2004 Global Dressage Forum

The Happy Horse Mentally

Dr Eric van Breda, a specialist in comparative human and equine training and exercise physiology, emphasized that 'happiness' cannot be measured in equine athletes in the same way as in human athletes. A horse has no concept of training for a goal, and does not fill out questionnaires! As basic level, it can be described as the absence of stress, but "from a scientific point of view, measuring 'happiness' needs a lot more research, including out of competition testing and measurement."

Backing up the results of Rosie's survey of 700 small tour riders who noted zealousness, sensitivity and perseverance as necessary attributes for a horse to be success in dressage, reigning Olympic champion Anky van Grunsven added that in her experience of Bonfire and Salinero, the most sensitive horses are also the most spooky and nervous. She reinforced the importance of dealing with a potential negative side by building the horse's trust in a calm rider.

Van Breda also added that according to the survey, it was important that a happy horse can not be spooky, as fear is not associated with harmony, happiness, steadiness and trust.

Van Breda compared dressage to other late specialization sports, such as cycling and athletics, as these disciplines involve specific steps for the athlete to take. They include: Learning to train (daily routine), training to train (on the way to being an athlete), training to compete, training to win and finally retirement/retraining.

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

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