Do horses enjoy performing in dressage competitions?

Question

i'm just watching the horse riding in the olympics and some of the movements seem a little unnatural - do horses enjoy the competition, in the same way that gun dogs enjoy working to please their owner or for edible rewards - or are they forced/ trained to perform.

Answer 1

it depends on the horse. some like it, some don't. obviously the horses in the olympics love their job or else they wouldn't perform so well or their trainers wouldn't have taken them this far in training. i guess the horse is forced to perform, i mean they don't get to decide whether they do or not.  

Answer 2

  Opps the movements are suppose to look Natural,, because that 'isn'ts what Dressage is all about,,

I will say you have a good eye ,

If it does not look Natural and looks like a horse is having a tough time preforming them.. Then I would say that horse does Not like his work,or what ever the reason is,

Good eye !

Now if you see ones that glide's across in a Brilliant extended trot and EARS are forward,, Thats a pretty picture ..And does his movements with ease Every one even a non horse person will see it,,

  

If You see the rider That  does NOT have to use so much restraint and so much leg, and looks like he is doing more work then the horse  well That to is a nice picture



Some movments You will see the horses ears back , do not confuse that with a bad mood

he is litisining to his rider ,,

If he carry's his ears mostly forward and NO swicthing of his tail  He is having FUN ,

Just because this yr WE MAY NOT have the best to show you doe'snt  mean there all the same,, Some yrs riders are better some are worst

I have seen the best, One is ,,

U.S.A rider Christian Traruig is the best Dressage rider we have ..

MY GOSH WATCHING HER AND HER HORSES WILL MAKE YOU Just cry with Joy ,, But she not in it this yr ""



  

Answer 3

they alwiz luk fed up 2 me!

Answer 4

if you work hard and you enjoy it then the horse does to!!! it is very rewarding.

Answer 5

Yes, many horses enjoy it and have a natural talent for it. However be aware not most horses enjoy the jumping and cross country more because of the horse's inborn nature to run and be excited. Dressage requires focus from the horse which is difficult in new surroundings, young horses, or those with out the span of focus will not do well. There were many faults in these olympics, and not at all the best demonstration. Some move look unnatural and do need to be trained for some horses but there are many breeds that do indeed do these moves. Also be aware that dressage's basic movements are widely in the equine world as a way to benefit the health of the equine. Im going to breifly discribe this but there is more too it.

A horse whom learns dressage well can promote his flexiblity, muscle health, and keep the horse properly blanced which takes pressure off his forehand. With pressure off the forehand the weight of the animal switches from a ratio of %55-65 front/%45-35 back to 50/50 equal pressure on the front and back of the animal. To image this pick up an bucket with 4 lbs in one and another with 6 lbs. walk around like that for an hour and you'll see its very unconfortable. This is horse's with a heavy forehand, work tires them more and they rely on their back and tendons more than their muscles. But then your buckets are an even 5lbs each it is much easier to move around right? similar concept to these dressage move which balance the horse a promot flexation and extension. They can also supple his back and prevent stiffness from long or hard workouts

Dressage is benefitical but in competition there are other factors. Excitement, lack of focus, and new surrounds can all play a part. Spectators who are not fimilar with the sport often times mistake it for being a trained or sometimes cruel thing. This is untrue. In fact many breeds are so good and enjoy the sport so much the owners are forced to do nothing but dressage, the same way a horse you loves to jump but not barrel race will ultimately force the owner to only jump.

Good horsemen never let their own interests force the horse against his talent. Each horse enjoys a different thins and excells in different things. It is the owners reasoniblity to choose the right horse to match him.