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Dressage is an intricate equestrian discipline that has intrigued audiences for centuries. Also aptly known as horse ballet, dressage is a unique pursuit showcasing horses’ natural elegance and athleticism and the balance of movement and coordination between horses and riders.
This sophisticated riding discipline has a rich and colourful history rooted in military training drills. However, it has evolved into elaborate contests that attract the most skilled riders from around the globe. It should be noted, though, that this discipline sparks ongoing conversations and debates about its ethics and the well-being of horses involved in the sport.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the history and nuances of dressage and explore the ethical considerations set to shape its future over the coming years.
What is Dressage?
The term ‘dressage’ stems from the French expression for training animals, ‘dresser.’ It’s a demanding equestrian discipline requiring a high degree of skill from horses and their riders. In dressage, horses and riders perform a range of practised and choreographed movements. The focus is on delivering these movements with grace, elegance, and accuracy.
Today, the aim of dressage is to hone a horse’s natural athleticism, thereby enhancing its potential as a riding horse. The practice uses a clear training system to improve a horse’s obedience, balance, flexibility, and ability to pick up on cues from its rider. Once a horse is properly trained in dressage, it can respond smoothly to cues, showing an exceptional level of trust in its rider.
Dressage Levels
Dressage competitions involve a number of dressage levels, ranging from introductory dressage to Grand Prix competitions. Each level increases in complexity and requires more skill and training to perform successfully. The judges of these competitions evaluate every movement made by a horse and rider according to accuracy, precision, and overall harmony.
Some of the most common movements performed in these contests include the piaffe, the flying canter change, the shoulder-in, the thigh turn, the pirouette, the traversal, and the reverse. To execute these moves, you’ll need hours of practice in the saddle, the right gear, comfortable boots, and a horse that you’ve established a trusting relationship with.
The History of Dressage Explored
Horses have been used for military purposes for millennia. Military operations have long been physically challenging for horses, and they were used both for transport and logistics and as weapons in their own right. To train horses for these purposes, trainers had to focus on training that prioritised obedience, optimum reaction times, and a high degree of alertness.
The history of dressage stemmed from the German military directive H.Dv.12, which was created to train military squadrons. The equine sport used many similar training approaches as the directive did, adding a more theatrical ambience to entertain and engage audiences. After the development of dressage as a sport, the practice rapidly spread across the globe and became a mainstay in the world of equestrian disciplines.
Is Dressage Cruel? Understanding the Ethics
Horse sports, and dressage in particular, have long been the centre of ethical debates. Actions such as British dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin’s choice to withdraw from the 2024 Paris Olympics have also brought these issues into the spotlight.
Complicated Practices and Techniques
While dressage is generally intended to showcase the natural agility and grace of horses, the reality of the practice can be more complex.
Many dressage horses undergo rigorous training, which places significant physical and mental demands on them. Some opponents of dressage are concerned that these strict demands compromise equine wellbeing, especially in light of horses’ deep capacity for emotion and perception.
These strict and often intense training regimens, which are required to meet the exacting standards of the discipline, can create mental stress in horses, along with the risk of physical injury. Repetitive and prolonged bouts of exercise may even lead to chronic injury, while the psychological strain can cause persistent anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems.
Some trainers and riders also use controversial training techniques and riding tack. Approaches like Rollkur, which hyper-flexes a horse’s neck, may cause significant discomfort and pain, although intended to improve a horse’s performance. Tools like tight reins and bits, whips, and spurs have also come under scrutiny for potentially compromising horses’ dignity and wellbeing.
The Solutions
In today’s world, animal rights and wellbeing are increasingly being brought into focus. Dressage, while controversial in some cases, can still retain its reputation as a valued equestrian sport, provided practices and standards are adjusted to prioritise the health and wellness of horses at all times.
The animals involved should be treated with respect and protected from potentially harmful training methods and equipment. If bits or other training aids are used, they should be safe, properly fitted, and comfortable. This must be prioritised over medals, trophies, and dressage achievements.
Riders and trainers alike can help by advocating for more constructive and humane training methods, the use of non-harmful, quality gear and tack, and asking for strict regulations to prevent harmful practices within the sport.
These actions, paired with widespread recognition of horses' sentience and sensitivity, can preserve dressage's culture and heritage while ensuring the happiness and comfort of the animals on which it relies.
This approach may even improve the sport, helping to build a more respectful, trustful, and communicative bond between horses and riders and highlighting top equine brands that care for animal wellness. This can, in turn, enhance horses' performance on the stage across all dressage levels.
An Ethical Future for Dressage
Dressage is a unique and historical riding discipline that highlights the elegance and precision of horses and the beauty of the bond between equines and their riders.
Although there are ethical concerns regarding dressage training, riders who advocate for ethical practices can help to shape the future of this distinctive sport while ensuring the continued wellbeing of the horses they love.
At Ayr Equestrian, we have everything you need from trusted brands to keep your horse happy and healthy and ensure you both stay safe and comfortable while in the saddle.
