I love dressage and everything it involves, but the way we treat one another online worries me.
Almost every riding video seems to attract someone ready to complain, criticize, and share their judgment across social media. What troubles me most is that many of these comments come from people within our own dressage community. Sometimes it feels like we’re pulling our sport apart from the inside.
When I look at eventing, rodeo, combined driving, Working Equitation, or barrel racing, I often see people supporting their sport as a whole. I’m sure they have disagreements, too, but I wish we showed more of that same unity in dressage.
Some of the negativity comes from fellow riders, and some comes from keyboard warriors who never have to face the person they’re criticizing. Either way, words have consequences.
We absolutely need to speak up for horse welfare and address harmful practices. But we can do that thoughtfully, with context and a willingness to educate. Personal attacks, backbiting, and searching for the worst in every ride don’t help our horses or our sport.
Before posting, ask yourself: If someone shared a video of my riding, what might the comments look like? Would I want my entire relationship with my horse judged by one imperfect moment?
We’re all human. We’re all learning. We can disagree, ask difficult questions, and expect good horsemanship while still treating people with respect.
Think beyond that quick comment and the satisfaction of hitting “post.” There’s a person on the receiving end, and our words can affect their confidence, livelihood, and life.
I want us to build a dressage community that puts horses first and gives people room to learn. That starts with how we speak to—and about—one another.