Falling off for likes – how TikTok portrays risk in equestrian sport

Boije af Gennäs is conducting research into injuries in equestrian sports. In a new study, she and two fellow researchers at Malmö University have taken a close look at how injuries and risks associated with horse riding are portrayed on social media. More specifically, on TikTok and under the hashtag #ridingfails.

“The tone is more entertaining than serious. There are comical clips of young girls riding ponies or horses and falling off in various situations, often with funny music added,” she explains.

In the study, Boije af Gennäs analysed just over 60 clips and more than 6,700 comments under the hashtag. A central theme in the videos is to portray failures as a natural part of equestrian sport, and as something that makes you stronger. The riders also use classic narrative techniques – protagonist experiences hardship, overcomes the difficulty, then succeeds in quest – to show progression and that setbacks can be turned into success.

“In this case, the challenges involve an unruly horse and an inexperienced rider. Success may be portrayed as overcoming difficult obstacles, mastering new skills, or winning a competition,” says Boije af Gennäs.

Serious injuries are not made visible.

At the same time, video clips depicting serious injuries are very rare under #ridingfails, according to the researchers.

“Despite this, we see that several people describe having suffered serious injuries. The falls we see would probably lead to serious injuries such as concussions and fractures, but the fact that these injuries are not visible may be because the platform removes such content or because it does not fit in with the entertainment format.

The survey also shows that there are two distinct positions in the comments sections. Whilst many express sympathy and empathy, there are also vocal critics.

“There is a group that presents itself as a sort of self-appointed expert, whom we have chosen to call ‘TikTok trainers’. They may post comments about a rider’s poor technique or express concern about how the horse is faring.”

Increased awareness is important

The fact that the hashtag is generating engagement within the equestrian world comes as no surprise to Boije af Gennäs. However, she hopes that the study can help raise awareness of the images being conveyed to young riders on social media.

“There is no clear distinction between what happens in the stable and what happens on social media today. The federation, clubs and trainers who wish to promote a healthy stable culture and counteract risky behaviour therefore also need to take into account and understand the norms that are developing on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram,” she concludes.