Humans, Horses and Events Management

There is considerable research on equestrian sport, but virtually none on equestrian events. Similarly, while event management is well covered by the literature, few consider how non-human attendees can affect management issues. This book forms a contribution to two fields, using the National Championships of the Icelandic Horse as an extended case study to explain in depth the process of managing an event, as well as the larger theoretical implications of event management.

Drawing on diverse viewpoints and theoretical perspectives, the book draws wider comparisons to connect event management to larger themes in the social sciences, such as: human-animal relations; nationalism; place branding; economic impacts; event experience; and inclusion and exclusion. In relation to human-animal studies, it focuses on how the horse breed is marketed and celebrated through top-tier competition, whereas from an events management perspective, it considers the role of the event in community building, the practical aspects of running a sustainable equestrian event, and the issues that arise in multispecies event contexts.

This book:
- Uniquely draws together events management and human-animal studies.
- Formed from empirical research conducted by a multinational team of event management and tourism researchers.
- Uses a single, extended case study to explore a range of themes and issues, both empirically and theoretically.

A valuable resource for researchers of event management, human-animal studies and tourism, this book also provides an in-depth look at end-to-end event management for industry professionals.