Horse Welfare in Competitive Dressage

Competitive dressage raises welfare concerns about training methods, equipment, and the psychological impact of repetitive drilling and high-pressure performance environments on horses.

Key Facts

Rollkur (hyperflexion of the neck) remains controversial, with evidence of physiological and psychological harm
Dressage horses work in collected, unnatural postures for extended periods
Spur marks, bit injuries, and stress-related behaviours are documented in competition horses
Some top competitors have faced sanctions for abusive training methods
Positive reinforcement training is gaining traction as an alternative to traditional pressure-based dressage training
The FEI has welfare codes but enforcement and transparency vary significantly

Welfare Considerations

Competitive dressage creates pressures that can compromise horse welfare, especially when training methods prioritise performance over the animal's psychological and physical state. Horses trained with harsh equipment or excessive force show measurable stress responses. Welfare-conscious training, transparent judging, and stronger regulatory oversight are needed to ensure dressage competition genuinely reflects harmonious horsemanship.

What You Can Do

Support calls for clear FEI bans on rollkur and abusive training practices
Choose equestrian events and trainers committed to welfare-first approaches
Advocate for mandatory steward welfare checks at dressage competitions
Learn about positive reinforcement-based dressage training
Report suspected welfare violations at equestrian events to the relevant national federation