promotes the discovery of our regions' heritage. Combining pleasure and escape, in harmony with horses and nature, it is popular with all generations."[1]. This definition is in line with the previous comments by Corneloup (2011), who highlights the new approach enabled by the transmodern movement on the links between sport, territories, tourism, and leisure. Equestrian tourism is thus due to the emergence of a new type of practitioner, whom Digard (1995) describes as "new riders ." According to him, the motivations and expectations of this audience are very different from those of the usual audience found in the world of traditional horse riding. The main motivations among Digard's (1995) "new riders" are: attraction to the animal (90.3%), seeking contact with nature (43.6%), the need for relaxation (39.2%), a new way of riding (34.4%), aesthetic satisfaction (10.4%), and sociability (6.6%). All of this data tends to prove the importance of the relationship with nature and the search for well-being that motivate equestrian tourism practitioners.

Horse riders on a quest for wellness 

To better understand these "new riders'" pursuit of well-being, we can refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health and well-being as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Thus, we can see that well-being is characterized by a balance between physical, mental, and social needs.

According to numerous scientific studies, it has been shown that practicing sports contributes to this state of well-being on a physical level (Bauduer, et al, 2018), but also on a psychological and social level (Kudelski, 2010). According to Gorichon-Baillet (1928), horse riding, and therefore equestrian tourism, is no exception to this rule. He believes that horse riding brings strength and flexibility, while promoting muscle synchronization during different movements. Beyond the physical benefits, contact with horses helps maintain the rider's psychological and emotional well-being. To complement this, we can refer to the words of Laetitia Mermet, who tells us that "horses help people rediscover their social identity by restoring their body image and body schema" (Mermet, 2012, p.69). She refers to the social aspect of well-being, and more specifically social integration through horse riding. Unlike traditional horse riding, which is governed by numerous rules and regulations, equestrian tourism has a number of characteristics that contribute to well-being.

Tourism and horses, factors contributing to well-being 

According to Proulx (2005), tourism is free time without any obligations, where the environment and activities during the stay are freely chosen by the individual. With the aim of creating a break from everyday life and detaching oneself from the negative aspects of life (stress, work, routine, etc.), tourism is said to be a vector of well-being because it allows individuals to regain psychological and physical well-being by clearing their minds. In equestrian tourism, attention is constantly focused on the horse, on oneself, and also on the environment. All negative thoughts are quickly pushed aside. Practitioners seek to find themselves, learn to accept themselves as they are, and "reflect on their identity" (Proulx, 2005, p. 7).

Tourism is also about discovering a new place, a new culture, or a new activity. According to Proulx (2005), this discovery is characterized as an encounter with the unfamiliar. Opening oneself up to the unknown is very beneficial for the individual, as it provides a different perspective on life and the world. According to Van Pachterbeke (2011), open-mindedness is a matter of reflection, but also of the individual's ability to question themselves while taking an interest in what they do not know. In equestrian tourism, the encounter between different cultures can lead us to question our own equestrian culture. By equestrian culture, I mean the different ways of practicing and riding horses depending on the region and country. "Traveling abroad not only teaches us to distinguish between art objects, customs, and languages belonging to different civilizations. It also serves to reconcile us with our societal values and reinforce our collective beliefs and convictions" (Amirou, 1995, p. 7).

The relationship with the horse has beneficial effects on the individual: "Every human-animal relationship is unique, as it is an intimate encounter between two beings [...] " (Bouillon, 2018, p. 123). This relationship creates an attachment to the animal, and as you walk along the trails, this relationship only grows stronger, giving you a sense of adventure with the animal, an adventure that is shared by both of you.

The influence of nature on the well-being of practitioners

Equestrian tourism also offers the benefits of the environment on the human body. Studies have evaluated the health benefits of different natural spaces. Visual or physical proximity to one of these spaces has beneficial effects on individuals (Serpantié et al., 2012). "Contact with natural spaces seems to have a psychological and physiological impact by reducing blood pressure and stress levels" (ibid, p. 12). Several articles , including those by Bourdeau (2019), Bratman et al. ( 2012) , Dab (2020), Fischer (2011), and Hamman (2017) , demonstrate and prove the real impacts of outdoor leisure activities on the human body.

Nature allows us to express our human values without constraint, to live differently for a limited period of time. It is a moment of pleasure and release. Corneloup supports the idea that nature is perceived as "a world of freedom, conducive to all kinds of daydreaming and fun" (2013, p.43). Freedom in equestrian tourism consists of being able to gallop for several minutes without stopping, without barriers. Feeling free to go wherever you want with your horse, at the pace you want.

The emergence of the transmodern movement is closely linked to the emergence of a new generation of practitioners. This generation emphasizes wellness practices and a return to nature. In the equestrian world, this has led to the democratization of equestrian tourism. Indeed, we see that these "new riders" promote their well-being (psychological, physical, and social) by returning to nature through this activity. All of this brings us to our question: how does this return to nature, made possible by equestrian tourism, lead individuals to develop sensations conducive to their psychological, physical, and social well-being?

Methodology

To address this issue, it became clear that a qualitative study was needed. This method allows for the collection of accurate data on the activity and its impact on those who practice it. The aim of this method is to encourage the members of the sample to share their feelings and personal motivations by recounting their experiences. The method chosen was to conduct semi-structured interviews in order to put the subject in a reassuring setting and facilitate data collection. Eight interviews were conducted with riders who had had several experiences in equestrian tourism or who were regular practitioners of this activity. They lasted between 30 minutes and 1 hour, which was the appropriate amount of time to obtain solid data that could be used to establish concrete results. The data obtained concerned the motivations, feelings, and "effects" sought in the practice of equestrian tourism. In order to organize the exchanges with the individuals studied as effectively as possible, a pre-designed interview grid was used as a guideline for the interviews. Unlike a questionnaire, the interview grid structures the questioning without influencing the interviewee's comments (Vilatte, 2007). The interviews began with introductions in order to establish a climate of trust, and then moved on to various topics: the choice of equestrian tourism, motivations, the different feelings that emerge, and the importance of nature for trail riders. My field of study was limited to a few practitioners and professionals in the equestrian tourism sector who agreed to participate in these interviews. Given the circumstances of the first lockdown, which prevented all travel, I turned to social networks bringing together communities of practitioners. A total of eight interviews were conducted with a sample of two men and six women with experience in equestrian tourism (see table of interviewee profiles, Appendix 1). Due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, the interviews were conducted remotely by telephone or videoconference. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis.

The unique sensations provided by equestrian tourism

Equestrian tourism provides its participants with unique sensations that cannot be found in other sports. Being on horseback creates sensations that are difficult to explain; riders feel the animal's slightest movements and its muscle mass shifting beneath them. All of this fosters a relationship of trust with the horse. This mode of transportation allows you to go faster and cover more distance while riding on horseback:

"Horses allow you to go fast enough and slow enough to see things" and "to have a different perspective."

 (Alain)

According to Grégory, equestrian tourism also gives you the feeling of being able to put your riding skills into practice:

"When you take riding lessons in an arena, I would say that you learn to write, as if you were learning letters and words. When you ride in nature, you learn, you form sentences."

Finally, I have summarized the feelings and emotions experienced by the interviewees during equestrian tourism in the form of a diagram.

Figure 1:Categories of sensations reported by respondents

Physical sensations:

Psychic sensations:

Moral feelings:

A gap between traditional horse riding and equestrian tourism

Unlike equestrian tourism, traditional horse riding is a practice, a world unto itself, governed by numerous rules. This is what Dominique and Alain highlighted with the following quote: 

"Once in Burgundy, we were hiking and we were keeping the horses at the Cluny stud farm, so in the evening we found ourselves (...) rubbing shoulders with an international show jumping competition and everything. We felt really stared at, looked down on as if we weren't part of the same world, when I wanted to tell them, our horses don't jump the bars that you jump, but what our horses have just done in a day, passing 50 meters from the TGV without moving an ear, sometimes passing under highways and through tunnels where the horse remains calm, your horses wouldn't do that."

The presence of these standards is particularly noticeable in large equestrian establishments. Smaller establishments manage to attract both competitive riders and equestrian tourists. What is different in the world of classical riding is that there are a lot of "show-offs," with many "wealthy" individuals who can afford to buy a €5,000 saddle, €300 sequined breeches, an €800 riding helmet with Swarovski diamonds, a €20,000 horse, etc. There is no need to have exorbitantly expensive equipment, as it has absolutely no impact on the performance of the rider or the horse. The traditional equestrian world is one that is constantly judging. Trail riding is a kind of escape from the norms of traditional riding.

A new approach to nature

The results also include a sense of freedom when traveling. Traveling on horseback allows you to access more places, as Alain would say, explaining that horses have a certain " ability to cross terrain . " To this we can add what Grégory said:

"It allows you to access places that you certainly cannot reach by vehicle and that would take much longer to reach on foot."

In some interviews, when asked about accessibility to wildlife, Fabienne, for example, explains that it is easier to approach animals on horseback. Nature is a source of motivation for equestrian tourism enthusiasts.

Discovering new landscapes is one of the reasons for practicing yoga mentioned by all respondents. The geography of the location is important: forest, sea, mountains, plains... What often came up in these interviews were wide open spaces, followed by mountains/hilly areas and forests. Beyond these spaces, what dominates is the relationship with nature, the search to connect with it and benefit from the well-being it provides. This well-being translates into a different relationship with time and space for the practitioner. As Caroline points out, equestrian tourism allows her to

"get away from society where everything is constantly changing."

Discovering other equestrian cultures, a certain open-mindedness

Discovering other equestrian cultures reveals a certain open-mindedness about the world of horses. The way horses are treated varies from culture to culture:

"There is respect for the horse, but the concept of respect is not quite the same as ours."

 (Gregory)

Emmy, who has moved to Finland, explains that the approach to horses there is much gentler, with everything focused on the horse's well-being:

"They may be a little ahead of the curve when it comes to ethology."

(Emmy)

This also shows that knowledge of horses is part of the culture of certain local populations and has been passed down from generation to generation from a very young age:

"The guy has never been in a riding arena in his life, he doesn't know the names of the different parts of a saddle, but he can tell if the animal is lame just by the way it approaches him, the way it touches him."

(Gregory)

These encounters allowed them to learn about horse riding. Alain realized that traveling on horseback made it easier to approach and connect with the local population:

"Arriving in a village with horses is not the same as arriving in a large Toyota 4×4."

(Alain)

However, he points out that in some countries they are seen as: 

"Money on legs because you have a camera and everything. I think the big difference is that you have the money, you have the money in your pocket for the plane ticket to get there and back, while they don't even have the plane ticket to get to your place, not even a one-way ticket."

(Alain)

This has raised awareness of the living conditions of people in certain countries:

"When you go to the Atlas Mountains, it really puts a lot of things into perspective. Hats off to the people who live there. It's beautiful, it's magnificent, but it's a harsh environment."

(Alain)

Equestrian tourism is a practice that allows visitors to discover equestrian culture, other populations, or other breeds of horses. This practice allows visitors to learn about their way of life, their way of riding horses, and more generally, as Fabienne said, " their means of survival" (Fabienne). The overall opinion of most of these interviews on the subject is that for traditional equestrian cultures, equestrian tourism will be the practice that allows discovery:

"You really have to immerse yourself in the culture to truly understand it."

(Christine),

"In certain cultures, if you don't interact with horses, in Mongolia for example, you may meet Mongolians, but you won't get to know their art. You'll meet people, but you won't learn about their culture."

(Gregory)

Through equestrian tourism, riders learn the local way of life, how to ride horses, and more generally, as Fabienne said, the " search for authenticity. " This is particularly true for respondents who have traveled abroad. However, for those who wish to do the same one day, this discovery of a culture and a population, or a particular breed of horse, will tip the balance in favor of one country over another. Meeting other people, either during the ride or when riders arrive at their accommodation, in France or abroad, motivates them to go riding. This is also what prompted Christine to set up her association in order to meet new people and talk to other horse enthusiasts.

Some respondents cited the desire for adventure and the athletic aspect of hiking when searching for a destination or location. Emmy seeks a challenge in her crossing of the Alps. Sylvette prefers to " hit the road" and wants to discover what lies further afield. With her map, she likes to confront the elements around her. For Alain , it's a way to " test himself." Several other criteria emerged, but these are specific to each person's experiences and tastes: improving riding skills, curiosity (Gregory), seeking peace and quiet, being alone with his horse (Sylvette), seeking thrills (Caroline and Emmy), taking time (Christine), and traveling without polluting (Marie Blanche).

Equestrian tourism, a practice that breaks the routine

Equestrian tourism is often chosen by people who are passionate about horses. One might wonder why this particular activity and why not choose to ride at an equestrian center, or do traditional, classic horseback riding. Equestrian tourism is a very unique activity. In fact, it offers sensations that are not found in traditional horseback riding. First of all, the relationship with the horse is not the same. Going on a trail ride with a horse reveals other behaviors in the animal. Finding itself regularly confronted with a new environment, "its curiosity and exploratory behavior, its surprise at new situations, and its tendency to seek familiarity with them are all ways for the horse to establish a relationship with humans" (Loo and Guilmot, 2003). Every situation encountered and overcome with your horse improves your relationship with the animal. You have to anticipate its slightest reactions and try to stay calm and control your emotions, because horses are like sponges. This expression is often used in equestrian circles when teaching beginners to ride, to help them understand that horses sense our emotions. The more stressed you are, the more the horse will feel it and become stressed itself. The presence of the animal forces us to control our emotions and work on ourselves. This is also why horses are used as therapy for people with mental disabilities, more commonly known as equine therapy. Practicing equestrian tourism is a real exercise in self-improvement. You have to know how to stay calm, not panic in certain situations, not get upset, and remain patient. It is this work on oneself that provides psychological well-being, because ultimately the rider relaxes and refocuses their mind on the horse and its environment (to anticipate any situations where the horse might be afraid).

The second important sensation for someone participating in equestrian tourism is the movement of the horse. Knowing that you are riding an animal weighing around 500 kg can be frightening, but feeling it move, feeling all its muscles as it exerts itself, creates a climate of mutual trust. If the horse decided to throw us off, it could do so without any problem, but the fact that everything goes well creates a closeness with the animal, a special relationship. These sensations cannot be experienced in any other sport, because horse riding is the only sport where you ride on the back of a living being. The data collected tends to show a rejection of the norms imposed in the traditional equestrian world, in favor of connecting with one's own feelings, the horse, and nature. To understand this, we must view the traditional equestrian world as a society in which there are many norms: being the best, having the best horse, having the most beautiful horse, having the best saddle, the best equipment, etc. This translates into a rejection of classical riding, which takes place in enclosed spaces such as riding arenas or outdoor arenas, which Sylvette calls the " sandbox." Equestrian tourism allows people to escape this social injunction. At the same time, we could still highlight the influence of social injunction on health and well-being, which would encourage riders to practice equestrian tourism. The "need to return to nature, the search for well-being and health, and the intensification of free time contribute greatly to the development of these tourist practices, which are marked by a certain indifference to seasonality throughout the year" (Siau, 2007, p. 18). Social pressure related to health could influence them to engage in physical activity in order to be healthy. In the equestrian world, the discipline that has the characteristics of a wellness practice refers to equestrian tourism. It offers physical, mental, and social fulfillment.

We also find the concept of a break, which often comes up among equestrian tourism practitioners. This practice allows people to escape from their daily lives and routines and take a "breath of fresh air." As Le Clanche (2018) points out, this concept of a break allows for "disconnection" and "a change in lifestyle habits"; it is time for oneself. For example, if we take the definition of itinerancy, it is considered to be "quasi-constant mobility over a non-daily period," explains Leroux S. (2007). There is a very particular relationship to time and space, as Christine points out:

 "I'm going to experience a different environment and a different kind of time."

(Christine)

It is a time for oneself, where one can bring out one's human values. This time can also be used to test oneself, surpass oneself, and try new things. During certain interviews, I noticed a desire to surpass oneself and a search for adventure in equestrian tourism. Through immersion in nature, some people seek adventure and challenge, which is more about the culture of sport than about surpassing oneself (Queval, 2001). Those who prefer challenges, such as Emmy, who wants to cross the Alps:

"For the challenge, to be truly hiking, not necessarily alone, but hiking with nothing but my horse and the mountains."

(Emmy)

There is a desire to surpass oneself, which Queval characterizes as "achievement and performance. Among other things, it provides heroes to a society that is always in search of role models" (2001, p. 49).  This time for oneself, regardless of how it is spent, inevitably contributes to psychological well-being by setting aside all daily obligations, resulting in "a change, a transformation, an evolution of the self" (Pavie, 2014, p. 74).

Unique experiences to contribute to well-being

Those who enjoy equestrian tourism are attracted to this activity not only for the relationship with the horse, but also for the opportunity to discover new landscapes, and above all for the sense of well-being it provides. Horses are a means of transportation that make no noise; the only sounds heard are those of nature and its wildlife. The environment is a vehicle of great value, and practicing equestrian tourism in a setting that one loves will bring a feeling of well-being. Nature appears to be a refuge, a place where one feels good, far from social tensions and urban pollution, amplified by the media (Kalaora, 2001). This supports the idea that proximity to nature is beneficial for individuals, as we mentioned in the theoretical framework. In addition, horses have an advantage in that their smell covers our own, making it much easier to approach wildlife, as Fabienne points out:

"You can even get close to the animals."

This practice brings about a different relationship with nature, the feeling of being an explorer, as Alain points out in his interview:

"It feels like being an explorer. When I say explorer, we met gold prospectors, we met geologists, we went to volcanoes, we had to walk in certain places, it was dangerous, you had to put your feet where he put his feet because otherwise you could disappear into a mud fountain."

(Alain)

 Corneloup supports the idea that nature is perceived as "a world of freedom, conducive to all kinds of daydreaming and fun" (Corneloup, 2013, p. 43). He explains that nature is the ideal place to express one's human value. It is clear that practitioners have a contemplative relationship with nature, which gives rise to ecological awareness if this was not already the case. Movement is at the pace of nature; the practitioner stops to contemplate and then continues. During this journey, the dimensions of time and space are experienced differently. Equestrian tourism undoubtedly fits the definition of Slow Tourism. In fact, we can add that horseback riding is a means of transportation that allows you to maintain a steady pace without too much effort, and therefore allows the rider to contemplate the surrounding landscapes. This particular feature refers to Slow Tourism, a concept put forward by Babou and Callot (2013, p. 90): "practicing tourism at a slow pace guarantees a rejuvenation of the being (physiological and psychological) ." This rejuvenation is defined by the slow pace, which encourages contemplation and admiration of the places and landscapes in which the traveler finds themselves at the time of their activity. By covering long distances, equestrian tourism allows travelers to relax and learn more about the local culture while minimizing their negative impact on wildlife and flora, as well as on the local population (Hallem et al, 2020). Well-being is generated by the experience of the participants, contact with locals, local consumption, and nature. It allows people to recharge their batteries and take the time to live (Bourdeau, 1994).

Experiences contribute to an individual's well-being. By definition, equestrian tourism also involves discovering new cultures, which requires open-mindedness. This contributes to psychological and mental well-being. Traveling on horseback allows for a unique approach to local people and their culture. Alain explains:

"Arriving in a village with horses is not the same as arriving in a large Toyota 4×4."

(Alain)

It is the simplicity of the tourist's visit that will facilitate contact with local peoples, and in certain cultures, particularly those with a strong equestrian tradition, as Gregory says:

"If you don't rub shoulders with horses, in Mongolia for example, you may meet Mongolians, but you won't get to know their art. You'll meet people, but you won't learn about their culture."

Discovering another culture also means discovering another approach to horses, what place horses have in that culture. For example, Emmy explains that in Finland, they are ahead of the curve in terms of animal ethology and welfare, while in other countries, horses are a means of survival. This immersion in local cultures has instilled a certain humility and sensitivity in Dominique, Alain, Fabienne, and Gregory, who have traveled to countries of varying degrees of poverty, towards what they have seen:

"It puts things into perspective in terms of the people you meet and the way we ride horses."

(Gregory)

These observations show us that meeting local people encourages riders to take a step back and consider how people live in difficult environments. But it also encourages them to take a step back in terms of their knowledge of horses. These people do not take riding lessons as is common in France; their knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation and gained through certain experiences:

 "He [the farmer] knows whether the box is lame or not just by the way he approaches it, the way he touches the animal."

This encounter with other cultures leads to reflection on the equestrian worldview, as well as taking a step back and questioning oneself. It is learning from others, being inspired by new things, and cultivating oneself that contribute to well-being. Every tourist experience can lead to changes and influence one's lifestyle (Andereck et al, 2011). We are faced with new ways of doing things and living, and this encounter teaches us constantly. Meeting local people is a vehicle for socialization, there are exchanges "Confrontation with the outside world, the strange and the foreign allows the individual to experience the structural plurality that lies dormant in everyone. Wandering is, ultimately, an important vehicle for socialization" (Maffesoli, 1997, p. 148). Traveling is seen as a remedy, a time for oneself, for learning from others, a time to escape from one's daily routine.

It is within this transmodern movement of recreational practices that a new sporting ethic has developed, relating to well-being and man's relationship with nature (Andrieux, 2013). According to Corneloup, we can observe the emergence of new styles of practice "that refer to specific uses depending on the chosen and incorporated ethics" (2013, p. 46) of horse riding. These, combined with the popularity of nature and the feelings of well-being it provides, will lead tourists to take up equestrian tourism. This confrontation with the outside world in the broadest sense, and the learning that results from it, leads me to talk about bodily ecology. This confrontation with the outside world stimulates and raises awareness of the environment and living things, and thus leads to the development of ecological sensitivity (Jay, 2014). "Physical ecology finds in practitioners of immersion experiences in environments that have changed their understanding of the ecosystem and the ways in which the body acts in these situations in action. " (Andrieux, 2014, p. 33). This immersion in another culture changes our vision, makes us reflect on our lifestyle in order to change it and contribute to sustainable development. It is a real awakening and a change in quality of life.

Conclusion

The transmodernity of practices allows us to make the connection between sport and the environment. Nowadays, outdoor sports have become more accessible, with participation increasing and becoming an integral part of our lifestyles. In addition to physical activity, there are the benefits of the environment, which play a role in the well-being of participants. Equestrian tourism is an outdoor activity and therefore enjoys these benefits. Added to this are the benefits derived from the relationship between rider and horse. This practice brings many benefits to the individual: freedom, open-mindedness, a break from everyday life and social constraints, taking time for oneself, contact with nature and, of course, the relationship with the animal. All these benefits contribute to the overall well-being (psychological, physiological, social) of trail riders.

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Appendix: Profile of the sample population

Last name, First nameExperience in the equestrian tourism industryInterest
Horvath Gregory  An occasional equestrian tourist, Gregory, who is originally from Belgium, took a week-long horseback trip in the Atlas Mountains. He has also ridden horses in other countries such as Hungary, France, Spain, and Austria.  Gregory has practiced horse riding in various countries, which has allowed him to discover and try out different equestrian cultures. This is of interest to me for my research, as it allows me to compare these different experiences and highlight his motivations for cultural equestrian tourism.  
Galabru-Welling Sylvette  ATE (Equestrian Tourism Guide) graduate, working during the summer but also on a personal basis to further her knowledge, and a regular practitioner of equestrian tourism in the Jura.  Sylvette's personal and professional experience in equestrian tourism will be very interesting. Sylvette goes hiking very regularly in her personal life, so it will be interesting for me to understand her interest in outdoor horse riding and what motivates her to go. Her professional experience as an equestrian tourism guide will highlight the specific characteristics of clients, the type of profile she generally encounters, and their motivations.  
Carpent Caroline  As an equestrian tourism instructor, she organizes horseback riding trips in Franche-Comté and regularly participates in equestrian tourism on a personal basis (Lozère, Ardèche, Camargue, etc.).  Caroline's experience as an equestrian tourism instructor is very interesting, as she teaches both riders who want to compete and those who prefer to ride outdoors. Comparing these two types of riders can help us understand why some prefer riding in the countryside rather than in an arena.  
Pugnet Marie-Blanche  She was a member of the Rhône Alpes Auvergne Departmental Equestrian Tourism Committee. A regular rider, riding about eight days a month, she also organizes trail rides for associations.  Marie-Blanche's investment in equestrian tourism shows how deeply committed she is to this activity. Her testimony will enable us to analyze why it is important to her, what drives her to leave...  
Vannson Emmy  Vocational diploma in horse breeding, BTS in tourism and ATE (equestrian tourism guide) from April to September (works in a veterinary school during the winter as a rider for the grooms). She generally goes on trail rides in Corsica, but also in the mountains of Savoie, Haute Savoie, and the Alps. She has had equestrian experiences abroad in Australia and Finland.  Emmy, like Sylvette, will be able to draw on her experience as an equestrian tourism guide to describe the characteristics of the clients she takes on trips and what generally motivates them to practice this activity in a setting other than nature. But also, thanks to her experience abroad, where she discovered other perspectives on horses, her point of view will be interesting in helping us understand the choice of destinations and analyze motivations.  
Alain Pommier and Dominique Rimbert  Alain: Retired craftsman Dominique: Librarian They have enjoyed equestrian tourism in many places: – Wide open spaces: Iceland, Rocky Canada and Quebec, Kenya, Mongolia, New Zealand, Chile: Atacama and Patagonia, Northern Argentina, Siberia (Kamchatka) – Less wide open spaces: Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Utah, Brazil, Jordan. – More limited treks: Lithuania, Spain, France, Norway, and Indonesia  Alain and Dominique have traveled extensively, sharing their experiences and feelings, which will help me understand their motivations for practicing outdoor horseback riding for tourism purposes.  
Christine Foulon  Regular practitioner in France (horse riding and carriage driving), former TREC rider, and former president of an equestrian association: the Tamario network, an association that brings together horse enthusiasts, who are generally horse owners, by organizing various courses, including a number of trail rides.  With Christine's experience in TREC (Technique de Randonnée Équestre en Compétition, or Competitive Trail Riding Technique) and regular outdoor riding, she will be able to explain why riding outdoors is important and appealing to her. Her experience within the association will help us understand the motivations of outdoor riding enthusiasts and horse lovers.  
Fabienne Axelrad  An occasional rider and former eventing competitor, she has enjoyed equestrian tourism in France (in the Cotentin region), Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.  Fabienne, a former eventing rider who then turned to outdoor riding, will share the reasons that led her to "leave the arena" and ride in the great outdoors. In addition, Fabienne has had experiences in other countries that have allowed her to discover local cultures. Thanks to this, we will be able to try to understand what led to the choice of these particular destinations.    

[1] https://www.ffe.com/tourisme