The Talk Around the Arena
Across the equestrian world, there’s growing concern about the future of dressage.
Beyond welfare debates, we’re seeing falling spectator numbers, changing competitor habits, and the closure of several long-standing shows, not just here in Britain, but worldwide.
It’s easy to look at all of that and say, “Dressage is in crisis.”
But what if it isn’t a crisis?
What if it’s a call for a mindset reset?
The Real Issue. A Mindset Out of Balance
Dressage has always been about the harmony between horse and rider, that almost spiritual sense of connection where movement becomes effortless communication.
Yet somewhere along the way, the focus shifted.
We started to chase perfection instead of partnership.
We began riding for the scoreboard rather than the soul.
And that’s taken a toll, not just on riders, but on the horses and the sport itself.
When the emphasis is on external achievement, riders feel pressure, anxiety, and disconnection. The joy of progress is replaced by fear of failure. The art of dressage becomes a performance of control, not a conversation of feel.
That’s not a sustainable mindset.
From Perfection to Partnership
The future of dressage lies in returning to its roots, but through a modern, mindful lens.
That means shifting focus from:
Control → Connection
Perfection → Progress
Criticism → Compassion
Dressage is not about dominating your horse, it’s about learning with your horse.
When riders reframe their mindset from “I must get it right” to “We’re learning together,” everything changes. The body softens. The aids become clearer. The communication becomes kind.
This is where confidence and harmony begin, not in the judge’s box, but in the rider’s mind
The Pressure Problem
Let’s be honest, dressage is a sport that naturally invites comparison.
You’re literally judged against others. Scores and percentages are everywhere.
But comparison is the thief of connection.
When we ride for validation instead of understanding, we lose touch with why we started riding in the first place. And when that happens, burnout isn’t far behind.
Managing that pressure begins with mindset. Techniques like mindfulness, NLP, and hypnosis can help riders rewire the mental loops that create tension and fear. By learning to ride from presence, not pressure, we start to rediscover flow.
Rebuilding the Culture of Dressage
This isn’t just about individual riders, it’s about the culture of the sport.
Grassroots competitors often feel judged or excluded, while elite riders are held up as unreachable examples of perfection. That gap discourages new participants and makes many feel like they don’t belong.
If dressage is to thrive, we need a culture built on encouragement, education, and empathy.
Spectators will come back when they see joy.
Riders will stay when they feel supported.
And horses will flourish when riders lead with compassion instead of control.
The next chapter of dressage must be defined not by controversy or criticism, but by connection.
The Inner Work Every Rider Can Do
The most powerful place to start this transformation is inside your own head.
Try this simple reflection practice:
After each ride, instead of asking, “What went wrong?”, ask,
“What did my horse teach me today?”
That single question changes your energy. It shifts you from judgment to curiosity, and from self-criticism to self-awareness.
Other small steps that build a confident, connected dressage mindset:
Take a few deep breaths before you ride to centre your mind.
Visualise calm, balanced movements before stepping into the arena.
Celebrate progress, not perfection, every soft transition counts.
Replace pressure with presence, focus on feeling, not forcing.
The truth is, every confident rider you admire has done the inner work. They’ve learned to manage their mind before they manage the movement.
Dressage Isn’t Dying - It’s Evolving
So, is dressage facing a crisis? I don’t think so.
It’s simply evolving, asking riders, coaches, and fans alike to reconnect with the why behind the sport.
The future of dressage won’t be built by those chasing the highest scores, it’ll be led by riders who prioritise empathy, mindset, and partnership.
When we remember that the real magic happens not in the perfection of a movement, but in the feeling of unity between horse and rider… that’s when dressage will truly thrive again.
Because the most beautiful part of this sport has never been the medals, it’s the moments of quiet connection that no one sees.
Ready to Redefine Your Riding Mindset?
If this article resonated with you, explore my Rider Mindset Coaching programmes and download the Free Rider Confidence Audio to start building your confident, connected mindset today.
Together, we can bring the heart back to horse and rider partnership, one ride at a time.