When you see a horse that can’t standstill to be mounted, but it can execute high level dressage movements, do you consider it a well trained horse?
When you see a horse that won ribbons in cutting, but it can’t stand relaxed in the arena, how do you rate its education?
When you see a horse that’s great to ride on a trail but leaves the moment you return it to the paddock and remove the halter, what do you think about its training?
What does it say about a dressage horse that loses its mind when ridden on a trail?
Is it possible to say that a horse that can’t stand still for a farrier, but can perform highly collected movements is a well trained horse?
I remember watching a dressage competition where the winner of the Grand Prix test could not control her horse as the judge approached to place a rosette on the bridle. It cantered sideways out of the arena despite the rider doing everything she could to stop it.
Where is the line between training a horse to perform tricks and good horsemanship. Should all training teach a horse to be just as comfortable to ground tie or cross a puddle or open gates as it is to teach high level movement? Is there a line between teaching a horse everyday things and teaching them specific performance tasks? Should our Grand Prix dressage horse be safe with a kid on its back? Should our kids pony be okay to chase a polo ball if we asked?
