Dressage aims to develop horse movement and partnership but controversial training methods including hyperflexion (Rollkur) raise serious welfare concerns. Welfare-conscious training produces better outcomes for horse and rider.
Dressage welfare concerns arise from training methods that prioritise submission and movement quality over horse wellbeing. A horse that appears compliant and performs technically demanding movements is not necessarily in positive welfare - submission can be achieved through pain and fear as well as through genuine partnership. Welfare-positive dressage is characterised by relaxation (loose lower jaw, swinging back, forward-thinking movement), willingness (offering movements, not resistant) and positive emotional state. The horse's welfare should be the first evaluative criterion - beautiful movement achieved through harsh training is not admirable.