Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study investigated factors influencing Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) LGBTQ+ riders’ perceptions of inclusion, safety, and belonging, with the hypothesis that teams with diversity and inclusion policies would be perceived as more accepting. An online survey was developed to gather information from self-identified LGBTQ+ IHSA students. Questions covered demographics, team environment, and perceived inclusivity within their equestrian programs. Question types included multiple choice, Likert-type, short answer, and open-ended. IHSA coaches were asked to share the survey link with team members. Students were able to respond anonymously. The survey was open for 8 weeks. Reminders were sent out at 3 and 6 weeks to encourage participation. There were 43 responses representing seven of eight IHSA recognized zones. Three were dropped because they did not self-identify as LGBTQ+. Due to a low response rate, quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data using thematic analysis. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their teams were inclusive (82.5%), and reported no instances of discrimination (82.1%). Over half (57.9%) of the respondents stated that their team had policies or statements about diversity and inclusion. Four primary themes emerged from the qualitative data: 1) the absence of overt discrimination but the presence of subtle discomfort, 2) conditional safety and belonging dependent on local team culture rather than IHSA as an organization, 3) identity management strategies, including selective disclosure and concealment, and 4) individualized rather than institutional support. Overall, findings suggest that although many IHSA environments, such as local teams or regional events, were perceived as welcoming, inclusion was inconsistent and shaped by interpersonal dynamics, institutional context, and traditional norms within equestrian sport. While policies, education, and leadership engagement may play critical roles in fostering safer and more affirming experiences for LGBTQ+ collegiate riders, further research is needed to confirm.

Year manuscript completed

2026

Year degree awarded

2026

Author's Keywords

LGBTQ+, Equine, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Survey

Degree Awarded

Master of Science

Department

Agriculture

College/School

Hutson School of Agriculture

Dissertation Committee Chair

Kristy Guffy

Thesis Advisor

Sheal Porr

Thesis Co-Advisor

Thomas Powell

Committee Member

Abigail Cox

Document Type

Thesis

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