GROSS MOTORIC SKILL TRANSFORMATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH TRADITIONAL HORSE RACING
Ihlas, Yufiarti, Edwita
UNIVERSITAS NEGERI JAKARTA
Abstract
This study aims to explore and identify the stages of transformation of gross motor skills of early childhood through traditional horse racing games in the people of Dompu district, Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods. The research subjects consisted of 6 (six) young jockeys aged 5-10 years and 7 (seven) horse owners. Data is collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Findings: Horse racing is a traditional game of the Dompu-Indonesian community that serves as a means of transforming gross motor skills in early childhood aged 5-10 years. The results of this study indicate that the transformation of gross motor skills for children through traditional horse racing games takes place through four stages, namely watching, motivating, trying, and practicing. The transformation of gross motor skills is carried out with the guidance of friends and adults. The place for transformation of gross motor skills starts in the river when bathing horses, then exercises regularly in the fields, on the seafront, and in the arena of the official racetrack. Previous research shows that horse riding can be a way to help develop physical motor skills of children, especially children with autism and down syndrome. Horses can be an intervention and therapy tool for children with special needs. While the traditional tradition of horse racing in Dompu can be a place of conservation of local culture, namely preserving culture to continue to live as a cultural heritage and regional identity. This study informs that the development of gross motor skills of children can be carried out since 5 years old children through traditional horse racing games. Riding a horse assisted by adults can help cure autistic children and down syndrome. This research can also be a reference for early childhood education practitioners to create a special school for children who have a hobby of riding horses.
Keywords: gross motor skills, early childhood, horse racing
Topic: Sport Science and Technology