Author(s): THORELL, G., HEDENBORG, S., SÄTRE, A., KRONBORG, M., RADMANN, A., BROMS, L., ANDERSSON, P., Institution: THE SWEDISH NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, Country: SWEDEN, Abstract-ID: 1033

Introduction
Environmental sustainability is an important issue for the sports sector. Climate change threatens the future of sports through factors such as extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, and reduced water resources. Most sports organizations are poorly equipped to assess and manage the risks associated with climate challenges (Orr & Inoue 2018). A lack of knowledge is one of the biggest barriers to implementing sustainable initiatives in the sports sector (Cury et al. 2022). In this study, we focused on equestrian sports, which have been criticized for their environmental impact. The aim of this study is to explore the challenges and opportunities that equestrian education institutions face concerning environmental sustainability.

Methods
This study applies the concept of Sport Ecology as a theoretical framework. Institutional theory is used to explain the factors that enable or hinder environmental adaptations. The study used a qualitative approach with two methodological strategies. First, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from equestrian education institutions and organizations (15=Sweden and 18=Norway). Second, 8 workshops were carried out.

Results
Overall, environmental challenges in equestrian education are perceived as being linked to economy, time, and knowledge. There is an interest in sustainability, and institutions feel they comply with legislation, yet they are aware that more can be done. Raising awareness and integrating sustainability further into daily activities is seen as necessary, as well as increasing reminders for pupils, staff, and visitors at facilities. Respondents recognize the need for stronger integration in curricula, exercises, and activities, involving pupils and staff while collaborating with stakeholders working on these issues.

Discussion
To address the challenges posed by climate change, strategic and well-planned solutions are required, with interdisciplinary collaboration playing a key role (McCullough et al. 2020). There is a growing need to enhance knowledge and implementation of sustainable practices in equestrian sports. Sport ecology provides a relevant framework for analyzing and improving how the equestrian sector can adapt to climate change and reduce its environmental impact. Fields such as sport management, sports psychology, leadership, and pedagogy offer theories and methods that can contribute to developing sustainable strategies for equestrian educations.

References
Cury, R., Kennelly, M., & Howes, M. (2022). Environmental sustainability in sport: a systematic literature review. European Sport Management Quarterly, 23(1), 13–37.

McCullough, B. Orr, M & Kellison, T. 2020. Sport Ecology: Conceptualizing an Emerging Subdiscipline
Within Sport Management. Journal of Sport Management, 34, 509-520

Orr, M., & Inoue, Y. (2018). Sport versus climate: Introducing the climate vulnerability of sport organizations framework. Sport Management Review, 22(4),