2004 Global Dressage Forum

The Happy Horse in Theory

Three presentations on the second day discussed the concept of "Happy Horse" in detail.

From Dirk Willem Rosie of the KWPN Studbook, and physiologist Dr Eric van Breda came a thought provoking scientifically based examination of how the horse can be a "happy athlete" and how that can be achieved.

Dirk Willem Rosie emphasized the role of correct physical conformation and temperament and stated: " It is the task of studbooks to realize these requirements and provide dressage riders with good horses " so that the horse is never over-demanded." For Rosie, "happiness" meant mainly a physical experience of happiness.

A correct uphill conformation proved to be vital for a horse to be happy in doing dressage. Lightness of the forehand is more easily achieved by long legged horses with a neck raised according to the degree of collection. Rosie indicated several key factors in the skeletal structure of the horse which generally lead to more successful dressage horses, such a more a flatter pelvis and a sloping femur to carry more weight on the hind legs.

Text by Eurodressage (partly FEI press release) - Images copyrighted: Dirk Caremans

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