Dressage leaders to meet to address the sport's future
Horse & Hound|February 22, 2024
Stakeholders say recent high-profile cases of horse abuse are a "wake-up call" for the sport's future
BECKY MURRAY
Dressage leaders to meet to address the sport's future

DRESSAGE stakeholders have described recent cases of horse abuse as a “wake-up call” – and a meeting is planned to discuss how to address the challenges.

On 14 February the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) published an open letter on its website to the FEI written by the IDRC, International Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC), and International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC).

The letter stated that the “whole world has now witnessed issues of welfare and terrible cruelty within our wonderful sport”.

“It is correct that cruel practice is exposed, and the influence of social media makes this immediate. By the same token, social media exacerbates negative influence, and it needs to be turned to a positive,” it read. “The reality is that our sport has now been put at serious risk; the behaviour of the minority has been a gift to critics of our sport.

“It has offended any decent human being with love and respect for animals as living creatures. They come first; not the ego of individuals or money. The perception of the sport has been damaged and we need to make a joined-up concerted effort to remedy it.”

Denne historien er fra February 22, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra February 22, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HORSE & HOUNDSe alt
'Is it time for a scheduling rethink?'
Horse & Hound

'Is it time for a scheduling rethink?'

Ronnie Lee Jones on calendar clashes and the growing trend of leasing

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Bloodstock auctioneer
Horse & Hound

Bloodstock auctioneer

Shirley Anderson-Jolag on a background in performing arts, practising with her dog and imposter syndrome

time-read
3 mins  |
January 23, 2025
'You could put your granny on him'
Horse & Hound

'You could put your granny on him'

Losing your confidence, or not having much to begin with, can be both frustrating and traumatic. Alex Robinson meets riders who have pushed through barriers, aided by some special horses

time-read
7 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Nielson nails it
Horse & Hound

Nielson nails it

An exciting new partnership seals grand prix honours and several riders come to the fore on unexpected catch rides

time-read
5 mins  |
January 23, 2025
What's that noise?
Horse & Hound

What's that noise?

Diseases of the upper airway are colloquially known as problems with the horse's “wind”, and often manifest as noise. Phil Cramp MRCVS explains

time-read
6 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Oliver Townend
Horse & Hound

Oliver Townend

A man who'd prefer to let his horses do the “talking”, the nine-time five-star winner sits down with Catherine Austen to discuss the inimitable Ballaghmor Class and why he considers horses his true mates

time-read
7 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Happy groom, happy horse
Horse & Hound

Happy groom, happy horse

Top grooms give Charlie Fiset an insight on how the best employers help them thrive in the work they love, and how to recruit quality employees

time-read
7 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Pocket rocket springs a surprise
Horse & Hound

Pocket rocket springs a surprise

Annabel Widdowson launches her 2025 campaign with a double qualification and a 15.2hh mare is flying

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
'I viewed myselfas a girl - no match for the men'
Horse & Hound

'I viewed myselfas a girl - no match for the men'

Geraldine Rees on her historic ride in the 1982 Grand National and her knack of finding sympathy with tricky horses

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Soegaards Bon Royal
Horse & Hound

Soegaards Bon Royal

Laura Tomlinson's grand prix star took her back to London for the first time in eight years and looks set for a bright future. Oscar Williams meets him

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025