Horseback Riders Embark on a Journey to Well-Being

For several years now, the pursuit of well-being through sports and tourism has taken on considerable importance. The desire to feel free and in harmony with the environment around us is one of the main characteristics of this “well-being” promoted by our society. Through interviews with professionals and participants in equestrian tourism, we will demonstrate that equestrian tourism is a vehicle for well-being. Numerous studies highlight the benefits of outdoor sports for individuals. Similarly, equestrian activities—rich in benefits—offer a sense of freedom, a break from daily life, a departure from the social norms of the equestrian world, and a return to nature. These benefits are characterized by the relationship the rider has with their horse and the environment they explore. This leads us to ask: How does a return to nature through equestrian tourism enable 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, and then from modern to postmodern cultures, this evolution has given rise to the transmodernity movement, which aims to be a sophisticated blend of these different cultures within outdoor sports practices. The transmodernity of recreational outdoor activities is, therefore, a movement that aims to rethink the connections between sports, territories, tourism, and leisure (Corneloup, 2011). According to Perrin-Malterre (2012), sports practices characteristic of transmodernity develop out of a quest for immersion in the depths of nature. The goal is to become one with nature through a hybrid approach—a blend of different practice modalities—and to promote eco-friendly travel combined with a rediscovery of the magic in everyday places. To further his point, Corneloup (2011) emphasizes that the development of transmodernity revolves around well-being and a return to nature, which he identifies as the central elements of this movement.

As part of outdoor sports, the equestrian world cannot escape this trend toward transmodernity. Indeed, since the 1990s, recreational horseback riding has become more widely accessible (Aubert et al., 2011), which will benefit 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 aligns with the earlier remarks by Corneloup (2011), who highlights the new approach enabled by the transmodern movement regarding the links between sports, regions, tourism, and leisure. Equestrian tourism thus stems from the emergence of a new type of participant, whom Digard (1995) refers to as “new riders .” According to him, the motivations and expectations of this group differ significantly from those of the traditional equestrian community. The primary motivations among Digard’s (1995) “new riders” include: an attraction to the animal (90.3%), a desire for contact with nature (43.6%), the need for relaxation (39.2%), a new way of riding (34.4%), aesthetic satisfaction (10.4%), and social interaction (6.6%). Taken together, these data tend to demonstrate the importance of a connection with nature and the pursuit of well-being as motivators for equestrian tourism participants.

Riders on a Quest for Well-Being 

To better understand these “new riders’” pursuit of well-being, we can draw on the definition of health and well-being put forward by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and 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 participating in sports contributes not only to physical well-being (Bauduer et al., 2018), but also to psychological and social well-being (Kudelski, 2010). According to Gorichon-Baillet (1928), horseback riding—and, by extension, equestrian tourism—is no exception to this rule. In his view, horseback riding builds strength and flexibility while emphasizing muscle coordination during various movements. Beyond the physical benefits, contact with the horse is said to help maintain the rider’s psychological and emotional well-being. To supplement this, we can draw on the words of Laetitia Mermet, who states that “the horse helps one rediscover one’s social identity by restoring body image and body schema” (Mermet, 2012, p. 69). She refers to the social aspect of well-being, and more specifically to social integration through the practice of horseback riding. Unlike traditional horseback riding, which is governed by numerous norms, we can see that equestrian tourism incorporates unique features that contribute to well-being.

Tourism and Horses: Factors Contributing to Well-Being 

According to Proulx (2005), tourism is leisure time free from all obligations, during which the environment and the activities undertaken during the stay are freely chosen by the individual. With the goal of providing a break from daily life and distancing oneself from life’s negative aspects (stress, work, routine…), tourism is seen as a source of well-being because it allows individuals to restore their 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 set aside. Participants seek to rediscover themselves, learn to accept themselves as they are, and “reflect on their identity” (Proulx, 2005, p. 7).

Tourism also involves discovering a new place, a new culture, or a new activity. According to Proulx (2005), this discovery is characterized as an encounter with the “elsewhere.” Openness to the unknown is highly beneficial for the individual, as it provides a different perspective on life and the world. According to Van Pachterbeke (2011), open-mindedness involves a process of reflection, but also the individual’s ability to question their own assumptions while taking an interest in what they do not know. In equestrian tourism, the potential for encounters between different cultures can contribute to a reevaluation of 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 does not merely teach us to distinguish between works of art, customs, or languages belonging to different civilizations. It also serves to reconcile us with our societal values and to reinforce our collective beliefs and convictions” (Amirou, 1995, p. 7).

The relationship with a horse has beneficial effects on the individual: “Every human-animal relationship is unique, since it is an intimate encounter between two beings […] ” (Bouillon, 2018, p. 123). This relationship fosters a bond with the animal, and as you ride along the trails, that bond only grows stronger, creating a sense of adventure with the animal—an adventure shared by both of you.

The Influence of Nature on the Practitioner's Well-Being

Equestrian tourism also highlights the beneficial effects that the environment has on the human body. Studies have assessed the health benefits of various natural spaces. Visual or physical proximity to one of these spaces has beneficial effects on individuals (Serpantié et al., 2012). “Contact with natural areas appears 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 recreational activities on the human body.

Nature allows us to express our humanity without constraints, to live differently for a limited 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. It means feeling free to go wherever you want with your horse, at whatever pace you choose.

The emergence of the transmodern movement is closely linked to the rise 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 observe that these “new riders” promote their well-being—psychological, physical, and social—by reconnecting with nature through this activity. All of this brings us to our research question: How does this reconnection with nature, made possible by equestrian tourism, lead individuals to develop sensations that foster 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 precise data on the activity and its impact on those who participate in it. The goal of this method is to encourage members of the sample to share their feelings and personal motivations by describing their lived experiences. The chosen method was to conduct semi-structured interviews in order to create a reassuring environment for the participants and facilitate data collection. Eight interviews were conducted with riders who had extensive experience in equestrian tourism or who were regular participants in this activity. The interviews lasted between 30 minutes and 1 hour—an appropriate amount of time to obtain solid data that would allow for concrete findings. The data collected pertains to the motivations, feelings, and desired “effects” associated with equestrian tourism. To best structure the discussions with the participants, a pre-prepared interview guide served as the framework for the interviews. Unlike a questionnaire, the interview guide structures the questioning without influencing the interviewee’s responses (Vilatte, 2007). The interviews began with introductions to establish a climate of trust, after which various topics were addressed: the choice to engage in equestrian tourism, motivations, the various feelings that emerged, and the importance of nature for trail riders. My field study was limited to a few equestrian tourism enthusiasts and professionals who agreed to participate in these interviews. Given the circumstances of the first lockdown, which prevented all travel, I turned to social media platforms that bring together communities of equestrian tourism enthusiasts. A total of 8 interviews were conducted; the sample consisted of 2 men and 6 women with experience in equestrian tourism (see table of interviewee profiles, Appendix 1). The interviews were conducted remotely via telephone or videoconference due to constraints related to the COVID-19 pandemic. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis.

The unique experiences offered by equestrian tourism

Equestrian tourism offers participants unique sensations that cannot be found in other sports. Riding a horse creates sensations that are hard to explain; riders feel the animal’s slightest movements and its muscular mass shifting beneath them. All of this fosters a relationship of trust with the horse. This mode of travel allows you to go faster and cover more kilometers while riding your horse:

“Riding a horse allows you to go fast enough and slow enough to see things” and “to gain a different perspective”

 (Alain)

According to Grégory, equestrian tourism also offers the opportunity to put one’s riding skills into practice:

"When you take riding lessons in an indoor arena, I'd say you're learning to write, just as if you were learning letters and words. When you ride outdoors, you're learning to form sentences."

Finally, I created a diagram to summarize the feelings and emotions the interviewees experienced while participating in equestrian tourism.

Figure 1:Categories of sensations reported by respondents

Physical sensations:

Psychic sensations:

Moral sensations:

A Discrepancy Between Traditional Horseback Riding and Equestrian Tourism

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

“Once, when we were in Burgundy on a trail ride, we were boarding our horses at the Cluny stud farm, and so that evening (…) we found ourselves right next to an international show jumping competition and everything. We really felt like we were being stared at, looked down on as if we weren’t from the same world, even though I wanted to tell them, ‘Our horses don’t jump the bars that you jump, but what our horses have just done in a single day—passing 50 meters from the TGV without batting an ear, sometimes going under highways and through tunnels where the horse stays calm—your horses wouldn’t do that.’”

These standards are particularly evident in large equestrian facilities. Smaller facilities manage to attract both competitive riders and equestrian tourists. What’s different in the world of classical equestrianism is that there’s a lot of“show-off” behavior; with many “well-off” people who can afford to buy a €5,000 saddle, €300 sequined riding pants, an €800 riding helmet with Swarovski crystals, a €20,000 horse, and so on. There’s no point in having exorbitantly priced equipment—it has absolutely no impact on the performance of the rider or the horse. The traditional equestrian world is one that’s constantly judging. Trail riding is a kind of escape from the norms of traditional equestrianism.

A New Approach to Nature

The results also highlight the sense of freedom that comes with travel. Traveling on horseback allows you to reach more places—as Alain would say when explaining that horses have a certain “ability to traverse terrain” —and to that we can add what Grégory said:

"It lets you reach places you probably couldn't get to by car—and that would take much longer to reach on foot."

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

Discovering new landscapes is one of the reasons for practicing this activity mentioned by all respondents. The geography of the location matters: forests, the sea, mountains, plains… What came up frequently in these interviews were wide-open spaces, followed by mountains and foothills, and forests. Beyond these landscapes, what stands out most is the connection to nature—the desire to connect with it and experience the sense of well-being it provides. This sense of well-being translates into a different relationship with time and space for those who engage in this activity. As Caroline points out, equestrian tourism allows her to

"To step away for a bit from a society where everything is constantly changing."

Discovering other equestrian cultures, a certain open-mindedness

Discovering other equestrian cultures reveals a certain open-mindedness regarding 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, and everything is focused on the horse’s well-being:

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

(Emmy)

This also helps us realize that knowledge about horses is part of the culture of certain local communities and has been passed down through generations 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, yet he can tell whether a horse is lame or not just by the way he approaches it and touches it.”

(Gregory)

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

"Arriving in a village on horseback isn't the same as arriving in a big Toyota 4x4."

(Alain)

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

“Money rolling in because you have a camera and all that. I think the big difference is that you have the money—you’ve got the cash in your pocket for the plane ticket to get there and back—while they don’t even have a plane ticket to come 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. I have to tip my hat to the people who live there—it’s beautiful, it’s magnificent, but it’s a harsh environment.”

(Alain)

Equestrian tourism is an activity that allows people to discover an equestrian culture, another community, or another breed of horse. It offers an opportunity to learn about their way of life, their riding style, and, more broadly, as Fabienne put it, “their means of survival” (Fabienne). The overall consensus from most of these interviews on the subject is that, for traditional equestrian cultures, equestrian tourism will be the activity that enables discovery:

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

(Christine),

“In some cultures, if you don’t get up close and personal with the horses—in Mongolia, for example—you might meet the Mongolians, but you won’t get a feel for their culture. You’ll meet people, but you won’t learn about their culture.”

(Gregory)

Through equestrian tourism, riders learn about the local way of life, the local way of riding horses, and, more broadly, as Fabienne put it, the “search for authenticity.” This applies particularly to respondents who have traveled abroad. However, for those who hope to do the same one day, this discovery of a culture and its people—and of a specific breed of horse—will tip the scales in favor of one country over another. Meeting other people—whether encountered during the trek or when riders arrive at their lodging, in France or abroad—is a major motivation for going on a trek. This is also what inspired Christine to start her organization: to meet new people and connect with fellow horse enthusiasts.

For some of those surveyed, the desire for adventure and the athletic aspect of hiking play a role in their search for a destination or a place. Emmy is looking for a challenge in her trek across the Alps. Sylvette prefers to “hit the road” and is driven to discover what lies ever further ahead; with her map in hand, she enjoys testing herself against the elements around her. For Alain , it’s a way to “test himself.” Several other criteria also emerged, though they are specific to each person’s experiences and preferences: refining a particular riding style, curiosity (Gregory), seeking tranquility, being alone with her horse (Sylvette), seeking thrills (Caroline and Emmy), taking one’s time (Christine), and traveling without producing any pollution (Marie Blanche).

Equestrian tourism: a break from the routine

Equestrian tourism is often chosen by horse enthusiasts. One might wonder why this particular activity—and why not opt for riding at a riding center, or traditional, classic horseback riding? Equestrian tourism is a unique experience. In fact, it offers sensations that aren’t found in traditional horseback riding. First of all, the relationship with the horse is different. Going on a trail ride with a horse reveals different aspects of its behavior. “Confronted very regularly with new environments, the horse’s curiosity and exploratory behavior, its surprise at new situations, and its tendency to seek familiarity with them are all avenues through which the horse can build a relationship with humans” (Loo and Guilmot, 2003). Every situation encountered and overcome with your horse strengthens your bond with the animal. You must learn to anticipate even the slightest of its reactions and try to remain calm, keeping your emotions in check, 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 sense it and become stressed as well. The horse’s presence forces us to control our emotions and work on ourselves. This is also why horses are used in therapy for people with intellectual disabilities—a practice more commonly known as equine-assisted therapy. Engaging in equestrian tourism is a genuine 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 personal growth that provides psychological well-being, because ultimately the rider learns to relax and refocus their mind on the horse and its surroundings (to anticipate any situations where the horse might become frightened).

The second important sensation for someone participating in equestrian tourism is the horse’s movements. Knowing that you’re on an animal weighing about 500 kg can be scary, but feeling it move and sensing all its muscles as it exerts itself builds mutual trust. If the horse decided to throw us off, it could do so with ease; the fact that everything goes smoothly creates a sense of closeness with the animal—a special bond. These sensations cannot be experienced in any other sport, as horseback riding is the only sport where one rides on the back of a living creature. The data collected suggests a rejection of the norms imposed in the traditional equestrian world, in favor of connecting with one’s own sensations, the horse, and nature. To understand this, one must view the traditional equestrian world as a society governed by numerous norms: being the best, having the best horse, having the most beautiful horse, having the best saddle, the best equipment… This translates into a rejection of classical horsemanship, which takes place in enclosed spaces such as the indoor arena or outdoor riding arena—what Sylvette calls the “sandbox.” Equestrian tourism offers a way to step away from these social pressures . At the same time, it is worth noting the influence of these social pressures on health and well-being, which may drive riders to engage in equestrian tourism. “The ‘need to return to nature,’ the ‘search for well-being and health,’ and the ‘increase in leisure time’ contribute significantly to the development of these tourism practices, which are characterized by a certain indifference to seasonality and take place year-round.” (Siau, 2007, p. 18). Social pressure related to health may influence them to engage in physical activity in order to stay healthy. In the equestrian world, the discipline that embodies the characteristics of a wellness practice is equestrian tourism. It offers physical, mental, and social fulfillment.

We also find the concept of a break, which often comes up among equestrian tourism enthusiasts. This activity offers a way to escape daily life and routine and provides a chance to “get some fresh air.” As Le Clanche (2018) points out, this concept of a break allows for “disconnection” and “a change in lifestyle”; it is time for oneself. For example, if we consider the definition of itinerancy, it is described as “quasi-constant mobility over a non-daily period,” explains Leroux S. (2007). There is a very specific relationship to time and space, as Christine points out:

 "I am going to experience a different environment and a different sense of time."

(Christine)

It is a time for oneself, when we can bring out our human values. This time can also be used to test ourselves, push our limits, and try new things. During some interviews, I observed a desire to push one’s limits and a quest for adventure in equestrian tourism. Through immersion in nature, some people seek to experience an adventure or take on a challenge, which is more a part of sports culture than of pushing one’s limits (Queval, 2001). Those who prefer challenges, like Emmy, who wants to cross the mountain ranges in the Alps:

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

(Emmy)

There is a desire to surpass oneself that, according to Queval, is characterized “by feats and achievements. Among other things, it provides heroes to a society that is constantly seeking role models” (2001, p. 49).  This personal time, no matter how one spends it, inevitably contributes to psychological well-being by setting aside all the obligations of daily life, leading to “a change, a transformation, an evolution of the self” (Pavie, 2014, p. 74).

Unique experiences that contribute to well-being

Equestrian tourists are drawn to this activity not only for the connection with the horse but also for exploring the countryside—and, above all, for the sense of well-being it provides. The horse is a silent mode of transportation; the only sounds heard are those of nature and its wildlife. The environment is a source of immense value, and engaging in equestrian tourism in a setting one loves fosters a sense of well-being. Nature appears to be a refuge, a place where one feels at ease, far from social tensions and urban pollution—a feeling amplified by the media (Kalaora, 2001). This supports the idea that closeness to nature is beneficial for individuals, as we discussed in the theoretical framework. Furthermore, the horse has its own advantage: its scent masks ours, allowing us to approach wildlife much more easily, as Fabienne points out:

"You can even get close to the animals."

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

“It feels like we’re explorers. When I say ‘explorers,’ I mean we met gold prospectors, we met geologists, we climbed volcanoes—in some places we had to walk carefully because it was dangerous; you had to put your feet exactly where he put his, 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 enjoyment” (Corneloup, 2013, p. 43). He explains that nature is the ideal place to express one’s humanity. It is clear that participants maintain a contemplative relationship with nature, which fosters an ecological awareness—if one did not already exist. The journey unfolds at nature’s own pace; the participant stops to contemplate and then continues on. During this journey, the dimensions of time and space are experienced differently. Equestrian tourism unquestionably fits the definition of Slow Tourism; indeed, we can add that horseback riding is a mode of travel that allows one to maintain a steady pace without too much effort, and which consequently enables the rider to contemplate the surrounding landscapes. This characteristic aligns with Slow Tourism, a concept highlighted by Babou and Callot (2013, p. 90): “Engaging in tourism at a slow pace ensures a renewal of the self (both 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 during their journey. By covering long distances, equestrian tourism allows travelers to relax and learn more about the local culture while minimizing their negative impact on flora and fauna, as well as on local residents (Hallem et al., 2020). Well-being stems from the experience itself, interaction with locals, support of local businesses, and connection with nature. It allows people to recharge and take the time to live life to the fullest (Bourdeau, 1994).

Life experiences contribute to an individual’s well-being. By definition, equestrian tourism also involves discovering new cultures, which fosters an open mind. This contributes to psychological and mental well-being. Traveling on horseback offers a unique way to engage with local people and their culture. Alain explains, in particular:

"Arriving in a village on horseback isn't the same as arriving in a big Toyota 4x4."

(Alain)

It is the tourist’s unassuming approach that will facilitate contact with local people, and in certain cultures—particularly those with a strong equestrian tradition—as Gregory says:

"If you don't get up close and personal with horses—in Mongolia, for example—you might meet Mongolians, but you won't get a feel for their art. You'll meet people, but you won't learn about their culture."

Discovering another culture also means discovering a different approach to horses—what role horses play in that culture. For example, Emmy explains that in Finland, they are ahead of the curve when it comes to ethology and animal welfare, whereas in other countries, horses are a means of survival. This immersion in local cultures has instilled—particularly in Dominique, Alain, Fabienne, and Gregory, who have traveled to countries of varying levels of poverty—a certain humility and sensitivity toward what they have witnessed:

"It puts things into perspective when it comes to the people you meet and the way we ride."

(Gregory)

These observations show us that interacting with the locals helps riders gain a new perspective on how people live in a challenging environment. But it also gives them a new perspective on their knowledge of horses: these people don’t take riding lessons as is commonly done in France; instead, their knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation and gained through lived experiences:

 “He [the farmer] can tell whether the cow is lame or not just by the way he approaches her and touches her.”

This encounter with other cultures prompts reflection on the equestrian worldview, as well as the opportunity to take a step back and question one’s own assumptions. Learning from others, drawing inspiration from new experiences, and broadening one’s horizons all contribute to well-being. Every travel experience can lead to changes in and influence one’s lifestyle (Andereck et al., 2011). We are confronted with new ways of doing things and living; these encounters are a constant source of learning. Interactions with locals serve as a vehicle for socialization, fostering exchanges: “Confrontation with the outside world, the unfamiliar, and the foreign allows the individual to experience the structural plurality that lies dormant within each of us. Wandering is, ultimately, an important vehicle for socialization” (Maffesoli, 1997, p. 148). Traveling is seen as a remedy, a time for oneself, to learn from others, and a time to step away from one’s daily routine.

It is within this transmodern movement in recreational practices that a new sports ethic has emerged, one centered on well-being and humanity’s relationship with nature (Andrieux, 2013). According to Corneloup, we can observe the emergence of new styles of practice “that reflect specific customs based on the chosen and internalized ethics” (2013, p. 46) of horseback riding. These, combined with the growing enthusiasm for nature and the sense of well-being it provides, are drawing tourists toward equestrian tourism. This encounter with the external world in the broadest sense—and the learning that results from it—leads me to discuss bodily ecology. This encounter with the external world helps stimulate and raise awareness of the environment and living things, thereby fostering the development of ecological sensitivity (Jay, 2014). “Bodily ecology is found in practitioners who immerse themselves in environments that have altered their understanding of the ecosystem and the body’s modes of action in these real-world situations. ” (Andrieux, 2014, p. 33). This immersion in another culture changes our perspective, prompts us to reflect on our way of life so that we can modify it and contribute to sustainable development. It represents a genuine shift in awareness and an improvement in quality of life.

Conclusion

The transmodern nature of these practices helps bridge the gap between sports and the environment. Today, outdoor sports have become more accessible to everyone; participation is on the rise and is firmly embedded in our daily lives. In addition to physical activity, there are environmental benefits that contribute to participants’ well-being. Equestrian tourism is one of many outdoor activities and therefore reaps these benefits. Furthermore, there are additional benefits stemming from the relationship between the rider and the horse. This activity offers individuals numerous benefits: freedom, open-mindedness, a break from daily life, a respite from social pressures, the chance to take one’s time, contact with nature, and, of course, the bond with the animal. All these benefits contribute to the overall well-being (psychological, physiological, and social) of trail riders.

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Appendix: Profile of the Sample Population

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