“I’m confident that there is no problem with correct training, but there are issues that need addressing. Short necks, tension and conflict behaviours can no longer be brushed off as the horse’s fault or personality. Judges need to be clear and certain about signs of tension. The signs of tension need reviewing and predetermined penalties ought to be issued for the various signs and levels of tension. Judges should recognise that they are ultimately custodians of the performance horse because the rewards they issue give direction to horse sports. They should have clear perceptions about how they might judge a flash moving, but tense horse, as opposed to a more average moving ‘happy’ one. Otherwise the sport of dressage becomes more of a meat market than a competition of training.”

“Our greatest responsibility is never forgetting that the horse’s welfare is paramount. Every horse trainer should always have an open mind about possible limitations and confusions in their training. Like all sports and performing arts, egos can get in the way, and ways of understanding can be severely hampered by closed mindsets. But when it comes to doing sports that involve animals, egos should count for nothing. It is a privilege to ride horses and remarkable that nature has evolved the possibility. Not for one moment should that be forgotten.”

Read more:

https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2014/12/principles-of-horsemanship-part-9-mentality/