Dressage - the art of horse training to perform precise movements - raises welfare questions about training methods, bit use, and the pressure applied to horses in competitive contexts.
Dressage welfare sits at the intersection of tradition, high performance, and animal wellbeing. The sport's classical roots emphasise lightness, harmony, and the willing partnership of horse and rider. Contemporary competitive dressage sometimes departs from these principles in pursuit of extravagant movement that impresses judges. The FEI has strengthened welfare regulations but enforcement in warm-up arenas - where the most problematic training often occurs - remains difficult. The growth of ethical and positive reinforcement-based dressage demonstrates that excellence and welfare are compatible. Consumer and spectator pressure on governing bodies and sponsors to enforce welfare standards is one mechanism for change.