Abstract
Well-established in certain French regions, equestrian artists (AE) do not find themselves on the basis of a clearly defined profession. As part of a research project aimed at setting up professional training adapted to this public, the contribution focuses on understanding their activity. Based on the concepts of profession, professionalisation and test, and on 31 semi-directive AE interviews analysed with the IRaMuTeQ software, the results reveal 6universes of meaning that structure the world of AEs and give an understanding of their multiform activity. The discussion highlights the trials to be overcome in this tense world, the conditions for the emergence of the profession and the ongoing professionalisation process.