Dressage Disaster: Dinja Van Liere Has Her Hands Full With Hermes In The Grand Prix Freestyle

[@horsesanimalsandeverything4960]

Awesome rider. She stayed calm and composed, and didn’t take any frustration out on the horse. She did the right thing to give him a positive few circles and then stop

[@petrairene]

Nope. She was constantly hanging in that horses face, trying to dominate it into submission by pulling the head behind the vertical, that way building more tension. Yes, she stayed calm. But only because she thought she could win this by forcing the horse.

[@marian2040]

@@petrairene for the vast majority of the time the horse was on a very soft rein, soft hands and patience. I saw no escalation by the rider

[@petrairene]

@@marian2040 No, it never was. It was tense and avoiding the pretty inflexible contact.

[@saarlooswolfhund6237]

@@petrairene this horse was forced the whole time. You are absolutely right.

[@Galemor1]

@@petrairene It has the typical rollkur head carriage, behind vertical and very over reactive, never seeking forward, which is why it backs up and even rears. As you point out, this is typical behavior for a horse trying to avoid the harsh contact it's being forced to endure. And with trigger stacking, this is the outcome. It's not a bad day, this is premeditated from lack of training, lack of trust in the rider, inability to see (when the head is behind vertical, the horse can't see past its own feet)

[@marshamoore8385]

I have really studied this video. There have been some comments that were seemingly very concerned. Again, I think this young woman showed superb skills. Her calm and gentle nature was impressive. I am an old woman who has many years of riding/training under my belt. I can no longer ride and miss it terribly. The horse really needed her instruction. And she gave it well with loving encouragement. Maybe he did get spooked. I don't think so! He was having an off day. Had to be ridden through it. Again, so well done! Great job young lady. A privilege to witness your excellent skills!

[@gwyna3432]

I wondered if he was being stung by an insect. I had a driving pony many years ago who suddenly flipped round and started leaping around.As he did so I saw a wasp stinging him on his ear. Once the wasp was gone he settled and we continued our drive.

[@lauslora6511]

why did it 'HAVE' to be ridden through it. the horse didnt HAVE to be ridden through it. it was clearly spoked by something there was no 'maybe' or 'I dont think so' about it. horses dont just act up for no reason

[@marshamoore8385]

@@lauslora6511 Yes they do! Just like children. If you don't guide a child through trouble, the child learns that acting out is a way to get what they want. Same with a horse! She took him into the arena and put him through a few paces. It calmed the horse down. He wasn't spooked! He just was being a brat. There was no forcing or being hard on him.

[@1_aiartist_1001effects]

i agree.. but i think he had pain in his right behindleg.. yand.. the right-sided posterior muscles..they are not same size like the ones on the left..

[@Jbrooo850]

😂🤣 🤣🤣🤣

[@jasper26ish]

What an impressive rider! She was so consistent and never showed any frustration, always gentle

[@silverkitty2503]

look at her feet ..she is easy on the reins fair play to her but she is wearing english spurs and is just a tad harsh ... her feet should be quiet.

[@estersondern]

⁠​⁠@@silverkitty2503just cause someone has spurs doesn’t mean she is being harsh, And of course she is trying to get him foreward. But it’s not like she’s kicking him or anything. Plus she still had her feet still most of the time. So no need to be negative

[@michaelgl8516]

Riders who have gentle hands do not have horses that are forced to carry their heads behind the bit. This video clip shows a very sensitive horse trying to tolerate harsh hands (by not outright bucking her off). The rider wants a fast trophy without bothering to honestly seek a genuine connection with the horse. She's ruining a sensitive horse. It's too bad that any high level dressage competitor who is "all over" the horses' mouth like this isn't barred from further competition. It's cruel. Dressage is supposed to display willing, balanced communication between horse & rider - and this was a rodeo.

[@bertdebets478]

LS And WHAT AT HOME BEVOR THIS COMPETITION???????????@@michaelgl8516

[@beaugraphy6981]

@@michaelgl8516 Dinja and harsh hands? Don't make me laugh, she has soft hands, when Hermes was backing up the reins had either a soft contact or a slack in the reins... Hermes is really sensitive and just did not have his day, Dinja remained friendly during this and calm. She tried getting him forwards so it may look like she was harsh with her legs/ spurs when in reality Hermes was ignoring her leg cues to go forwards. Once she had a few meter of calmness she ended the test and stopped... Dinja shows true horsemanship, that the stable she rides for also focusses on, kind hands and kind riders

[@reeritz1280]

Now that rider is a professional..she doesn't get angry, panic or quit. She handles a frustrating situation with quiet determination. She loves that horse...all those comforting pats. KUDOS 👏👏👏

[@CryMeARiver63]

If she would have layed a hand on that horse the wrong way they would have been disqualified .

[@dani-eh3tf]

@@CryMeARiver63 well theyre not getting a good score anyway so im pretty sure disqualification wasn’t the motive for not improperly hitting her horse

[@tasjaboes6752_]

Nobody knows,what maybe happens, well don

[@leealexander3507]

She does the correct thing. She returns her horse's mind to his work each time he becomes jittery. Meanwhile her calm demeanor helps to calm her overly excited mount.

[@leealexander3507]

@@dani-eh3tf Why would anyone become angry and hit a horse?

[@kristineller4077]

I am bookmarking this video because the rider remembered the first rule of dressage: Forward. She also demonstrated the understanding of Podhajsky’s rule of letting the horse achieve something, no matter how small, and letting him go. She recognized this test wasn’t happening, asked for a forward trot, and rewarded the horse. Exemplary horsemanship and love for her horse.

[@mamag58]

I think she was going backwards most of the time actually 🤔

[@proudatheist2042]

Thanks for your amazing comment. Did you ride with a student of his? Have you studied in Vienna? Did he published books about riding horses?

[@proudatheist2042]

@@mamag58 I get your point, but she was doing everything she could to keep the horse going forward. 1/3 of the horse's weight is in their hindquarters. If a horse rears up, the only way a rider can prevent that horse from toppling over backwards on them is if they can get the horse forward. She was doing everything she could to prevent the horse from rearing up.

[@thurstable1119]

Always end on a good note.

[@thurstable1119]

@@mamag58 it’s very scary when a horse is napping. You feel out of control.

[@annkelly0072]

Hermes said, "Not today!" It sucks when your mount is having none of it or is spooked. We all have bad days, even our horses. Excellent sportsmanship, patience & understanding shown by the rider. Very well done to her!

[@caroliglehart4326]

😮

[@user-yr4mo3iz4d]

You did not see what happened back at the stable!!

[@annikaandersson8115]

​@@user-yr4mo3iz4dNeither did you I think.

[@andreassperling2823]

Hermes will say not today every day. But most of the time there is no camera

[@ohlottie]

What an incredible rider! Her seat and composure are amazing. It was so nice to see her give reassuring pats to her horse and just do her best to still achieve some progress and success within the situation.

[@rowenashackleton8461]

I find the whole concept obscene...

[@cherrilketteringham8587]

@@rowenashackleton8461 Really do you know the first thing about horses?

[@evaiervolino3104]

@@rowenashackleton8461 Meaning?

[@gailmorgan4520]

Looked like the horse was in discomfort and reacting to some kind of irritation. Amazing to watch a very wise and calm rider. Well done.

[@andreassperling2823]

But she failed terribly

[@casskio8608]

This increased my respect for this rider tenfold. She remained calm and from what I could see she was very deliberate in being encouraging for her horse and after she got him to settle somewhat she ended it on a good note and didn’t push to complete the test. She used it as a training opportunity and listened to her horse telling her that today wasn’t the day. I remember reading an interview/article about this soon after it happened and she said in there that they were having him checked by a vet and were working to find the root of the problem. I can only hope to strive for being this good of a horsewoman 👏👏👏👏

[@leealexander3507]

A horseman never stops working to increase their skills. The more you learn the more you realize how much there is you don't know yet.

[@ShogunHull]

Yes! Yes, you are so right.

[@rsqddogmom]

Something was causing him discomfort is most likely. Maybe he had a (muscle) knot under the saddle or an unrelated sore spot in his mouth. She definitely handled it well and it was obvious she was being as gentle with her artificial aids and reins as she could be

[@jessicalatorraca8507]

@@rsqddogmom Hi Nutmeg, I’m a novice in the horse world and am just wondering, why was he foaming at the mouth? You can actually see it dropping to the ground (44, 47 seconds) Is it normal…?

[@rsqddogmom]

@@jessicalatorraca8507 yes that is normal, especially with a double bridle like that, and a very good sign. It just means he is licking and moving his mouth around a lot, creating foamy saliva to lubricate the bits in his mouth. (Double bridle = loose ring snaffle with middle joint above a Weymouth, or long shanked bit with no joint but curve in the middle. Most of the rider's cues go through the loose ring rein; the Weymouth is for further collection and/or amplification of the rein aid as it is more intense pressure and leverage)

[@peacefulway3]

I think that riders who demonstrate such exemplary skills like patience, calmness, gentle handling and staying present during such challenging moments of show need to be given extra points at the end of the routine. Well done.

[@Mariannemink]

This is a superb example of an excellent rider who ensures that her horse will be ok the next time they enter the arena. She remained calm, rode him with the intention to help him find his own calm to go forward again, then left the arena after succes in that area. And most importantly, she supported him by stroking -as opposed to patting-his neck everytime he showed calm behaviour. Hats off to her.

[@beaugraphy6981]

Dinja is an amazing rider, always calm and kind to the horses she gets to ride

[@strandgirl1000]

It is loud, very loud in the arenas, and don´t forget, the horses hear everything much louder than the human.

[@user-N20]

@strandgirl1000 it's actually a common misconception that horses can hear everything "louder". They just hear *more* , like they don't actually hear too much outside of the range of human hearing, but they can distinguish between tones a lot better and therefore while you both *could* technically hear that one person cheering in the crowd, the horse can always hear the specific person's voice more clearly, therefore they are overwhelmed and spooked more easily. Another example would be leaves crunching in the forest. You both can hear them, but you might drown them out, while the horse notices each one.

[@Raeyaleo]

She did a great job of handling that situation. This is the perfect example of what a rider should behave like and be capable of doing.

[@littleaussie967]

Compare that to the German penthathlist at the summer olympics!

[@monacallender721]

Obvious horse abuse. This horses brain is saying I’m tired of this bs. Let me be a horse for a while.

[@secretsquirrel7374]

She probably caused it.

[@alayaheart7384]

No no no. Pushing a horse like this is unprofessional and inexcusable. They are not machines for our pleasure and pride. They are living breathing beings and this one is in great pain and still refrains from injuring his mistaken rider. Tragic all around.

[@joankearney4029]

Horse seems to spook near same area. ?

[@janicesmith7580]

Magnificent horse and magnificent rider! She rode like a real pro and constantly tried to help the horse gain confidence. This ride was not a "disaster" but an important training lesson for the team.

[@cecilelyons7178]

Gentle hands. Kindness. It was so nice to see that the horse did not suffer with a rider who really showed the epitome of empathy/compassion. Connection in love. ❤

[@rhonaharker5814]

A better rider would’ve retired , horse isn’t at all happy whatever is wrong with

[@paola1967]

​@@rhonaharker5814 she did retire...... just after she told him riding forward its oké.

[@JillDAoustRealtor]

@@rhonaharker5814

[@JillDAoustRealtor]

The rider did a great job with her horse. Sometimes the show arena turns into a lesson for the horse and rider. She handled her upset horse extremely well and very professionally.

[@raymondwong5175]

It’s commendable of her to forego the test and just let her horse ride it out. I think the music for the clip doesn’t have to be this dramatic. 😁 👏🏻 to the rider and horse.

[@janekiceniuk1578]

Yeah, I'm not liking the music for most of their videos

[@Hyuttah]

Yea the music is like "LOOK AT THOS ACTION, OMG WILD HORSE IN A DRESSAGE TEEEST." When it's literally just a woman and her horse having a conversation.

[@susannay.3437]

I always mute those videos with unpleasant music. 😏

[@afonphoenix394]

The music is like Vikings riding to war, LMAO 🤣😭

[@srgodwin1962]

@@Hyuttah I bet that was an interesting go conversation.

[@danouk1984]

Pff even the best of the best have their challenges. She handled that elegantly and gracefully. Thank you for a reminder that horsemanship is key always

[@littleaussie967]

Yeah absolutely - nice to see in comparison to Annika schleu at the olympics

[@alayaheart7384]

what is the world is elegant and graceful about pushing a borderline hysterical horse beyond his limits. He is 1000 lbs. It is only his kindness in the face of his abuser that kept her from serious injury or worse....she should have never entered the arena but she demanded he "submit" to her will. That is not an accomplished horseman or rider

[@rosamunddrag8971]

@@alayaheart7384 , if she wasn't holding him back he could've bucked her off and caused himself an injury. Horses can be fragile, that's the reason they sometimes break their legs and neck by the accident. Stop judging humans. If she is to reward this bad behavior by leaving the arena, she would've caused a lot more trouble in the future.

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

@@rosamunddrag8971 horses always avoid conflict. That is their nature. Human causes their conflicts. ALWAYS.

[@rosamunddrag8971]

@@vibeskouenborg6842, not quite. Horses can go against humans, and its up to us to avoid staring a fight. Even if horse caused it, it should be stopped by human, because it can lead to serious damage from both sides

[@phoenixgilman9009]

Stunning horse. The rider was calm, loving, yet firm with her horse. Very impressive!

[@bekahsmith6463]

She handled this amazingly, sat the rears, reassured her horse, and didn’t lose her cool. Props to you girl

[@donelookin3386]

It is a snapshot in time. Last year in Aschen she won on this horse with a score of 86.74 I think it was... absolutely beautiful ride. No horse person able to ride and train at this level would criticize as we know what it takes and all the ups and downs. When you have a horse at this level, everything is amplified. Lovely horse and lovely rider, bad day... but I am sure they will figure it out as he is too good as his show record proves.

[@janetpoludniak1938]

Well said. Good to know the history. Something must have stressed her horse. Unfortunate, but I was sooooo impressed with her managing a difficult situation. She was amazing.

[@Msdinomite]

@@janetpoludniak1938 might have been spooked by the camera and camera man. Sometimes when a horse isn't used to the arena or the layout or people, it gets scared

[@Cowboyup57717]

Totally agree. We've all had bad rides. I had a flop with a young gelding that actually turned into a second place because it was a pleasure class and I was judged, not my mount. ❤️

[@countessratzass5408]

@@ohjeh7388 She may not be the owner?

[@riannekuilder7374]

@@ohjeh7388 they (this pair) started riding international competitions at the start of 2021. She has been riding him for a while now, at least since 2017.

[@themigdalaki7931]

She brought tears to my eyes. Congratulations! I wish there were more riders like her.

[@cathyparvin2505]

My heart goes out to this kind, empathetic rider! She must have been absolutely gutted! She did such a super job of getting this lovely horse moving forward(backwards) then got him moving and asking him to relax a bit. She finished on a lovely note, lots of praise when he was trying to hold it together. Well done

[@maritaandcats]

Everyone else covered the main points of this video, but I just wanted to comment at how athletic, flexible, and talented that horse is! It comes through even in fear. I wish them all the best going forward.

[@annaabney1420]

Right? Lovely mover even when freaking out.

[@backwards645]

no pun intended. ha

[@sanroslyn9559]

What amazing skills. How can someone look so graceful when their horse is throwing a wobbly!? A pleasure to watch!

[@jeanniehobbs1433]

When my aging horse started having back pain, the only way I knew something was wrong was that she backed up without being asked. This horse seems to be trying to escape pain.

[@LlyM42]

That is exactly how it is. And that was very clear to see!

[@hannah_eq14]

Maybe the saddle was pinching the horse or something.

[@marinal897]

Genau so sieht es aus. 😢😢

[@xxxlange1146]

Das Tier hat definitiv Schmerzen Kein wunder wie unnatürlich die bei so ner scheisse laufen müssen. Mich wundert nichts mehr u ich hoffe nur das das Pferd nachher keine prügel bekommen hat oder beim Abdecker gelandet ist. Reichen ist nur ihr Rum u Geld was Wert.

[@CocoandKitty]

This horse was completely overwhelmed by the environment.

[@marinal897]

Dieses Pferd hat keine Angst, sondern läuft den Schmerzen davon

[@MsMichigan]

Not true. Look how relaxed the trot is at the end. The head comes down, he extends out, he's using his top line. You do not try to get off a horse that if you feel you can work through it, otherwise you're rewarding that behavior and he'll do it everytime someone gets on. That is dangerous. I've seen a horse rear and flip over backwards on my sister. The rider obviously knows this horse, and knows what to do more than anyone. My sister was trying out a horse for sale and the owner lied about it. That's a big difference between training day in and out vs someone random riding a strange horse (and in my sister's case, an owner lying about a how dangerous her sale horse trul is). The rider knows the horse incredibly. My horse refused fences about 1 out of 2 times for an entire summer, and we're talking only 1'9"-2'0. We worked cavaletti all summer, and worked our way up... he ended up being my 3'6"-4'0 jumper for years.

[@floralehmann8828]

Woher weißt du das?

[@helenatyukodi5227]

Gebe ihnen Recht. Lebe seit über 30 Jahren mit selbstgezüchtetet Pferden. Wie wir auch können sie sich mal schlecht fühlen, können es aber nicht sagen. Genügt eine Blähung oder Migräne etc., wo wir ja auch nicht scharf sind drauf zu arbeiten. Gehört halt etwas Feingefühl dazu um dann das Pferd zu verstehen und lieber in Ruhe zu lassen als ihn zu seinem "Pflicht" zu zwingen. Nicht zu vergessen auch, dass es ein Fluchttier ist, deshalb können sie Dinge wahrnehmen zu was der Mensch unfähig ist. Die Verweigerung konnte also viele Gründe haben. Ein top dressiertes Pferd mach sowas nicht einfach aus Spass um seine Reiterin zu demütigen. Hier ging es meines Erachtens nur darum, dass der Mensch wieder mal zeigt, dass die Reiterin ihr Kopf durchsetzt. Muss zwar eingestehen sie hat es nicht grob getan. Geht ja um viel Geld und Ruhm. Der Lob hier blieb auch nicht aus.

[@andreassperling2823]

super - auf den Punkt

[@viktoriawindhab4910]

Horses aren't machines so it is only natural that things like that can happen. That is the risk you take as a rider. I just hope that other riders will do the same for their horses and not scold or punish them. What a great connection they have!

[@gusmonster59]

If I was required to hold my head in that unnatural position, I'd be pissed off too. Kudos to the rider for keeping calm and not getting angry with him. Too many dressage riders keep their horses behind the bit (that extreme head down, nose in position). That isn't what dressage is supposed to be. As with anything that has become a judged event, what is considered 'correct' is really what has become more fashionable and the real purpose and horsemanship has gone by the wayside. You may notice when he is allowed to carry his head in natural position, he is much calmer and more ready to work.

[@mrswoodbrooke]

Lots of horses naturally do that.. Ever seen a mustang sizing up to another? They do that same postion as a greeting. You clearly know nothing about horses

[@jennifercanfield6271]

Thank you so much for understanding the horse's needs!

[@Ash-wl8up]

Amen!

[@iclynnx]

​​@@mrswoodbrookeHorses arguing and smelling eachother aren't being held in that position for several minutes with no stretching allowed in between, though. They're not being pulled into position with bit and reins. What is expected here is that the horse holds this position of the neck and head, while moving in all these different ways. Usually without the proper balance and core strenght. If they try to look around, stretch, shake a little, they get pulled back into the wanted frame with a bit that can cause mouth lesions, and it's fastened tight with a flash band, so they can't even open their mouth to relieve the pressure. As if they're not a living, breathing animal with thoughts and feelings of it's own. Dressage doesn't have to be like this. There's research that shows that riding behind the vertical is damaging in the long run. It literally restricts breathing.

[@beverleybalshaw9119]

Horses are our teachers and tell us something isn't "right". This young lady did the best thing for her horse, she listened to him and had him seen by a vet. She's a fantastic horse-woman and teacher too. Let's hope a good few have learned from her. She's Top in my eyes 👏👏

[@isabellavalencia8026]

Interesting take....in my eyes it is terrible to put an animal through this to begin with....

[@honeyholly001]

He shouldn't have gone into the arena in my opinion. He was telling her he wasnt ready.

[@Diana-xo4sq]

@@honeyholly001 exactly! Something was wrong with him and he just was not ready! He should be examined by an osteopath

[@tinaboback3417]

Agree!!! Horrible. He was obviously in pain. Shame on her!

[@isabellavalencia8026]

They purposely create injury to the hooves to get them to do this thats why they always have to pint or cover up the hooves so we do not see the injuries that were inflicted upon them on purpose. This is out of date and cruel and was deemed so back in the 1970's so why is this abuse still going on?!?! These rich white folks take pleasure in this abuse! I am both disgusted and appalled at the supposed equestrian lovers because they're actually abusers!

[@joanpeters9361]

Almost every comment is complementing the rider. Yes, she's lovely and highly skilled. The horse was suffering, either emotionally or physically. Does no one care why Hermes was behaving like that? 90% of the comments are on her handling this poor animal that was clearly in distress. I'm sure he wasn't spooked as its hardly his first time at the rodeo. My thought would be excruciating pain. But then again, I only love the animals.......I don't make them dance. If my little old Appy backed up that hard and fast despite my aids I'd be off her in a heartbeat and so would the saddle hit the dust.

[@tiffanykilpatrick-winter165]

This is a training video that should go viral! What amazing horsemanship to care to train her mount regardless of the time place or manner. Reaffirming pats. I love it. Their bond will grow. Sometimes we do not realize what the horse sensed. I had a frustrating experience once and sent my horse forward after some struggle. When I glanced down we were walking over a snake. I felt guilty at first then humbled that my beloved would trust me enough to take us over the snake I had not seen. There is nothing like the bond between mount and rider.

[@xo2quilt]

Out on a ride one day, I wanted to go to a certain place and my horse refused 3-4 times before I just decided he knew something I didn't know and we went somewhere else. I always trusted my horse after that...if he refused to go somewhere, I figured he knew/sensed something I missed I went with his judgment. He never let me down. He's been gone for 2 years now and I miss him every day.

[@jeanneholt3322]

Kudos to her for her horsemanship skills handling this stressful and volatile situation. Better luck next time.

[@debbycave8351]

Good judgement from rider. Time for a vet check, somethings going on.

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

''her horsemanship''.....OMG what do you mean? she is the reason why the horse do this- .

[@violamastromarco9746]

her training is causing this horse to be reactive; if she truly cared more about this horse, she wouldn’t have competed

[@jeanneholt3322]

@@vibeskouenborg6842 oh pardon me I wasn’t aware you know her personally and witness their training on a daily basis

[@jeanneholt3322]

@@violamastromarco9746 also wasn’t aware you know her and witness their training on a daily basis

[@rosepickering1615]

Poor horse is clearly communicating its underlying emotions.

[@davidmacdonald625]

Yrs stop tje torture

[@jeaniebop]

That poor horse is literally foaming at the mouth! Shameful!

[@Hi_riders_of_the_world_]

@@jeaniebopthe horse was scared and she did everything right yes poor horse because it was scared but not because it’s abused

[@pauljoseph8338]

Dressage should be banned. You’re just trying to show that you can get the horse to do what it definitely doesn’t want to do. It’s not an equine natural behavior, and it’s animal cruelty.

[@jeaniebop]

@@pauljoseph8338 No animal should ever have his/her neck strained this way!! Horses need to be able to look up and be free to jump! This is extremely cruel! 🤬

[@ingridwyers9367]

How many signals does a horse have to give to get someone to listen?

[@andreassperling2823]

At least not all the signals sendout in 3.18 minutes. You are so damn right

[@cheyenneutah1569]

I am Amazed on how she reacted to the situation with calm and love for her horse❤, we need more people like her!!!

[@LlyM42]

Who loves his horse, does not torture it and does not abuse it for his own ambition.

[@joshaw7356]

This young lady will go far! She showed excellent skills in remaining calm for her horse and she left the arena on a good note. Great job!!

[@alicecohen4726]

Hope they found the trigger and wish them both a positive recovery, or sensitive assessment to this horses peace of mind and release from tension. Ride that situation and survive is well done but deep in my heart i would need to ask questions about the setting, training intensity and a balanced life.

[@jodyhuston1516]

Well stated, Alice Cohen, I'm with you.

[@karenwh2]

I was wondering those same things...what was the issue? The horse was definitely not having a good day...but why? The rider handled it amazingly well for all the rearing, spinning, side-stepping, etc, and I was impressed at how she rewarded the least bit of positive forward motion. Always try to end things on a positive!

[@Karen-ig6bp]

Absolutely agree!

[@debdurham9463]

See something wrong with horse right hind leg 😭

[@debdurham9463]

Yeah whatever she should have stopped and checked her horses leg ..I don't commend her at all

[@RaleighLink]

At first it looks like spooking but around 1:45 and on you can tell something is off with the horse, either uncomfortable, sore, something pinching... idk but I'm glad she handled it very well, I hope the horse was looked at later.

[@janets6474]

Thank you!!!

[@Angelaius]

I would too if 2 bits would be in my mouth and my neck would be bent unnaturally 💩

[@mrswoodbrooke]

He was and he has vision problems that made it uncomfortable and hard to see

[@sallasundell4351]

Im from Finland 🇫🇮, and I don't understand why people force their horses. The horse is loyal and extremely cooperative without coercion. Mutual respect and loyalty cannot be forced.

[@151riley]

Cheers!

[@Karina-tw6ly]

👏👏👏😌

[@guitarsoundsaround]

The horse needed so much help, gave many cues he was struggling. A good horseman would have scratched and not continued. More spur, forcing him through was awful to watch. I can’t stand it when riders keep forcing the horse like this. Glad to see others recognize this. Cheers from 🇨🇦

[@151riley]

@@guitarsoundsaround Well said. It took me years & years to ask what the horse needs in the moment, not give orders. A horse isn't a piece of equipment.

[@leticiacorinth8713]

@@guitarsoundsaroundShe didn’t force him to do the competition. The competition was over for her when the horse got frightened. After that she just wanted him to calm down in that atmosphere. You see, that she finished, when the horse was calm after a few rounds. It’s just about staying calm and show the horse, that the horse is save

[@shellyjohnson8491]

I'm very impressed with how she handled herself. She kept calm and let him work through his issues. Just shows even the best trained animals can have off days.

[@megofiachra3247]

Once she “gives up” and just asks for a trot, he relaxes enough to go forward. Still, he’s completely behind the vertical. I’ll admit I’m not an expert, but I know enough to see that dressage had gone upside down. She sat that horse amazingly well. But I don’t know why she even entered the ring after such a disaster on the side.

[@boopyournose5698]

I would guess to make it a positive experience for horse later on. In case if horse gets scared it can become a habit of avoiding particular situations. I actually don't think the horse was scared but something was definitely wrong. Maybe a bee sting or something

[@grainianash6880]

💯I hear you - one of the few replies that I fully agree with - you are definitely a knowledgeable horseperson

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

@@boopyournose5698 when horses says NO like this, it is serious. Horses are born to avoid conflict- they are easy livers. But when they are pressed in this way dressage is now a days, the body and mind cannot cope with it. All horses should say NO. I guess she trot around in the end to let the horse not ''get his will accomplished''. If people don't listen to the horse, they often is by the perception that ''horses have to know who is the leader''. And horses don't cope with that. I feel so sorry when people cannot see this situation from the horse point of view.

[@marshamoore8385]

@@vibeskouenborg6842 Again Vibe, your "observation" is way off! I am 67 now and have ridden all my life. Raised and trained horses for pleasure and competition. She entered the ring to give him a possitive outcome. I suppose when your child misbehaves you just let it do whatever it wants! Don't talk like you know what you are talking about! You don't. To be honest I'm embarrassed for you!

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

@@marshamoore8385 ''she entered the ring to give him a positive outcome''- the horse love HYPERFLEXION, tight noseband, forced to obey... OMG. Sorry I work with misunderstood horses and try all the time to learn new stuff, read new science, try new horsefriendly things TO GET TO UNDERSTAND WHY HORSES SAY no. You can be with horses a hole life without changing yourself. Horses are from nature so easy to over-rule. But if the horse has no influence on the training, if you all the time tell it what to do, you miss the important point: to engage with the horse. It is very easy to confuse ''an easy horse'' with a shut down horse. But shut down horses are so ''nice to work with''.....

[@RuthWoodward-k8w]

Love the way she handled this. Turned it into a training session ... very quiet and compassionate rider.

[@michelleekstrom5497]

That rider! Absolutely incredible patience, poise & encouragement throughout!!! Hats off to you!

[@famouskate9071]

Can't you all see that the horse did NOT want to do this? Great rider, yes, but she is forcing a horse to do something he is clearly communicating he does NOT want to do. Backing, rearing, mouth open, tail swishing, all these are signs he is communicating, not to mention, his unwillingness to even enter the ring. Pain, boredom, over-trained? He's also behind the bit, which hinders his breathing. Poor, poor horse. Turn him out in a large pasture with other horses and grass and shade, and go out for hacks in a SNAFFLE, or, better yet, a halter, on a loose rein!. It has always amazed me that the horses "at the top" who are supposed to be so " well trained" need to be ridden with double bridles, spurs and whips. Think about it. Watch some free riders, who communicate with and listen to their horses, and use NO TACK. You know I saw a mystic I need

[@EquineMetalhead]

What an incredible rider. She was patient with him the entire time and rode it out. Hermes was clearly anxious and nervous but she did a good job in staying calm and not losing her patience with him. She sat the rears well and they worked it out in the end. That’s what I call a real rider ❤

[@backstagejumper]

What a beautiful rider and person. Not once did she get angry or frustrated with the horse, well I'm sure she was frustrated but she didn't show it and calmed her horse. What a lovely calm kind rider! And the most elegant tantrum I've seen 😂

[@janetpoludniak1938]

She was amazing. It is obvious that something was upsetting her horse, and he seemed to know what to do, but was just too stressed to perform. Hard for her to have worked so hard and be disappointed by the problem, but she kept her head and stayed in the saddle. Sorry this happened and hope she can figure out the why of the problem. Beautiful horse. Stellar ride all things considered. No one was hurt. There will be other opportunities for her I'm sure.

[@WindyMeadows]

Totally agree LlyM42. I totally get a good laugh out of most horse owners that call their horses names, have selective hearing toward their horses, claim they love them as they give them the best of tack, a beautiful stable with stall walls that allow them to see and smell their buddies beside them, they feed them good with lots of grain and treats... Sorry to say... horses don't give a crap about any kind of barn... they want to see the stars at night, and feel the wind in their mane. And feeding their horses, providing fresh clean water 24/7 is called RESPONSIBILITIES not love!!!! The best thing that equestrians can do for their horses is to educate themselves about horse behavior and proper husbandry. Learn to be a horseman for once, and throw away the equestrian title and earn the horsemanship badge. Technically people should learn those things even before they start to ride. Riding is just one aspect of horsemanship... it SHOULD NOT be the main course!!!

[@anonymoose116]

True horsemanship is convincing the horse to trust you over it's own instincts. That doesn't start in the saddle.

[@ashleymichaelkaritis]

It would be more educational and beneficial for us viewers who weren't able to be there to hear the commentary (if provided in the original footage). It's important to know what spectators on the ground are seeing so that we can see how much or little this behavior was rewarded, tolerated, or criticized. The dramatic music is way over the top and unnecessary.

[@DressageHub]

You can buy a membership to clip my horse and watch it.

[@elkefaber8873]

I watched it but there is no solution at all but only OMG !

[@kimberlyholloway6888]

I normally keep sound muted when watching these posts, in order to focus on the horse and rider without distraction. It makes a big difference.

[@PercheronAppLVR]

Well then perhaps you can make a video that meets your specs.. and do we really need to hear the judges opinions on this? We have eyeballs and a brain...or are we just throwing all our own critical thinking for ourselves out the window at this point in the world? This video is aLOT more than any of those spectators saw from the ground. Jmo

[@PercheronAppLVR]

@@DressageHub 👍

[@sandramaier2781]

Every athlete has an "off day" even horses. Congrats to the rider for remaining calm and working with her horse. There's always another competition for you to shine.

[@steveanthony8653]

Hello Sandra how are you doing today

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

a human athlete makes a choice of putting himself through that ordeal. A horse doesnt. This is wrong.

[@mrswoodbrooke]

@@jasonnicholasschwarz7788 The horse does actually. 1000 pounds of muscle and pent-up energy sure can get out of the situation if needed, but you clearly don't know what you're talking about.

[@TomMartin-ew3nj]

God, I never get tired of this. What an amazing rider. An example of character under pressure. She’s magnificent and loves her horse.

[@aleynadunn3557]

I don't know why she kept pushing... I understand she didn't want to leave the arena on such a sour note, but why would she wait so long to excuse herself? The horse was FAR too gone mentally to ever bring back to completing a test, why keep pushing? It only furthered his stress and if anything created a more anxious and fearful horse. He now knows his stress will only be met with more pressure, and that will make him, even more, arena sour. Glad she finally posted the trot and left in a lower "warm up" frame while giving lots of pats and praise, but that should've been done way before she entered the dressage ring.

[@Karenlangegut]

If you knew anything about horses then you would know that she handelnd the situation very well. Yes she shouldn’t even have entered the arena but by doing two rounds of relaxed trot after that disaster while praising the horse is doing nothing but relieving stress and pushing aside negative associations with the show arena.

[@sophie-he6io]

to not create a trauma. if she decides to leave early, the horse will link competion with whatever trigger him

[@aleynadunn3557]

@@Karenlangegut If I know anything about horses? Lady, I was a nationally and internationally ranked dressage rider training with Olympians... I know more than you think LOL. And you're wrong. She should've gone to that relaxed trot WAY beforehand. Not after pushing the horse to a full-on mental breakdown. Riders have a responsibility to know their horses. Understand that this horse was clearly not reacting to pressure in a productive way and had gone into a "fight or flight" mindset. He learned that when he gets anxious and nervous, she meets that with more pressure and stronger aids, creating even more tension and hostility. Catherine Dufour had a similar experience, but excused herself far earlier, as she realized pushing her horse would yield zero positive results. It creates a horse that's arena sour and anxious in the show ring. They learn a competition ring is an unpleasant place where there is stress and LOTS of pressure from the rider.

[@aleynadunn3557]

@@sophie-he6io Incorrect. I never said she should leave immediately. I agree with her later action to lower the horse's frame and create a more "relaxed" trot before leaving the ring, but it should have been executed earlier. The rider pushed and pushed and pushed until the horse was experiencing a complete mental shut down. He learned that when he responds to a high-stress environment like a competition ring, he is met with immense pressure from the rider. What animal would want to experience that again? And sure enough, just the other day she competed again, with another, albeit smaller, mental breakdown from her horse. Obviously, her reaction was unhelpful and created a similar response for the next show.

[@aleynadunn3557]

@@Karenlangegut Also, just the other day she competed again, with another, albeit smaller, mental breakdown from her horse. Obviously, her reaction was unhelpful and created a similar response the next time around. This horse is tense and anxious, and "pushing through it" is not an option at his stress level.

[@nat1-f1j]

Good Job! No pulling on reins, she softens her hands instead! She stayed calm!

[@ShirleyMcMahon-artist]

My heart went out to both. How she supported her horse ❤️ throughout with what was happening in those moments.

[@laurentead65]

Wish she never asked him to go into the ring. He was saying no I can't again and again. When they are upset like this your undoing an awful lot of hard work and damaging the relationship you've been trying to build every day.

[@auroraremis1413]

I don’t know this horse obviously and I agree with you that there might be an underlying issue but if you watch the whole video I defiantly wouldn’t say the relationship was ruined if anything it was strengthened. She kept her composure and was eventually was able to get him going around the ring calmly without over doing and pushing him (you can tell she chose not to complete her pattern and just get him through this).

[@equestrianlogic]

they're worked so hard in the warm by the time it comes to the ring the horse can hardly see!' each spook is an evasion and there's a reason for that! i agree with you x

[@nicoleevans128]

No, she became a trainer as she should have and worked through the fear until he relaxed. Giving up before he relaxes actually teaches him to be more fearful and causes it to become a problem/habit. Because the horse learns that any time he freaks out when he is scared the trigger will be pulled away. This creates a dangerous horse. What she did was the opposite. She turned it into a teaching moment. What she did was teach him that instead of freaking out if he can trust his rider and feed off of her calmness and relax then he will learn there is actually nothing to fear to begin with. Once he was more relaxed she praised him and ended the session. Now the horse learns a positive thing and becomes a safer mount.

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

@@nicoleevans128 yes horses must obey all you ask for. You are supposed to ignore when they try to express them selves and try to tell they are over done, have pain somewhere, cannot fulfill what you ask about. YES, you are right- horses ARE SLAVES. You sound like a real 'nice'' ''horse lover''.

[@saarlooswolfhund6237]

@@nicoleevans128 obviously you don't understand the conflicts, LDRabused horses have. This horse refuses working together with the rider. He says clearly "NO! !!" Its not only "spooky". Thats the result of unfairness and harmful so called "training". These are the normal everyday nerv wrecks Modern Dressage Riders create. This has nothing to do with Classical Dressage. Learn something about the fundamentals of Dressage. These wrecks here, this bullshit of competition, those trainings methods, all this is inhumane, not horse-friendly. Ban Modern Dressage, ban FEI. 😉

[@naomik01]

Yes Dinja stayed calm. But this is an very good example for over asking the horse, not at this test, but maybe days before. The horse is showing an big amount of stress: the flight reaction, fighting against the riders commands and hopeless pulling al his "tricks" out. He only stopped fighting when she told and let him feel that she dind't want to continue the test... The equestrian community is falling apart, so much damage to the horses and mistakes that are not nessesary. The judges, riders, organisations and supporters, we all need to open our eyes and focus on the horse welfare!

[@blauespony1013]

Nah, sorry, but sometimes horses get spooked or stressed. We had a horse at the stable that was fine during training, but could totally rear up the moment the tournament started. Just nerves and wanting to do great (the mare always wanted to please the rider and do her best, but she got agitated in the process, she is with a family now that does not go on bigger tournaments, so way less stress).

[@naomik01]

@@blauespony1013 I believe that this horse would do a lot for her. They are a team. But still this behavior is a lot for just stress or being nervous. Everyone their own opinion. But the clue is that also judges need to stand up more for the horses and the way they get treated or ridden during tests. Thank you @BlauesPony for you comment!🙂

[@blauespony1013]

@@naomik01 I have seen horses flip like that in training and on tournaments. And as they were my stable owners horses, I know how well they were cared for and how well they were treated (and of course that they were checked, teeth, vet, ferrior, saddle, even a chiropractor and a physio were involved). There are some that completely lose it without any known reason. We even had one mare that was completely unridable without any bodily reason. My stable owners tried to "fix" the horse for a year before they gave up. The horse just did not want to be ridden.

[@Mangoo88]

AmaIng how she stays calm, puts him to work and compliments him when he is doing the excercises right.

[@sarahsahara7591]

I really like how she dealed with that. She stayed calm and tried to give the horse a good feeling. No punishing there.

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

and didn't accept that the horse was trying to tell something- no it had to obey.... horses are slaves

[@lillianlopez3195]

@@vibeskouenborg6842 I have to disagree as someone who rides. We are partners in our riding. If our horse does not want to do something we have to tell them who's is boss, but not punish them. Do something quick that you know they are good at and quit. Praise them for being good and trying.

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

@@lillianlopez3195 YOU SAY IT YOURSELF: ''We are partners in our riding. If our horse does not want to do something we have to tell them who's is boss''. We 'HAVE TO TELL THEM WHO IS THE BOSS '...... why do we HAVE TO SAY THAT?? old fashion attitude towards horses is still living. DON'T call that partner ship. If you don't listen to WHY the horse says no, you are a bad horseman.

[@CACOOK-fk1rc]

That looks like a pain response in the left rear hindquarter to me….. maybe I am not correct? But it looked like the hip was locking on strike down.

[@stacytaddiken7634]

I thought so too! He looked stiff in the hind left.

[@mrswoodbrooke]

Not correct! He had vision problems and scared himself

[@1960jammy]

Beautiful! Pure professional.! No aggression,teamwork!🙏🏻🥰🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@msm7927]

Natural horsemanship enthusiast here with no dressage afinity: job well done. Great patience and love the little encouraging patts just before ending on a few positive circles. Thumbs up.

[@victoriagill3337]

Positive is that she is calm. Negative: he started before she even got in the arena. He should have been retired then. He continued to stress and it got worse and worse.

[@sidlerm1]

It rid not get worse at all and she let him finish on something he could achieve and rewarded him, setting him up for success for the next competition

[@Debraking]

superb riding. Just wasn't his day. His loving rider so calm and understanding. Hats off to the rider

[@Debraking]

Yes I’m good. Loved your composure

[@Kelly_Ben]

What a seat. That horse was saying no in every way he could think of. Whether it was physical or mental issues, it just wasn't happening that day. It reminds me of my first dressage show... I'd never ridden my lease horse in the rain, and it was POURING. We entered the ring, saluted... then galloped around bucking and farting while I laughed hysterically with nerves, then saluted and left. The look on those judges faces!! 🤣 I wound up getting a ribbon anyway, because so many people left due to the storm! 😆

[@steveanthony8653]

Hello Kelly how are you doing today

[@lanascribe]

Thank you so much for sharing this story. That made me laugh a LOT!! Great visual description! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@obscurelyvague]

"Kelly Benedetti" Why would it be held outdoors while there is a storm?

[@steveanthony8653]

@@obscurelyvague Hello how are you doing

[@100th_monkey]

Ah, the bucking and farting, I'm LOL'ing in remembrance my hairy little chestnut maniac I loved dearly 🤣 And looking at this guy going if I got two straight rein back steps that was a very successful negotiation -this guy did what, 25, dead straight, in the middle of his spaz. Nice work!!

[@albertw251]

Wow! HUGE RESPECT!!! Her being so calm and composed showed a lot of skill. She handled the situation superbly. Like humans, horses can have off days.

[@olgam601]

Amazing rider, she stayed calm and positive.

[@ohcliff1030]

I don’t understand why these riders don’t just stop, and drop the reins enough to let the poor horse calm down and relax. So what if it wanders around a bit to get calm! If it’s a time issue, scratch the ride for another time! You’ll surely have another chance at another time. But If you sour or ruin your horse you may not get it back! The horse is obviously fed up with being told what to do. I’d take it home for 90 days and pasture it, just let it be a horse for awhile, then start again slowly and lightly. This level of dressage is ridiculously demanding, and he ain’t havin’ it! 🤨

[@badcroissant4142]

One time explosion when he usually performs well makes you say it’s fed up with the sport and next up won’t let it work for 3 months. That’s terrible advice. She tried to reassure him and she did actually quit. It could be anything from insect bites to minor injuries.

[@ohcliff1030]

@@badcroissant4142 The implication here was not that the horse was fed up with the sport, but that he was fed up in the moment. And I stand by my opinion here. A nice break would do that horse some good. They’re wonderful animals, but working so hard to get to that level is tough on an animal. There’d be no shame in taking a break. I think you need to take on too.

[@bearmun1454]

Absolutely this. The horse was feeling really uncomfortable (mentally or physically or both) and was forced to carry on for some time. Whilst I can understand the rider's logic in trying to end on a good note, the horse's behaviour there warrants some questions about the animal's overall wellbeing.

[@RebeccaJarisch]

I think he was adding his own personal spark lol

[@mildredgrossman5653]

The poor horse, what is bothering him. He is very uncomfortable....she should dismount.

[@michaelgl8516]

Dressage has been developed to display willing, skillful communication between horse & rider. It's most unfortunate that riders with such obvious harsh hands who are all over that poor horse's head aren't barred forever from competitions.

[@beadage]

What incredible grace the rider shows in this scary and stressful situation. Impressive.

[@DuoMonkey]

It’s highly possible that the horse is reacting to something that’s painful. Hopefully he was throughly vet checked after this.

[@juanezaling2816]

This rider is wonderful - full marks and a medal for kindness!

[@mrs.c5471]

That horse is either in pain or doesn’t like the rider, at all. Stop forcing it to perform. But I have to say that rider’s seat is amazing!

[@irishka_zolotse]

Seeing this, i recall all those mystery movies and how the horses were being given stimulants to kill the riders or spoil the event... I am glad the Lady and her horse pulled through and did not break their relationship... they just needed to calm down and figure out what was bothering that beautiful gracious horse...

[@TheSeji]

Amazing horsemanship! What a great rider.

[@kellyr301]

What a great rider! Handled everything well, good on her!

[@Wraftor]

Since I’m not in the saddle, and I’m not on that horse at that time, I’m not criticizing the horse, the rider, or the sport. Before even entering the ring, it was pretty clear, whatever the reason, the horse was not going to be able to perform (especially at that level that day), I would have dismounted right there and tried to calm him on the ground. Then head back to the barn to search for the problem.

[@luciemarinov129]

Too bad she kept pushing the horse into the ring when it was quite obvious he wasn’t going to be able to perform the test! Seems quite ludicrous and insensitive to an obviously very upset horse! Should have graciously retired and had the horse vetted and try to figure out the problem!

[@luciemarinov129]

Best comment yet!

[@Makeupgrrl1313]

Although I've seen horses act like that and then enter the ring and be on point. However maybe his saddle was pinching or he had sone other issue no one knew about. Could have been anything. Getting to Grand Prix is no easy feat so the amount of training and becoming a team... you have to end on a positive for the horse to not associate the experience with the negative. Just my observation.

[@kadovax6567]

Dallas, if you dismount when the horse behave like this, he will use this behaviour again each time he wants you to dismount.

[@debbiepeter112]

to dismount and leave would have bee bad for the horse and any future events. She did the right thing.

[@randeleighharris8792]

Outstanding horsemanship with this rider, giving her mount every opportunity to examine the surroundings, even backing him past the judges to get a better look. She took advantage of her time in the arena to school the horse and calm his fears despite knowing she was already eliminated. Bravo to excellent riding and judgement.

[@cassiedawson583]

Honestly, very impressed by her ability to remain calm and composed and do her best to just make it a learning experience for them both and to use positive reinforcement when Hermes could gather his noodle in moments.

[@manonwolff]

👏🏼👏🏼applaus voor de manier hoe ze dit zo netjes, respectvol en paardeerlijk op lost. Goed afgesloten, op naar heel veel winst en vertrouwen de volgende keer🫶😁

[@Maddy-q8m]

not me trying to calm him speaking to my laptop screen 💀

[@feraforestno88o57]

That horse is not spooking, he is in pain, the moment he starts moving forward! The pressure builds up into the Rein with such a natural, strong energy, so the basic error of the rider is ADDING to that pressure, by stronger, locked hand and the use of her legs! Her seat getting tighter and tighter along the way and pinching the back as well! Just think how would you feel, if you were that horse! Horses, just like pressure cookers, tend to explode without any outlet. Horses (unlike the cookers) are wise animals! They connect the cause of the nasty feeling to their own and their rider's actions. So in this case, the solution is refuse moving forward all together!

[@34pat9art]

The saliva pouring out of his mouth says it all.

[@margaretshaw2672]

Totally agree with everything you say. Such a cruel unnatural way these horses are ridden. Over bent, unhappy horse.

[@stacytaddiken7634]

I agree, he also liked a little stiff in his back left. I could be wrong...

[@judithbateson6353]

He obviously need more tumeric and a keyboard trainer!

[@quasarsmom]

@@stacytaddiken7634 I thought that as well

[@Jill_P]

Very interesting. It looked almost like he was being tormented by some invisible insect. Or perhaps this was a bitting issue? He certainly is a gorgeous powerhouse of a horse, but he had no interest in competing this day. I thought this rider handled this reasonably enough. However, even though I'm hesitant to comment on this without knowing anything about the horse's habits and tendencies, his head carriage in the moments he did regain a little focus are sadly telling of the kind of "training" he has been subject to behind the scenes. This is just my speculative opinion, but I think we are all tired of seeing supposed "top riders" taking these amazing, cream-of-the-crop horses and subjecting them to backwards training. It is no wonder why we seem to be seeing more and more of these types of refusals to perform.

[@ohcliff1030]

I hate double bits.

[@MollyGrue1]

@@ohcliff1030 well, they're sura "a mouth full"... this horse hurts and has some serious issues with something in his mouth or back or head. Poor creature.

[@Jill_P]

@@ohcliff1030 I hate that the FEI makes them a requirement in the upper levels.

[@dominique_scx]

@@Jill_P yeah and we aren’t even allowed to do it bitless but i know here in the Netherlands (Dutch) so many dressage riders want to go bitless but the KNHS (FEI) doesn’t allow it. There we see jumpers bitless why do they allow that and not for the dressage people?

[@dark-shadow_]

@@dominique_scx ikr it's stupid. I ride my Friesian bittless since last year. He absolutely hates the bit so much. Even tough he doesn't really stop easily, i have figured a save way to stop him in an emergency or if he wants to bolt on the road. He is doing so great tough. I always wondered why it is necessary to compete with a bit. Some will even perform better without a bit. The horse will feel so much better without a piece of hard metal in it's mouth. Not hating on bits tough but i don't like them anymore after realizing how much damage it does to the horse. Even when riding with the softest hands

[@srojo7009]

0:20 the rider tips the horses out of the blue because she relaxed her foot and that scared the mare. That was her mistake. From there onward the horse is clearly uncomfortable and in pain due to many other intentional tips on her ribs and that shit on her nose. When will people stop prising sports that hurt and stress out animals is beyond my imagination. You guys telling she was an amazing rider for not taking out her frustration on the horse but not taking into account that if a horse doesn't feel comfortable or ready to do this it should be left out and alone. Moreover stop normalising a horses later on calmness with a good rider... They just learn to not show their pain because of their nature... C'mon... Let's put it like this: imagine your husband wanting an anxl every night with no baseline and telling you how much he loves you while forcing and hurting you. Yeah real romantic and cool right? Abused people learn better to hide the pain and cope with it sooner or later and that's what's going on with many horses.

[@leslistovalllayerdvm7113]

Based on the pattern of seeming inexplicable and irregularly patterned triggers to the horse's stress response, followed by brief success in repeated calming down (kudos to the rider for staying calm and giving assurances)...something was causing this horse repeated irregular triggers. Who knows...an issue.... in the mouth, in the gut, under the girth, under the bridle, under the blanket, an insect, or similar.

[@joetwitchell9421]

Evil farts?

[@soniapereira2176]

...I was thinking that looked like neurological episodes...

[@amelialewis8069]

Yeah I was concerned watching this because it really seems like something is bothering the horse, possibly tack, possibly pain though. I have seen back injuries look like this. Hope they checked him out really well afterward.

[@Ilady]

At first i thought hè was 'spooky' and had a lot of tension. But then with the longer reign there where no problems anymore. So it looks to me that the collected work causes him pain and tension. I hope they will figure out whats wrong with hem. And listen to his signals..

[@rwilsbach9206]

OMG! My mount for my riding lessons was best described as "An old man in slippers." Safe for a novice rider. I admire the horsemanship and the training for horse and rider to get to this level. Am I jealous or what?

[@TonnyBartels]

Rollkurposition!! =Schmerzen!!

[@amberblyledge7859]

Well ridden and well recovered. At first I thought he was just spooking at something, but it looks like my horse with a bot fly or a very angry horsefly. Maybe a burr under the saddle pad or a muscle spasm. It’s clear he wasn’t spooking at a singular object. Something was going on. But like I said, well ridden. Wish I had a seat like that. That schooling session after seemed just what Hermes needed to end in a good note. After reviewing the footage further it looks like there’s a problem with his back right leg. Watch in the backing up where he relaxes his back left letting his fetlock almost touch the ground, but his back right doesn’t come nearly as close. He’s keeping that one tensed up. Perhaps a hamstring issue or muscle spasm. I know that forward movement with hamstring issues HURTS. For me a sharp pain. Backing up doesn’t hurt but going forward and getting under myself does. If I wasn’t used to it I’d probably spook too.

[@BeRightBack131]

I think you're right. My initial impression on first watch was oh no, something is hurting that horse, that's why he's refusing. I watched again after you mentioned his right rear leg. Yeah, he seems to be favoring it, and a couple times almost looks like he didn't want to put weight on it. She should have dismounted and checked. Last thing you want is a horse in pain and you're forcing him to continue. At any rate, she gets a 10 from me on keeping her seat and excellent horsemanship.

[@buriemom]

Agree 100%. That horse was experiencing pain. SMH

[@Raelven]

I know nothing about horses but I know a lot about dogs. Hermes acted the same way a dog in pain can behave when asked to do something that doesn't feel good. The conflict between trying to please and to move away from pain causes erratic and unpredictable behavior. The rider handed it very well.

[@nikkib2143]

What a rider to contain that amount of energy. I'm glad she was able to ignore everything and not leave the ring until he had calmed. Well ridden lady ❤ x.

[@saarlooswolfhund6237]

Another example of Futility of Modern Dressage. If there is a partnership between horse and human, if there is real harmony in the joint movement and relationship, relaxation and joy: then a deep level of trust has also been reached mentally. The horses of the original military riders followed their riders into the fray of war. That was the point of dressage. These broken slaves, these wrecked nerves that modern dressage breeds: are a caricature of the very idea of ​​dressage. This horse clearly shows a full refusal, yet is forced to continue, partially rolled. Stop and ban this horrible sport.

[@Galemor1]

Yes exactly. Dressage was for riding and controlling a horse in close combat. It was ridden on 1 hand, as you needed the other hand for your weapon. This "dressage" is a circus performance worthy, classic dressage is so much more than flashy movements and such..

[@saarlooswolfhund6237]

@@Galemor1 just one second view into this riding style tells everything kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYmlc4xtj8lmabM

[@biancalodde8278]

If they were broken, they would behave like this. It is a living creature and this happens. That's life

[@Makeupgrrl1313]

Are you a dressage rider? Grand prix level? Do you know that there are actually very humane ways to train? Yes this was used for combat. And has been adapted to a sport. When done right, not harmful. Look at the Spanish Riding School - classical dressage in its purest format. And never cruel to the horse. That said it doesn't seem like this woman is heavy handed or abusive. Something we don't know about was happening. Don't sit behind your keyboard and judge an entire discipline based on a video you don't know the full story of.

[@saarlooswolfhund6237]

@@Makeupgrrl1313 are you a GrandPrix rider, hm? Repeat reading my comment and have a look at the trainings vid

[@helgapataki8438]

I think she sat this excellent and stayed calm, first I thought he spooked because of something at the side but what made me change my mind is the fact that on 2:25, when she gives in, he immediately trots around as if there was nothing. So yeah, I think what we call work-life balance is key and he needs to see the gras a bit more.

[@akasha.projects]

You monster , you don’t see the abuse right

[@ReneeSalvail]

This is one very experienced, caring rider. She never struck him and when he reared, she held around his neck so he wasn't jerked with the reins. As for the horse, he was letting her know he didn't feel like being a good boy today. "Mom, I just don't feel up to it today. I love you, but I don't want to show how good I am today. Horses have bad days too. You are a handsome pair in the ring. Excellent work, young lady. Hope you do well in the future.

[@Robin-sb7vu]

This horse is having a mental breakdown.. that's why the fast backing up. She did fantastic! Very compassionate, but this horse needs a break.. anxiety is too much..

[@Hannah-sk3fv]

Agreed, at least she patting him and trying her best to keep him calm :)

[@jeanpernarelli846]

The more I see dressage, the more I dislike it. Dressage is a miserable life for a horse..All horses are put through so much crap ,no one ever thinks how the horses “feel” about anything. We just treat them like they are our slaves and we can do whatever we want to them. We don’t care when they are uncomfortable as long as they are doing everything we are forcing them to do. This poor horse will pay the price for protesting .. he obviously has had enough of this foolishness. Dressage is a pointless and useless way to ride. It was created for one thing and that is to make the rider feel good about himself or herself… It’s obvious that most of the horses are miserable and sick and tired of the whole damned thing..

[@carrismith5110]

She was amazing with him!! Good job!!

[@meep_show]

This horse is extremely stressed. I dont even know why she stepped into the ring

[@MaryofAz]

This horse is trying to express something. Pain, illness, something?

[@PEACEinYESHUA-oj7vc1pk7w]

Amazing horsemanship right from the beginning. Staying calm throughout ❤

[@sofieheen-aas4038]

this woman is so skilled, handling this situation without getting frustrated and kicking or dragging unnecessarily in it's reins. kudos

[@loramaclean476]

Talk about being one with your horse! What a phenomenal rider! Patience and balls of steel!!!

[@CraigAnderson-h2h]

Horse had a bad day and she seemed to understand and didn't hold it against him.

[@catherinenyberg2493]

The horse was later diagnosed with asymmetrical cataracts, which very likely caused rainbows to shimmer and wobble in his vision when ever the sun came through his cornea.

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

and probably put down for that reason...no medals, no profit. "Professional" horse riding is disgusting.

[@iceartist22]

@@jasonnicholasschwarz7788 Not true. He's still competing with her, very successfully.

[@duhofcourse129]

@@jasonnicholasschwarz7788 he did not 😂

[@glitcheddivinity]

​@@jasonnicholasschwarz7788 so many words to say "I know 0 about the sport"

[@jasonnicholasschwarz7788]

@@glitcheddivinity sport is where it starts going wrong. A horse is a companion, not a tennis racket.