A Review of the Appropriateness of Existing Micro- and Meso-level Models of Athlete Development within Equestrian Sport

The aim of this paper was to use a case study approach to review the appropriateness of existing micro- and meso-level models of athlete development within the sport specific context of equestrianism. At a micro-level the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model was chosen. At a meso-level, the Sport Policy factors that Lead to International Sporting Success (SPLISS) model was chosen with specific focus on Pillar 4 (talent identification and development systems). To assess the relevance or fit of these models, policy documentation from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) which includes information on athlete profiling and performance pathways were reviewed. Results from this study indicate that talent identification and development of the rider at the point of specialization (micro-level) and performance/competition pathways (meso-level) have a degree of synergy. However, due to the potential longevity of riders’ careers, and the required combination of an elite rider with an elite horse, it is difficult to map this at a senior level. The findings illustrate that due to these sport-specific variables, equestrianism does not ‘fit’ within these models and requires a unique ‘dual athlete – horse and rider’ talent identification and development system.