Dressage, often described as the ballet of equestrian sports, showcases the grace and precision of horse and rider as they perform complex movements. However, behind the elegant facade, concerns about animal welfare have sparked a growing debate about the ethics of training practices in dressage. The use of tools such as whips, spurs, and tight nosebands has raised questions about the line between acceptable training and abuse. This article explores the dark side of dressage, shedding light on controversial practices and the ethical implications for horse welfare.
Tools of the Trade: Training or Torment?
1. Whips and Spurs
Whips and spurs are commonly used in dressage to communicate commands and encourage specific movements. While these tools can be used gently, there is a fine line between encouraging performance and inflicting pain. High-profile cases, such as the suspension of Olympic rider Charlotte Dujardin after being filmed whipping a horse, highlight the potential for abuse. Dujardin admitted the incident was "out of character," yet it underscores the pressure to perform at elite levels, sometimes leading to questionable training methods.
2. Nosebands and Bits
Nosebands and bits are standard equipment in dressage, used to control the horse’s head and mouth movements. However, when tightened excessively, they can cause significant discomfort, leading to conditions like "blue tongue," where restricted blood flow results in a lack of oxygenated blood reaching the tissue. Overly tight nosebands can create physical and psychological stress for the horse, raising ethical concerns about their use.
3. Rollkur and Hyperflexion
Rollkur, or hyperflexion, is a controversial technique where a horse's neck is forced into an exaggeratedly bent position. While intended to develop suppleness and flexibility, this practice can cause long-term physical harm and distress. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has banned Rollkur, yet its use persists, sometimes under the guise of permissible techniques. Critics argue that such methods prioritise appearance over the animal's well-being.
The Ethical Debate: A Question of Respect and Agency
1. Understanding Horses' Needs
Supporters of traditional training methods argue that experienced trainers understand horses' needs and work within the animals' comfort zones. They claim that a strong bond between horse and rider is essential and that proper training respects the horse’s natural behaviours and limits. As Sarah Arnot Mulhern, an amateur eventer, states, "You cannot get an animal that weighs 500 to 600 kilos to do something it doesn’t want to."
2. Criticism from Animal Welfare Advocates
On the other side, animal welfare advocates, such as Dr. Eva Van Avermaet and Julie Taylor, argue that many training practices in dressage cause unnecessary pain and fear. They contend that tools like whips and spurs should only be used minimally and never to inflict harm. The visible discomfort and stress in some horses during competitions and training sessions suggest that welfare standards need to be reevaluated.
3. Beyond the Arena: Broader Ethical Considerations
Some voices in the debate, such as José De Giorgio-Schoorl of Learning Animals, question the very premise of using horses for sport. They argue that training, regardless of its methods, inherently compromises the horse’s agency and autonomy. This perspective challenges the traditional view of horses as partners in sport, suggesting instead that they should be allowed to live free from human-imposed demands.
The Way Forward: Rethinking Dressage Practices
As awareness of animal welfare issues in dressage grows, there is a pressing need for the sport to "get its house in order," as veterinary ethologist Prof. Paul McGreevy puts it. This includes stricter enforcement of existing regulations, better education for trainers and riders, and a cultural shift towards prioritising the well-being of horses over competitive success.
The debate over the ethics of dressage is far from settled. While some argue for more humane training techniques, others question the fundamental ethics of using horses in sport. As the conversation continues, it is crucial for the dressage community to critically assess its practices and make necessary changes to ensure the welfare of the animals at the heart of the discipline.