Do sport tourists’ perceived risks affect their involvement and intention to (re)visit? An empirical study for risk-reduction strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate what factors have a significant effect on equestrians’ participation in equestrian tourism. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology was quantitative research data analysis. Survey questionnaires (perceived risk, involvement, and intention to (re)visit questions) were developed based on pertinent previous studies. A main study was conducted in West Texas in the USA with college students. Findings – This study found that the perceived risk factors significantly affected involvement factors and, in turn, affected intention to (re)visit in equestrian tourism. Originality/value – Although equestrian tourism has many positive effects on tourists such as health benefits as well as local economies, equestrian tourism in the USA is considered one of the least favorite leisure sports compared to other sports activities. Consequentially, there are few studies related to equestrian tourists, this paper adds to a currently niche area of study.