The Charlotte effect on Equine Sport
Most equestrians know by now what news shook the equine world on July 23rd 2024. The video of Charlotte Dujardin using a whip on a horse, several times in an attempt to raise its legs in canter.
Over the last two weeks, watching the Olympics and seeing what's going on online, three things have become apparent.
The video highlighted a problem we all knew existed
Talking to many riders, owners, horse people and reading the comments section on any post regarding the video, this isn't new to horse people. Using punishment techniques on horses to achieve a goal has been used by many trainers and owners. Things like whipping, using a metal bar to hit a horse as it jumps in order to make it jump higher next time, tying down a horses head to make it go into a frame and so on, these are common and they no longer should be. As a young person, I saw this and wouldn't say anything as these people were professionals, right? This is how "its always been done". The video was a wake up call, these practices can no longer be tolerated and we will lose our great sport.
The Olympics is under the microscope
From the day the eventing horses arrived and were warming up, photos were being taken and complaints made. Brazilian rider Carlos Parro was warned by the FEI and issued a yellow card for causing unnecessary discomfort to his horse. He was riding his horse in Rollkur and photos and a letter of complaint were sent to the FEI by PETA. Never have I seen such scrutiny made around the horses, the public were watching closely. Following this, many riders and equine bodyworkers have been outspoken regarding the saddle fit in the dressage phase of the eventing horses. Many horses having atrophied backs and ill fitting saddles, and these are supposed to be the top horses and riders in the world. This is the first time I have seen the public being so outspoken for the care of these horses at the Olympics, all fueled by the CDJ video.
Questioning how we train our horses
Speaking to several horse owners, riders and trainers it is very clear people are questioning training practices, tack, use of tools and how we can do better. I have seen more people removing nosebands, putting up videos of them just enjoying time with their horse and going tack-less, when I had not seen this from them before. We are questioning the institutional norms we have been brought up by and how we can change it, for the better of our horses.
The CDJ video shocked the equine industry to its core and showed that welfare has been the bottom of the list for too long.
Here's to change and a better life for horses.
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