23/08/2024
Well, I said a few weeks ago that I would write more about the issues raised by the Charlotte Dujardin video.
The initial shockwaves have passed, many opinions have been given, and I suspect that I, like countless others, have been left wondering where this leaves us all as riders and competitors, but above all, horse lovers.
Firstly, let me say that some social media groups were adamant that the Equestrian side of the Olympic games would be full of cruel horrors, and set about pointing out every single imperfect moment to all who would join their 'battle- cry'.
Of course, there were some moments now and again, where things could have been more harmonious.
But by and large, I saw a change in the feel of these games as far as the riders were concerned; in the way they managed tension, (maybe inevitable in such a huge atmosphere) and in what they tried to achieve with their riding. Notably more ' open frames' and some produced a really beautiful picture.
Team GB was, of course, amazing. I don't think we could ever know the immense pressure they all rode under after the terrible revelations that happened just prior to the Games.
I do think that change is in the wind - change for the better, and that, like the aftermath of the Covid Pandemic, things will never quite be the same again.
This is good, I feel, as, into our 'old normal' had crept too many tense, 'leg-moving' horses, too much backward rein contact, too much 'accepted stress' in our horses, and definitely too much use of pressure to achieve a certain result.
Also too much rollkur, tight nosebands and tight curb chains, none of which sit comfortably with the public, let alone fellow equestrians.
So what can we hope for in our 'new normal'?
Well, I certainly think that the right discussions are being had - but are our governing bodies coming to the right conclusions?
The initial silence from the FEI did nothing to reassure us that 'things will be different from now on...'
Much like The Queen's silence after the death of The Princess Of Wales, the FEI's prolonged pause certainly didn't scream ' Right then! We can't have this sort of behaviour' - but more sort of murmured in the background ' now what are we going to do to mitigate this damage?'
I do think though, that what is becoming very clear is that we can't simply put our heads in the sand and blindly assume that riding horses will always be an ok thing to do just because it always has been.
The phrase ' sleepwalking into disaster' comes to mind, and now more than ever, we need to not just be seen to be advocating for our horses - but actually finding more ethical, empathetic ways to train them.
In our daily work with our equine partners, we need to give clear, well thought out cues for what we want, and give time for the horse to understand and build confidence in giving the desired response.
I also think that the whole CDJ episode has certainly given me (and hopefully all of us) much to think about, as both a rider and a trainer.
Specifically, how we apply 'pressure' - of rein or of leg - and our feel for timing as to when to remove that pressure.
These, if you like, 'micro-decisions' are going on constantly while we ride, and I have questioned myself about these decisions whilst riding and coaching.
For example - how much leg pressure is enough? Now, hang on, hang on, before anyone gets all righteous, I (we) know it SHOULD be light. We know a horse can feel a fly land on them.
In the fantastic land where unicorns fly, and all horses respond instantly to the lightest of touches, every time a cue is given, and never ever question what we have asked, I am sure this is true.
But, of course, that isn't always the case.
I think each rider needs to already have their limits set in their minds BEFORE they give any aid - how far will you go if that feather light touch should need some back up?
A touch with the whip? A firmer nudge with the leg? To what degree? We each have our own 'hard limits' (remember Fifty Shades of Grey??) - the places we absolutely won't go to. I know I do.
Has anybody else thought about this in the wake of that shocking video?
How many of us have revised our previous plan, or even thought consciously about it?
I know what I think is fair as a 'back up aid to the one that didn't work'.
I also know that if that then doesn't work I may well have asked my horse the wrong question, or asked in the wrong way, or, more likely, asked when either his mind or his body is not yet prepared or conditioned to get that answer right.
As always, it is our responsibility to get it right for our horses, and this deeply conscious thinking process is leading me to develop (hopefully) better, more empathetic training techniques (in a quest which never stops).
For me, the groundwork plays such a huge part in helping the horse to be prepared - we can guide him to desired responses with a little forethought and planning.
As for what will happen now in the wider equestrian community, I do not know.
Some factions seem hell bent on outlawing dressage - do they not think that other forms of riding will follow?
If we do not ride horses, how many would be suitable 'pets'?
How many people would choose such an expensive pet?
We may then be facing a horrendous situation where horses are abandoned, euthanased, or neglected in a field somewhere.
If only we could be more conscious of the repercussions of our words and what we seem to be heading towards.
We have really only one hope - more positivity, more kindness, more intelligent thought and education.
The 'Negative Nellies' of social media sites, can probably not now be silenced whilst they hurtle us all towards the death of 'the right to ride'.
All we can do is have openness, and honesty within our sports, and a charter maybe from our governing bodies that has some proper teeth. (And it does need proper teeth).
Bans, financial penalties, and disciplinary committees, with findings made public, WOULD have an impact.
But they really have to all be a bit more swift and decisive - come on FEI! Do something!
Maybe things would then swing the other way for a while before finally finding a sensible middle ground - but rather that then turn a blind eye to equine suffering.
For ourselves, as individuals, we CAN fight back against the awful wave of negativity.
Positive, well balanced articles have been appearing recently, in no way defending wrong - doers, but really making factual statements and informed comments about horse training, so that understanding of the real issues is highlighted.
If you see one of these lovely articles, based in fact not fiction, then share the heck out of it!
An in our 'own backyards' seek always to improve our knowledge.
Put horses before sport always, and take more time with training.
My friendship with my horses runs deep - and I'm not ready to give that up.
I hope I have given rise to a little discussion? (People who play nicely only).
Happy horsing everyone this weekend!
