Dressage Disaster: Dark Legend Shows Charlotte Fry His Dark Side At The World Cup Grand Prix Final

Grand Prix dressage horse Dark Legend showed Charlotte (Lottie) Fry his dark side at the World Cup Grand Prix dressage final this weekend. He came into the dressage ring a bit hot and a dressage disaster followed.
Charlotte Fry did a fantastic job of sticking with it and riding him through to complete the Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle, pulling her score back up throughout the second half of the test.
This dressage fail was averted by the skill and precision of the 26-year-old Olympian Lottie Fry.
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[@hime1248]

If this is considered a disaster my riding can be classified as a whole catastrophe

[@cathyguy9241]

Me too!!!

[@Stripesheal18]

I'm with you lol

[@cathylarkins9949]

I hear ya…

[@amysmith1321]

Right?!? 😮

[@andrologues]

Clickbait

[@rosemarymoore3142]

This is not a disaster, it was an unfortunate glich! The horse is a highly trained very sensitive animal,spooked a bit at something x the rider delt with it!! This is a good recovery NOT a disaster. Gives people who have no knowledge of dressage or riding completely the wrong idea!

[@laurenkanarek5487]

Amen!

[@charlottehayward5943]

Beautiful horse and rider. great recovery by both.

[@mariettedemarest5173]

Clickbait title

[@Karen-hq3cm]

Thank you! You are so right about the title, I'm 64 years old, don't know much about horses other than my heart beats a love song every single time I am near or see a horse. I have been teaching my grandchildren the different breeds as well as the many sportsmanship. This was clearly a good recovery job and I hope they were not penalized much for it.

[@jill4334]

Shameful animal abuse .. Disaster I know what is done day after day to make those poor horses prance a not natural gait.. Very sad ...

[@janetpoludniak1938]

In a difficult situation, if a rider keeps their seat, whether or not the complete the required functions, it's NOT A DISASTER. This gal did well, kept her head, and was able to keep herself and her horse safe in the ring. Kudos. Another time, another place, and things will be better.

[@MJ-wrty]

Agree!!

[@mmdehnmm]

I agree... Everybody has had these days where their horses just like "nope I don't like that, I'm not having it today..."

[@sabinemuller937]

Bullshit!!!

[@DeniseCummins]

The horse spooked several times at objects/people outside the dressage arena, and Fry handled it beautifully. Kudos to her!

[@definitely.ssmart]

Agreed.

[@judywidener3039]

She is an amazing rider!

[@andrologues]

Thanks for explaining. Looks like nothing happened

[@viollet9257]

You can see the worry on her darling face at the halt and salute! She's like "oh no, here we go, what am I in for? Wish me luck"!! She handled it well, she is such a lovely young lady. Nothing to do with her, the horse was just spooked and scared of the environment. She did everything she could. Love her style and nature!

[@Kat-mu8wq]

Apparently there was a huge camera the horse spooked it. It was well sat though.

[@famouskate9071]

The rider was scared, nervous, tense, I mean, look at her face, and this was just upon entering the ring. The horse, who already did not want to be there, felt all of this.

[@francesferrie2079]

Saw her take a big deep breathe

[@abridetobe.daretobediffere2831]

I was like I just wanted to give her a hug non-equestrains don't get how heavy these horses are she's a slightly built female rider and she handled it beautifully....massive congratulations to her

[@susantunbridge4612]

"darling"? Give me a break

[@kazzakarlsson7986]

In interviews she said there was a huge camera. He spoked in the short GP and they put it higher up on some piedestal for saturdays freestyle and it made it even worse. I think Fry handled it well and she was certainly one of the softer and more balanced riders in the World Cup Final. Horses are flight animals. Just one of thoose days...

[@thaideemaewcattery3140]

Right, anyone who knows horses knows any horse can spook. He just spooked. I never saw a 'dark side' in the least. This was click bait.

[@moonshadecat]

100% agreed 👍🏼 ❤

[@serafinatruth4029]

The horse is not a mashine. It is a living creature and it can get scared or uncomfortable.

[@erynd2524]

I’m impressed with the recovery on the rider’s part when the horse became upset. She definitely knows her stuff.

[@jonoquinenaibisate7585]

It is incredible how only by bad test Lotte Fry is criticized. I think that the title can get to anchor it, it is clear that it has not been at all its best test. But I think she has more than proven that she is one of the best riders of today, maintaining the security of finishing the test without losing the papers with the horse. More than a disaster I would say that it has been the proof that something can go wrong for all of us but that if we propose it we can finish it to be able to improve for the next show.

[@skinsciencebymira]

If you read the description, they were very complimentary of her. The “disaster” was only the horse acting up, not her riding.

[@blessingfarm3674]

My Oldenburg mare has acted out at times in this way, and I believe this selection shows the rest of us that the perfection we often see in the ring isn't as effortless as it looks. We are not alone. The rider is definitely not just a passenger on the back of a well-trained horse. This video selection shows the rider's talent and control, in spite of the bad day she seemed to already know the horse was having (her face as she enters looked like she perhaps expected trouble). I admire her skill and am not put off by this. In fact, I am encouraged. Sometimes talent and skill shows more in the more difficult moments than the close to perfect ones.

[@nimnum1265]

@@skinsciencebymira it wasn't even a disaster i don't get why they need to make them look bad

[@Idontwantahandleiresentthis]

She abuses the horse and its crying for help... Stupid humans... That witch is disgusting and so is everyone else who cares for the sport over the animal.

[@gracinhaabecasis4602]

Overall I really like your content but I wonder why do you post this kind of videos… “Dressage disaster “ it’s not a disaster, every horse has its bad days and by posting this you are only putting the rider in the spotlight but in a negative way

[@santiagoporret5247]

I think the disaster was the rider's performance. Most of the horses reactions were after she executed very visible aids, which we know horses don't like, and I mean, that would be completely ok if she was learning, but it kinda makes the sport look bad if those things happen at such a high level. But of course there were also times where it was just a spook, and that's just bad luck I guess 😅

[@NadineLynch10]

No matter how the horse or rider performed, we all have our off days no matter what. I had my ups and downs in my riding career especially in dressage.

[@Steffie68]

Agree! You also did from Dinja van Liere. Reactions about she use rollkur ect ect. It was just a bad period of Hermes. Dinja is very honest for her horses. And never used rollkur but people reacting with really stupid negative reactions…

[@jessicataylor3180]

Titles of videos are always there to attract viewers, click bait. 😔

[@MJ-wrty]

This is a horse. This is the only sport involving another breathing live being. I’ve been riding since I was a child and I can tell you it was not always perfect. That’s how I learned and also it helped me form a good relationship with my horse. If anything, this video shows how excellent of a rider she is. She working with a 1200 pound animal. But if you watch the communication she has with him. She pets him. Why ?. Because she is telling him “ it’s ok , I’m here, you’re ok” he is scared.

[@rcar9115]

What a gorgeous animal. The power and agility is awe inspiring. I don't care if it didn't perform perfectly, this was still amazing to watch.

[@harinu9339]

it happends sometimes, horses are not robots, they can be scared of something (here a camera) and i think she handled the whole situation pretty well

[@roxannemiller6961]

Yes, she did, I have great admiration for and her Magnificent horse.

[@moonshadecat]

Absolutely. I think it’s idiotic to post this, saying that this incredible horse is showing his “dark side”. He is not trying to be bad, this can happen to everyone! Horses are not robots. 😡

[@beverleybalshaw9119]

Talk about making a mountain out of a mole-hill!! Horses, just in case you're wondering, are REAL LIVE Animals with a mind of their own and get the jitters just like we do. His young rider stayed calm and well done too, to both of them 👏 What a Beautiful Horse 😍

[@ItsMeHello555]

I saw no disaster. Beautiful horse. All handled perfectly.

[@mjr8791]

Not every day is a good day. Most certainly that was not Dark Legend 's day... Horses are so sensitive that sometimes it's hard for them to understand what's being asked from them. It seems that was the case.😟

[@carlaperry1784]

Thank to all of you positive commenters, I thought I had missed something. Yea, disaster is just click bait. I’m really glad it wasn’t a disaster. Great recovery on the riders part. Great seat.

[@secretsquirrel7374]

To see a top horse like that spook at something makes the rest of us feel not feel as bad when our horses do it. I saw Valegro spook in a test and pull his shoe off at Hickstead one year.

[@mairwright2806]

Sitting that spook was amazing, my admiration to you.

[@emilybrundige7295]

All horses get nervous after all they are herd animals, she handled him very well , and he kept trying for her ❤️

[@lynnevarley8433]

If we look at the training of most dressage horses, in Europe especially, they are ridden in a very tight short necked way. Even when the rider releases the rein many stay curled up. It is not correct or classical but based on a system of hold in front and push hard from behind. Correctly trained advanced horses shouldn't need a double bridle or spurs. This tightness may produce extravagant showy front leg action but the tension caused by the discomfort is evident in the mechanical movements. It should look relaxed and effortless, not jerky and false.

[@bobcummings8744]

I would give anything to have just one “disaster ride” like that in my lifetime! Well done by both horse and rider!

[@MissKitty944]

Wow! This is an incredibly beautiful horse and a very competent rider!

[@laurapeters6647]

Fry handled the buck and rear up like a champion she stayed calm and quiet with her body and hands and didnt get angry wirh her horse what a superb rider

[@JacK-qn4zh]

I like that horse...He has a mind of his own !

[@JudySumCatcenterfolds]

That Horse is Unbelievable He will be a Legend

[@YVM3311]

She did amazing considering . Most would have given up. Kudos to her to get him back on track and focused.

[@jenniraines603]

Great to watch so we can see how to handle it when things dont go as planned. Always learning. Cheers

[@Juniper_edits]

Huge amount of respect for Lottie. She handled that very well. For the people saying that she’s abusing her horses, no. Her horse is having a bad day and she did everything correctly. 👏👏👏👏

[@MR-lq7ss]

No enjoyment watching this when I see spurs constantly kicking the horse in the sides. Not smooth at all.

[@joycee5493]

As the owner of a big, sensitive chestnut mare with the courage of a mouse, my heart goes out to this rider.

[@AvalancheCleo]

In other news: horses spook. Lottie Fry is an amazing rider, the horses love her, she has huge talent. And the horse spooked. Shit happens.

[@juanitaross5492]

Wow that was heart stopping. ❤️ from a former dressage rider. Horse's spook what's new. Next year is yours.

[@tpwonder99]

It shows these horses are real animals not automatons. Seeing perfect performances one after the other we forget the reality of dealing with a living breathing thinking being. Well done Lottie. Superb recovery.

[@ilovehorses_14]

I have been watching too much of these I got an ad for horse food 😅 I don’t even have a horse

[@pamelaleebabcock281]

Again with the foaming, these horses cannot swallow with their neck in this position. Imagine being asked to perform like that!

[@Unidentified.flying.chimkin]

My event horse: *big spook, bucking* This horse: *spooks in dressage*

[@kimnenninger7226]

I am thrilled that people see it for what it is; a horse having a bad moment. She did a great job of trying to recover but once you and your horse loose your rhythm it is really hard to get it back.

[@rkhanmer]

Hardly a disaster! I few silly spooks with brilliant recovery! 👏

[@horsegirl07]

They’re not robots and neither are their riders. It’s sad to see it happen, but it happens. These riders shouldn’t feel ashamed for it. I honestly would’ve loved to see her not rush away from it. They both could’ve been nerved up. They get the best of us sometimes.

[@profe3330]

That ominous music made it sound like the poor horse was about to sprout wings, crash into the roof of the building and burst into flame. If a small spook is really a "disaster," it's a wonder we're not all dead at this point.

[@donschutte1418]

What an absolutely beautiful creature wow and rider did awesome

[@amykelly-vega6355]

Rider did great handling the situation. these things happen and it just plain sucks. Beautiful horse.

[@azariasewell5655]

Man I don't blame this horse for acting out. Her spurs kept hitting the horse in the sides, which I know wasn't comfortable. If u take a set of spurs and hit ur sides constantly it does hurt and bruise. This horse was clearly unhappy from the very start it looked like in the beginning they spooked at something. The horse looked like it had a lot of pressure on the mouth from the bit and reins. This horse's body language and behavior showed clear signs of discomfort and stress. So many think a horse foaming at the mouth is a good sign when it isn't. Horses in acute stress display signs of forward-pointing ears, wide-open eyes, widened nostrils, a high head, a stiff stance, a raised tail, along with blowing through their nose, and defecating. Horses just coming out of stressful situations often lick and chew as a sort of involuntarily reaction. This occurs because switching from a sympathetic nervous system response(acute stress) to a parasympathetic nervous system response(rest and restore) causes the horse to go from a dry mouth to a wet one causing them to salivate, which causes licking and chewing. People put horses through stressful situation and then mistakenly interpret the horse's body language of licking and chewing as a sign of submission or special bonding, but that isn't the case it's a sign of a horse being released from a higher to lower level of acute alert, alarm, or stress. Personally I think it's the positions the riders put the horses in for extended periods of time like forcing their heads down for instance, which, causes airflow restrictions as well as development issues. Many dressage horses r ridden wrong like being ridden behind the vertical plane aka riding "behind the bit". Many people don't understand a horse's body language and behavior. I think many people just don't realize their horses r unhappy and uncomfortable not because they don't care about their horses, but because they don't know any better. Many people r taught different training techniques, riding techniques, grooming techniques, feeding techniques, learning techniques, ground work techniques, etc from different cultures, traditions, and experiences. I think people just need help being educated on what makes the horse happier and what makes them live longer healthier lives. A lot of horses live good lives, but they r constantly put in uncomfortable situations that make them unhappy. Personally I don't like dressage because it just looks uncomfortable and unnatural to me, but I do know there r riders out there that put the horse first, and we need more of those people.

[@susantunbridge4612]

"Foam of stress can show up as Lipstick, a Mouthful, or a full-on Whipped Cream Machine. Foam of stress often stays. A tense horse who doesn't lick and chew, or whose noseband is too tight to allow that may have lingering foam. Another reason foam may be persistently present in larger amounts is if the horse is not swallowing. This could be due to stress, learned helplessness, and/or lack of ability to move their mouth and tongue due to an excessively tight noseband. There are some that are so convinced that all foam is good, that they will go to extreme measures to create foam. I have known people to put liquid soap in their horse's mouths prior to entering the dressage competition arena. Dressage Naturally blog

[@feraforestno88o57]

I've come to believe, that horses in constant stress due to the riding (the too hard hands, kicking spurs, tight backs and pain caused by deepend/ pulled-in necks and too tight nosebands) often pick up an "outer excuse" as of a flowerpot, cameraman or anything else just for their "flight Reaction" away from the arena! That's bc the cause of the pain (the rider) is getting most unbearable right there in that scene. The constant control of the rider is so tense and leaves no physical NOR mental freedom either, feeling like a "non separational" problem of the horse it self, that their only way out is to act with "surpricing, even imaginary frights"! That's their only way to have, at least, a momentary freedom. For many, the harsh reaction to this of the rider can trigger a real fight from the part of the horse. In this case the rider didn't put more pressure, nor forced, but cleverly rode him to the other end of the arena in extended trot (felt more free) as kind of "compromise" to the horse. Needless to say that the real reasons for "spooking" of such experienced horses could easily be avoided with softer riding and more understanding of their nature, maybe less compeating? Let horses just be horses too every now and then!! And Yes, they really are not machines, so Why to treat them as such in the first place!?

[@supremlyfoxylass]

Lottie is a gentle handed rider, her spurs are dull. You need to educate yourself on this gifted rider before making such stupid remarks

[@lottiestanley7696]

The horse spooked at something. She handled it beautifully.

[@TheRisingIcarus]

I hate how the title demonises the horse for showing natural behaviour

[@DressageHub]

This rider was captured with her horse having a blue tongue. I am demonizing riders.

[@midwestheartz]

i like how even his disobedience was graceful beautiful dressage moves :) hes got spirit

[@griffinartandairbrushing3174]

He spooked, not his dark side... just instincts kicking in.

[@Mrslothable_1]

The horse had some tiny problem but it wasn’t a disaster , she dealt with it and he did well!

[@garymacmillan]

When one of these horses bunches up underneath you your brain offers you a moment of terror.

[@rhaenyratargaryen1stofhern55]

Looked pretty good. She’s working him through it.

[@sarahwagland1559]

😂

[@carolynstewart8465]

Amazing riding to stick those shenanigans! Bet she was thanking her saddle maker!

[@carolineoja6243]

Before criticizing riders at the Grand Prix level ! Perhaps one might realize horses have off days as well ! Who knows what happened that ride ! I am sure if you spoke directly to his rider you might have some insight into what when wrong ! Think about how disappointing it was for her ! I am sure the next ride will be much better ! I felt for both she and her lovely horse 🐴

[@lemoncake5342]

Yes but this channel pointed out something in one video I watched that stuck with me. Even in the midst of this horse having an “off day”, the rider is still forced (via rules and norms) to push forward through the routine. The horse is obviously stressed and scared, but apparently finishing the routine is more and important, so the rider continues on on a horse who very clearly needs a moment to calm down. The person who runs this channel pointed out that it may not be the rider’s fault and recognizes that they’re not in a place to judge upper level riders. However, everyone is free to critique the rules, systems, and norms; in this case, the rules disqualify you for not pushing through when your horse is telling you something, and norms encourage people to “push through it” when a horse is freaking out in the arena. Basically, you’re punished via disqualification for putting your horse before the competition. People work hard to come to these competitions, so it makes sense that they’d feel they need to “power through it”, but it’s just not fair to the living, breathing animal with emotions that they are riding.

[@judywidener3039]

Thank you 0Caroline Oja

[@dharmagirl5889]

I have to say that "disaster" seems like a fairly uncharitable description. Gorgeous horse, skilled rider.

[@annesharp3463]

looks like head carriage to tight and he not enjoying his work rgardless off how good she is the horse is in pain like a lot of equines these days riders and owners too busy focusing on the rewards and not the pain do dressage without spurs and double bridles then we see the real riders

[@animalsbya7585]

This isn’t the horses dark side, it’s the horse becoming spooked at cameras.

[@laurenduvall6967]

He bogeyed a bit but she rode him through it with grace

[@michelezink8677]

This horse is overall stunning.

[@sanneschmits7687]

It’s not a disaster she stays calm and she doesn’t get angry on the horse

[@margih7374]

Just an observation that Charlotte looked tense at the salute so the horse may have been spooky beforehand. And all riders can relate to that situation😮

[@victoriatampling5049]

I thought he was going to go crazy and loose the plot🤣😏☮️🇬🇧

[@christybee9457]

Beautiful animal. Simply beautiful ❤

[@greathorses]

Well ridden. Nice salvage. Probably will concentrate more on working him around elevated flowers before his next show.

[@case2696]

good recovery. rider stayed well composed. music was awesome

[@76sherie]

Every horse has their bad days. She handled it beautifully.

[@lisahamilton6205]

What an exceptional rider.

[@Spnlgrl1985]

Good recovery. She kept her cool. Just like they tell us in dog training they can feel it travel down the lead/leash so she did good.

[@george.6556]

Great job Lottie! There's a reason you're at the top! Keep your chin up

[@tamara8908]

Being new to this all saw I was an absolute Legend.

[@ianwattsOfficial]

Cheers from Australia 🦘🐨👍😊 great video 👍

[@Electronica4Life]

Ah, the joy of horses. Sometimes they just act like... well... prey animals. 😅Great riding and really a lovely horse.

[@carmenarenas7820]

Por un momento no perfecto, no se puede negar que el caballo lo hizo bien casi todo, es hermoso.

[@jjdjj5392]

Just beautiful!!!!!!!

[@v.m.8472]

That is wonderful riding. I could never look as good!

[@badlander2000]

Is it just me or did the rider look nervous? She still gave him pats though even if they weren't having the best day.

[@painteddressage]

Well.. It’s the World Cup. I’m sure that everyone who competed was nervous to one degree or another.

[@lewisnewton7628]

Just you

[@hawkfeatheraviation3465]

@@lewisnewton7628 no, not just her. The anxiety affects the horse.

[@susantunbridge4612]

Pats for PR.

[@bigfan2710]

This looked good to me. LOve the stately horses.

[@jeanbryant4180]

She's a fabulous horsewoman!

[@kayablouin575]

She still did so well and kept her cool the whole time

[@crystal_crows_circle]

well it can happen. Sure it is not the best for charlotte fry but she handeled it very well and tried to do the best out of the ruined performance. she kept calm and i think this is not a desaster, it is the proof how a calm and good rider is handeling these situations. I am sry if my english is bad and you dont know what I mean but i Am a only 14 years old girl from germany so I hope yo can just understand what i wrote :)

[@karengayehammat4199]

Poor horses get overwhelmed with control and demands

[@christinearmington]

So gorgeous.

[@jeanetteeliasson9805]

Poor horses

[@EquineMetalhead]

Both are incredible riders, but Charlotte Fry really gained my respect when her horse Dark Legend spooked multiple times during a competition. She didn’t get mad at him for acting up, she handled beautifully. And that’s how a true professional rider is. So Charlotte Fry all the way ❤

[@sarahwagland1559]

Like she's gonna get mad in the arena 😂

[@EquineMetalhead]

@@sarahwagland1559 ……Ever seen Annika Schlew?

[@charlistevens2280]

I agree. This is not a disaster. May we all look so good on a big spook. She handled that well.

[@FC-BarrelRacing]

I think Charlotte handled this well. She’s an amazing equestrian.

[@susantunbridge4612]

Not that amazing, otherwise the horse would have been more comfortable.

[@chewar7537]

Only disaster is that poor horse having to hold its head and neck like that. Just ridiculous.

[@swanelle]

she handled that so well

[@robbrowne8814]

If you reckon that is a disaster I would hate to see you try to ride the station horses 😂🤠

[@Carla-cw6le]

Das Pferd tut mir einfach nur leid, total gestresst und die Reiterin lässt auch zu wünschen übrig...... wieder ein Grund mehr warum ich dem Dressursport den Rücken zu gekehrt habe.

[@elkefaber8873]

There was a TV Camera, that was not there before in the training.

[@rubytroy7756]

You are both stunning ❤❤

[@tkralva.6668]

Struggling to see. If I hadn't been looking for an error I probably wouldn't have noticed anything. A "disaster" to me would have been rearing up, ditching the rider, bolting, falling over etc. Not a minor spook.

[@ravenasylum-m2z]

Wat was that??? Extended trot???? I dont think so, 1:22

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

I love when horses say NO. And 'tell' that curb rein pressure/hyperflexion is shit

[@lauraneemann9884]

That is not a disaster.... That was just a ups, spooky, ups.... Thats normal horse like behaviour 😀

[@jacquelinetregidgomcgann9388]

Hardly a disaster 🤨so hec spooked..once.. before going in the ring, then was perfect 🥱clickbait

[@shirleyspratley1670]

i will probably be rubbished for this but it seems all the trainers are teaching this horrible tense dressage to the riders, the horses look stressed and uncomfortable, heads very high and chin tucked in really tight often they have a very frothy mouth which is open and appearing to feel discomfort, the neck muscles look tight i wonder if they can breathe properly with so much constriction? why are judges not marking accordingly? It wont stop until they do. i would like to see the horses in a lower more open frame. am i the only one to see this?

[@sarahwagland1559]

No, more and more people are opening their eyes to the abuse.

[@nichtswiezuvor]

Poor horse

[@dezie.]

It’s not his dark side. He’s a hot horse and clearly something is spooking him

[@sirglaivius3460]

Sublime horse riding and patience .

[@glassie6733]

That poor horse looks so uncomfortable & extremely annoyed...I just don't see the point of making any horse endure this crap 🙁🇦🇺

[@pokiedext4223]

The horse is fine, spooking moments are natural.