How Driveability Is Conceptualised in Harness Racing: Insights from Trainer and Driver Interviews

Within harness racing, the concept of driveability has received little scientific attention despite its apparent relevance to training, racing, and horse welfare. This study explored, through semi-structured interviews, how eight Swedish harness-racing trainers and drivers conceptualise driveability and relate it to performance, rein tension, equipment use, and horse welfare. The data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were developed: (1) calm training is key, (2) one cannot always influence driveability, and (3) equipment is a tool. Participants described a driveable horse as calm, attentive, and responsive to the driver’s signals. The findings suggest that driveability is best understood as a relational and context-dependent concept, shaped by training and ongoing interaction between driver and horse, while also being influenced by individual horse characteristics, situational conditions, and equipment use. Participants described both potential alignment and tension between welfare and performance. These perceived relationships require further investigation through independent assessment of practices and welfare outcomes.