Scandals forced dressage to change course: 'Change was necessary'

A noticeable shift towards more harmonious and relaxed riding has emerged in dressage, particularly evident during last summer's European Championships and continuing through World Cup finals and other international competitions. This positive trend, originating from the elite level, is gradually influencing the sport downwards.

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We had reached a point where change was necessary, otherwise we would have big problems within the sport.

Ronan Murphy, a key figure in the sport's ethical reform, notes the strong collective will to support these changes. He states, "We had reached a point where change was necessary, otherwise we would have big problems within the sport." However, he also highlights that the "Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission" (EEWB) had already begun its work before the high-profile incidents brought the issue to the forefront.

The Danish TV documentary "The Secrets of the Horse Billionaire," aired in November 2023, served as a catalyst, exposing harsh and even brutal training methods at Andreas Helgstrand's facility. This documentary reached a wide audience, generating massive criticism. Further scandals emerged from videos showing severe mistreatment of horses at the farm of American dressage rider and trainer Cesar Parra. The final straw came just before the Paris Olympics opening, with a video showing British star rider Charlotte Dujardin, as a trainer, repeatedly whipping a student's horse.

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The Danish TV documentary 'The Secrets of the Horse Billionaire,' which was shown in November 2023, became the starting point for the scrutiny of dressage.

Murphy expressed the shock and dismay felt by those involved in the sport, emphasizing that "our rules are built around the horse, and there is no place in our sport for horse abuse." While these incidents were shocking and do not represent the entire sport, they clearly indicated an urgent need for action. "We had already identified things we needed to change, especially around the assessment and evaluation of the sport. We had already started a strategic plan, but I think these incidents made it accelerate," Murphy added.

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I think all of us involved in the sport were shocked and dismayed. Our rules are built around the horse, and there is no place in our sport for horse abuse.

Despite the progress, Murphy stresses that the reform process is far from over. "We are satisfied with the direction the sport has now taken, but that does not mean we are finished. Although much has been done, there is still much to do," he said. He also acknowledged that dressage, like many sports, is conservative, and changes are often met with skepticism. The work, which seriously began two years ago, is expected to take time to fully implement.

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We had already identified things we needed to change, especially around the assessment and evaluation of the sport. We had already started a strategic plan, but I think these incidents made it accelerate.