Team dynamics and development of soft skills on equestrian and rodeo teams

Project Abstract

Soft skills, including conflict resolution, communication, and collaboration are important for team-building and are desired in the workplace. However, there is limited research on how team dynamics on equestrian teams affects soft skill development. The objective of this study was to determine how team dynamics on collegiate equestrian and rodeo teams impacted soft skill development. It was hypothesized that more positive perceptions of team dynamics, as modeled by leadership from coaches and captains, would result in greater soft skills development. Survey questions were created using a Google Form, and collected Murray State University Stock Seat, Hunt Seat, and Rodeo Team students' views on team dynamics and perceptions of soft skill development. There were 18 questions: 10 used a Likert-type scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree), 4 required short answers, and 4 pertained to demographics. The survey was available online for 4 wk, and a reminder was sent out at 2 wk. Due to low responses, only descriptive statistics were used. Participants slightly agreed that team leadership held members accountable for their actions (average 5.2) and modeled positive leadership behaviors (average 4.9), but were more neutral regarding team leadership not showing favoritism (average 4.2). This suggests that team dynamics were slightly, but not strongly, positive. Relative to soft skill development, respondents slightly agreed that involvement with the team made them a better team member (average 5.4) and included increased ability to collaborate and communicate (average 5.1, each). However, respondents were more neutral where conflict resolution was concerned (average 4.4). It is possible that the lack of positive feedback towards leadership contributed to lower scores in soft skill development. Results of this study could help equestrian and rodeo team coaches understand how team dynamics affect team members' soft skill development.

Conference

2026 National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics Annual Conference

Funding Type

Travel Grant

Academic College

Hutson School of Agriculture

Area/Major/Minor

Agriculture

Degree

Master of Science

Classification

Graduate

Name

Shea Porr, PhD.

Academic College

Hutson School of Agriculture

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