It's time for a kinder equestrian sport – for both horse and rider
Something is happening in the world of equestrian sports. It has been simmering beneath the surface for many years, and the volcano truly erupted when the documentary about the dressage trainer who abused his horses was aired on TV. As expected, a lively debate followed about the horrific hidden footage now shown to the public, and it was easy for most to feel disgusted by the actions.
Once the initial storm subsided, a quieter but equally intense discussion has continued in comment sections, conversations, and notes in the stables. It flares up in specific issues at regular intervals, from how FEI judges riders who use visibly harsh aids to weight limits on riding school horses. The overwhelming majority of horse people agree that what is best for the horse should always take precedence, regardless of any hurt feelings or missed ribbons for humans.
Something has also shifted at the grassroots level in Sweden's horse community. The tone between riders has gradually become sharper, and it has long been joked that few are as quick to judge each other as horse people. A gray cloud has simply settled over a sport that hundreds of thousands of Swedes love, built on the joy and companionship with the most wonderful of all animals – the horse.
As we see it, there are two paths to choose from here: continue a downward spiral that could result in equestrian sports losing followers due to an unpleasant atmosphere, or, in the worst case, being banned altogether due to unethical treatment of horses. Or – the option we believe most would prefer: a collective course correction where we soberly review both our own behavior and that of others. Where we stop the sniping at each other and constructively support, encourage, and help each other towards a more sustainable equestrian sport.
This will not happen on its own. We must drive this change together. From riding schools that teach students about the horse's anatomy and how to ride in the most gentle and constructive way from the very beginning, to elite riders who actively take a stand for a healthy equestrian sport. And every step in between.
It also means that we as riders, officials, riding instructors, parents, and horse people, in general, are kind and supportive not only to our horses but also to each other. No one is perfect, and making mistakes is human. We should not let the pendulum swing to the other extreme, where we hold each other in such high regard that we become afraid to ride and develop.
Our hope is that together we can drive this course correction, both in the small moments – the conversations we have with each other in the stable aisles and in the riding school stands – and in the larger discussions, from social media comment sections to how elite riders train and compete with their horses. After all, what is the point of equestrian sports if not the privilege of experiencing collaboration and companionship with a creature as large yet sensitive as the horse?
We riders deserve it, and above all, our horses deserve it.
Ulrika Engellau and Linnea Sundell, founders of Fairly Rider AB – Ride Fair, Ride Happy.