🏆 Patrik Kittel and Touchdown Takes Gold in World Cup! | FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2024 Riyadh

[@feichannel]

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[@vibeskouenborg6842]

🤮

[@Eli-fy8gw]

well certainly not enjoying such mockery of dressage, trotting over to dislike button

[@patty.baffert]

How terrible! The horse is so contorted and stressed he has "wash" between his hind legs! _"Patrick_ is giving it his all????" Is that what they call dressage nowadays? How do the people in power at the FEI sleep at night?

[@Pilgrim-1]

How many marshmallows did they stuff in that pour animal's mouth to hide his blue tongue. Not to mention that the horse looks so stressed from pain. He has no natural spring in his gate, and he looks tired. Sometimes he looks lame!!! All of this abuse for what? The horse looked completely exhausted and confused when he finished. 🥵 I wish the announcer would take her blindfold off, and shut up! 😒 They are rewarding abuse. smh

[@irisshields]

FEI: “enjoying horse abuse? Trot over for more abuse on our page, we not only condone it, we reward it!” 🤬

[@roseschaefer5079]

Aggressive hand riding throughout. How can the judges reward this?

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

I don’t know, he has had many cases of rollkur and blue tongue before and he doesn’t stop.

[@suzanneterrey4499]

I agree, every stride he was pulling back. Such a pity to treat his horse that way and then being rewarded for it!!! Judging has become disgusting!! All these judges should be thrown out!

[@emilyleighton5701]

I’m heart broken at what our sport has become and what the judges are rewarding 💔 this ride is the literal antithesis of dressage

[@lottefleck3688]

Thank the judges and the FEI :(

[@Pilgrim-1]

@@lottefleck3688 Exactly to a point. Not all riders do this to their horses. To avoid an argument I'm not going to name the trainers, trainer/riders, riders, who don't do this. But a big shame on you to the FEI. This was all supposed to be banned! What good is a ban when the governing body won't enforce it? It's getting worse. 🙈 🙉 🙊

[@katvloom6542]

Im confused what is so terrible about this ride? I understand the open mouth, but i believe it may just be the teeth showing as despite the sort of open mouth the horse appears very quiet.

[@rachelanderson9663]

@@katvloom6542 it’s basically that the rider’s hands are extremely strong and harsh on the horse’s mouth so leading to the mouth being constantly open and suffocating the tongue (which is why it’s blue). the horse is also behind the vertical for the majority of the test, and i think what everyone is getting at is that the FEI are allowing this kind of riding and look for an overly short neck which just, to me, shows the horse isn’t using their body to perform the movements they way they should be if that makes sense?

[@Whisperingwoodsfarms]

It’s time we make a nee dressage organization, dedicated to classical dressage training. I swear modern day dressage is becoming more and more like saddle seat.

[@Meldari]

Very heavy contact with an open mouth. Is that the riding the judges wish to see?

[@catherineiselin]

Mr Kittel, judges. An extended trot must not be a shortening of the frame. A trot is a two beats gait, LANDING on one leg is a 4 because it is not a trot.

[@karenkreider9865]

Judges should have to have a mandatory deduction every time the rider pulls on the reins and every time the horse opens his mouth. This horse almost looks inverted with his head held up by the reins. He doesn't move through his body and neck out to the reins. Rider uses hands incorrectly - Or am I wrong?

[@PhebusdesTours]

The fact that this dude is still allowed to ride horses is beyond me.

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

I agree. He has done rollkur/blue tongue for years and no consequences

[@HollyJordan15]

I’m heavy hearted about this. I’m going off top dressage day by day. Poor horse.

[@potatochubble5685]

Rolkur riding wins again, it shocked me when they praised anky at the beginning of the stream. Neat system when it turns horses tongues blue, bloody mouths and ruins their muscles irreprably. Not abuse at all. SHAME ON FEI

[@tcrow7252]

Poll was highest point most of the ride...

[@k-w627]

​​@@tcrow7252no it wasn't, not consistently. This horse cannot carry itself properly. It is literally anchored at the mouth and hingeing the entire ride.

[@potatochubble5685]

@@tcrow7252 it's funny that the poll isn't the only point on the horse, if you think this ride is correct because of the poll then you're blind.

[@shay4210]

I don't agree with Rollkur AT ALL, but this isn't really an example of that. When you see the horse walk out at the end, you can see that's just how he carries himself when in a frame (with the poll at the highest point). Patrik could've been more forgiving with the reins, yes, but sometimes horses carry themselves that way without rider interference and it's important to look at the difference between the frame when in a test and the natural carrying frame.

[@potatochubble5685]

@@shay4210 patrick kittel trains all of his horses in rolkur.... and he's proud of it. This is rolkur riding, as this horse is pulled behind the vertical with no give the entire test, because he was trained in rolkur. His toes flick and his neck bulges. But i suppose if you think whale eyed, blue tounged and neck bulging is normal self carrige then whatever right. This isn't natural carrige, this is a carrige influenced by how this horse was trained.

[@colleen113]

Such a beautiful horse and rider! They looked so graceful! A real pleasure to watch.

[@lisatrapp4444]

The horse hasn't closed its mouth during the entire test. The final stop was horrendous...

[@catherineiselin]

The horse is a leg mover, not a back mover, The judges should not mark him more than a 5.

[@catherineiselin]

Dressage is only sport where the Rules have been thrown out of the window to allow riders and trainers to display fake gaits, artificially enhanced thanks to RIDING from the front, always on the curb so the horse has no chance to move as a whole. Only the front legs display this hackney gait that the ignorant people take as for a "dance". it is not the goal of Dressage, please try to find a copy of the written rules, made to protect the horses, because this is not acceptable in 2024 to use horses, without following the good Principles that were at the base of the sport.

[@sandralogue1774]

He can't use his hind legs properly with the head and neck in the position they are in. He's off beat and poorly positioned,I can't believe this is a winner. How much worse were the other riders?

[@Emotais]

Thank god these comments notice how terrible this is

[@tessmonro7102]

That was my thought too

[@ruby_tuesday_dressage]

Wow the blue tongue really adds a pop of color against his coat which is dripping sweat! Absolutely horrendous

[@MiSZMARiiE]

What’s blue tongue?

[@Pilgrim-1]

@@MiSZMARiiE When his head is pulled in to tight and his neck is bunched up, he doesn't get enough oxygen to his tongue, so it turns blue. It’s very cruel.

[@lori5455]

His mouth appears to be a real source of pain as test progresses. Such a short neck naturally and not sure how he keeps breathing properly. Bet that tongue is not a healthy colour at this point. Not an impressive look for highest competition in the land. Charlotte Fry disqualified for blood before she entered the ring and now this is the winner.....

[@shellonabeach4273]

This is horrendous. The horse literally has a gaping mouth and a blue tounge. Why have rules and regulations when they arent even being used?

[@annjohnson8437]

Lots of tail swishing, too. He looks unhappy and stressed. 😢

[@-AMZ_Equestrian-]

Did anyone see the horse’s front right leg in the beginning? It looked like it was hurting him 1:30

[@shellonabeach4273]

​@@-AMZ_Equestrian- It could be, it is hard to tell though because of the camera angles. I can see what you are saying but by looking at the rest of the video, it doesn't seem that way. I think it's likely because the horse is stopping!

[@-AMZ_Equestrian-]

@@shellonabeach4273 ok, I’m not a professional vet or something (though I hope to be!) but that’s kinda what it looks like but yea 😅😂🫶🏻

[@shellonabeach4273]

@@-AMZ_Equestrian- You're alright, you may be right though because I'm not one either! Sometimes it's harder to make out lameness in professional dressage horses!

[@nancyshere]

dressage must not continue if this is the standard it is going to meet. this is livestreamed animal abuse, and i cannot continue to support the sport if this will be what's praised.

[@catherineiselin]

The judges must explain their marks, this is so wrong.

[@carolinerake4024]

I think they did on the sheet!!

[@Makanshi]

Hey, FEI, read the room. Look at all these comments from knowledgeable riders. We see the fluff, we see the blue tongues, we see the hyperflexion, the harsh hands. Where is the enforcement for your rules?! Why are we rewarding this?! I rode with Sue (Rosie) Mally for YEARS, and on her horse Que Sera, this was never how I was taught. What are you doing to this sport?!

[@sonia_eva]

the extended trot looks so unnatural, and besides that, the poor horse had its mouth open throughout the entire test. if that's what is rewarded in this sport nowadays...

[@melissabaanders2751]

Pull a bit harder, thats some hard hands

[@diam9nd3]

I would think FEI dressage riders would have more muscular arms after all that pulling on the reins.

[@yanagoryunova5616]

Pasage , piaffe 😢. the horse is not relaxed. opens his mouth. how can he be a champion??? 🤦🤷‍♀️

[@LisaAlioto-dc3eg]

What the heck are you haters talking about??? Like anyone can see the color of his tongue??? Slobber, the frothing is GOOD - hello??? You know nothing if you think the foam is bad - it shows the best that can happen! I am in disbelief

[@janoconnor2706]

You obviously have never read the official training scale for dressage. I expect you don't ride dressage either.

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

As a Swedish person, I don’t like Patrik Kittel. He has had many cases of rollkur and blue tongue and he is continuing to do it.

[@ardybb]

Literally frothing "at the bit". Not good at all. Are judges blind??? 😢

[@shellonabeach4273]

Exactly! And if you look closer his mouth is gaping and he has a blue tongue. Foam around the horses mouth is fine in some cases but when it starts dripping, there's a clear sign that there's a problem!

[@dwagongirl-9327]

They are paid to be blind, and blind to keep their job…

[@shellonabeach4273]

@@dwagongirl-9327 so real... It saddens me that they don't even care about these horses. At this point I'm done with dressage at this level.

[@ardybb]

Yes tongue hanging down and dripping! When will judges be held accountable 🤔? Is it fans won't go or won't buy sponsored products or start a campaign against this method? So much corruption, money and power all involved....doesn't seem fixable. 😩

[@lottefleck3688]

FEI, you‘ve really given up on classical riding? Circus performances are winning now…never mind the position of the neck, the nose line etc. It all went downhill with the „freestyle“, Totilas, et al.. I hope gaining a couple of more viewers and advertisers was worth losing your soul…

[@Shelleysnail]

It’s all pretty clunky. I would have expected the winner to be smooth and flowing.

[@CarolanIvey]

He’s not quiet in the saddle if that makes sense. Sawing on the reins, legs flailing, upper body twisting side to side. I thought the rider’s cues were supposed to be barely visible.

[@myronschabe]

Yeah, this truly a sad moment...that horse certainly does not give off an inspiring picture...what a poor horse...not his fault....please with the lofty intro....this guys hands are so heavy...this sucks...we want the horses to look HAPPY! This crap should not be rewarded!

[@julew.9451]

What a relief when he finally gets off the horse…. This once again shows that bad and hard riding pays off….I don‘t get it

[@cheryl_the_horsechick]

Why is hitting your horse (the pat) a reward? I've never done that. Drives me crazy. Beautiful horse but blue tongue gapping mouth and is that the marshmallow stuff to hid the blue tongue. Poor guy. He was the winner not the rider.

[@melissaking8321]

Marshmallow stuff? Lol you've never seen a horse excited foam at the mouth have you?

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

I pat the horses I ride like that. There’s a difference between smacking and patting like that.

[@redrider9732]

How to win without passage!!!!

[@lilg1231]

I love the careful editing at the end in an attempt to pretend like the horse’s crest wasn’t the highest part of his body for most of that ride - and the quick cut away before they could show the horse’s gaping mouth, blue tongue, and that god awful horizontal curb bit. I thought the FEI was supposed to be rewarding proper riding

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

Me too! I’m so ashamed of the rider representing our country, he is an animal abuser.

[@resQfurppl]

i don’t understand the logic behind abusing an animal to preform 😭😭 when there’s a bond, trust, love, teamwork… an animal will never let their human down!! humans let each other down & do each other wrong whereas animals will never think such a thing!!!

[@roseschaefer5079]

Money and fame. That's all the logic they need.

[@janets6474]

Do you people at the FEI have no shame? No morals? No compassion? No sense of what type of torture you not only ignore but facilitate? It's disgusting and abhorrent that you continue to allow these abuses to continue! The animal can do NOTHING to fight for themselves. Shame on you all for what you are doing and what you are allowing. You just gave a gold medal to abuse! We, the spectators, the honest and compassionate trainers, and riders are tired of it!

[@nicitanic]

Simply appalling that this is the winning round. There is so much to criticize and the only thing to do is to not buy tickets/ not watch this ‘sport‘ anymore and instead use the time to work with your own horses at home.

[@SpecialAgentWTaylor]

Well, here the horse is not a winner, for sure. Unlucky can't say, but it shows that he doesn't feel like a winner.

[@konkitty04]

I’ve been riding my entire life but if this is now the standard for elite equestrianism, I really hope it gets banned sooner rather than later. This can’t be defended anymore, we’re proving everyone right who calls us „animal abusers“ for sitting on a horseback.

[@monikasaringer1152]

Why cant dressage be ridden in a snaffle? Is it just the rules or what? At 8.16 in slow motion Touchdown's top lip seems to be hanging abnormally then he brings it back to life

[@mollyLouM]

Yes, it’s the rules. After a certain point horses must be ridden in the double bridle and only certain bits are allowed. Some very talented horses have not been able to compete at higher levels because they have short mouths that can’t accommodate the two bits comfortably. Many top HORSEMEN school in a snaffle and only change to the double bridle before the show. - and (possibly depending on the particular country and association) some have petitioned to have the snaffle allowed at all levels. Today’s _riders_ (sic) - I don’t know. Maybe if Grand Prix tests could be ridden in the snaffle we’d see some fluidity and flexibility again. .. what a dream.

[@monikasaringer1152]

@@mollyLouM Thanks for your info

[@mindlifewithelmien9122]

So uncomfortable to watch this. The horse looks like a robot, no joy.

[@chrissi4740]

ich kenne mich nicht aus mit dem reiten, aber es sah alles sehr stimmig und harmonisch aus, herzlichen Glückwunsch...

[@ЕкатеринаЕкатерина-т8с]

Degradation of dressage

[@johanna8206]

How about that blue tongue, FEI???

[@gg3596]

Tortured cruelty inflicted upon this beautiful horse

[@Egan_Equestrian]

Shame on FEI, horse is ridden with a very hard hand, the blue tongue is flapping right in front of the judges... so disgusting

[@whiteraveeen_]

the gaping mouth at the final halt and the commentator said it was great???? wow… what has become of our sport. The meaning of dressage began to fade away as soon as FEI was founded 🫠

[@lilik6945]

this deserves ZERO POINTS. this rider has no finesse, the transitions are horrendous and the horse almost looks lame in the forehand. how can you award such things?

[@helgaschmidt9542]

Everything you can do wrong in dressage: an aggressive hand that pulls the horse together, the horse's mouth under constant pressure from the curb, zero suppleness. The jury's judgement is a revelation.

[@KatrinaRoseT]

I always thought dressage was about NOT seeing a rider’s cues to the horse, this rider made every move obvious and won. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@amberblyledge7859]

Horse has tallent. Rider too rough.

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

Definitely agree, rider is pulling hard.

[@MiSZMARiiE]

How does the horse know what cue is for what? Theirs multiple moves. I don’t see how how he can cue the horse more the twice if that makes sense?

[@pquarterhorse1]

This was grotesque. Why are we placing people who are so rough on horse's mouths? You'd think that LESS would be more with a horse in advanced training

[@nayaognaffe]

And the horse goes behind vertical ,has pain face looks sad and stressed ...

[@SpecialAgentWTaylor]

If a horse looks sick based on its head or movement, why is it the first place? Is this a carcass pit race? Then it really looks like a first. I saw a disabled person the other day. Does he also get a gold medal for running? If this disabled horse got...

[@igiddyup]

Animal abuse and child abuse is the most repulsive kind. To pick on something/someone looking for guidance and direction and that lives to please. Their minds have no way of making sense of being punished for trying. So they do the only thing that makes sense, keep pleasing for punishment.

[@melissaking8321]

For those that want to blame the riders, need to look up the rules and regulations of each horse sporting event. We learned football (in USA) caused severe head trauma, we didnt blame the players for being dumb and playing, we blamed the drs and coaches for knowing and not making a difference. Its the same thing here. The rules need to change. Look up what these horses have to wear while doing these events, its in the rule book to wear certain types of bits and headstalls.

[@johanna8206]

I would love to see the rules change, however a horse can certainly be ridden well in a double bridle with soft hands and without a blue tongue. The equipment isnt the problem here, his harsh and unforgiving hands are. If you have to physically force a horse to perform with that level of pressure on their mouth, either you are an incompetent rider or the horse isn't ready (trained) for that level of showing. Pulling a horse into frame, and onto the forehand so they cannot move over their back, is the antithesis of dressage, as is fighting a horse to get them to perform.

[@melissaking8321]

@@johanna8206 again rules need changed. Why do they have to wear a double bridle? Rules! Yeah you can ride with softer hands, i know cuz my horses are trained to ride TACKLESS or in just a halter. Just like barrel racing how most the people use the wrong type of tack cuz they have no idea about it but because its in the rulebook, they have to follow it. Do you know how easy it is for a horse to pinch its tongue while you're riding and you have no clue? Super easy especially in competition mode when the horse is doing its job and the rider is trying to focus on the horse, the judges, plus themselves and the crown. Ive never understood dressages rules anyway. You want to show the judges how light your horse can move but you have several pieces of tack on their heads and mouths?

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

He is being very harsh on the reins, pulling them hard.

[@bonblue4993]

What is on Touchdown's left leg above the knee???

[@tinadiggingindirtweinstein5648]

Saliva

[@TanjaNeff]

That you are thinking this joint is his knee tells it all! Oh my goodness, all you hate persons, not even knowing the anatomy of a horse. It's really not worth thinking about your comments. You claim yourself being experts, but don't know anything. Reading about riding and theorizing is like reading about skiing or any other sport: you can't do it and know nothing. Hopefully more riders take legal actions against people like you as Isabell Werth did!

[@TreeFallFree]

Froth of some kind. It may be natural but some in the sport have used artificial froths such as marshmallows to disguise thungs like blue tongues.

[@bonblue4993]

@@TanjaNeff Whoooooaaaaa!!!! I was asking a simple question because it looked to me that the horse had something silver just above it's knee and I SIMPLY wanted to know what it was. That's it, nothing more. You went on and on with judgments about someone you have never met. You stated that "You claim yourself being experts" and I never said that - you did!. Next time you read a comment, please see it as it is and then don't put words in other people's mouths. Yikes!!!! I hope you can review all of the judgments that you made of me and try to learn something from this.

[@TanjaNeff]

@@bonblue4993 you still don't get it, this is NOT the knee! And even after my comment you don't notice it. This is the carpal joint, the knee is nearly at "the end of the horse's leg!!!

[@olgayaleo729]

shame, shame, shame! no excuse for this kind if (man)handling of this magnificent animal!

[@julieganderton3027]

Sad that they can stop it now and don’t they r as bad as the rider how can u sleep or look at your self in the mirror give the horse a voice 😢

[@Patty.29675]

BEAUTIFUL. Congratulations Sweden. ❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@nanna1725]

That was the worst performance for 1st place I’ve ever seen…

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

I agree.

[@nayaognaffe]

I seen more bad riding but that he WINS is Absolut silly the horse has a blue tounge how can you price that ,where is the horse world going..

[@paillette2010]

@Longines shame on you for sponsoring this nonsense. The horses are in pain. This isn't what we aspire to when we ride dressage. There is no lightness in his hands, this is not an exemplar of a horse happy in his work. Super cringe.

[@twebb200]

The judgement on this video is horrendous. Classical, disgusting equestrian spirits.

[@meaghanloud9851]

So how do we lobby the Olympic committee to exclude dressage from the Olympics? The sport has become a pure mockery of classical dressage. Breeding massive horses that can't move right, then training them with horrible techniques. Blue tongues everywhere, Lottie DQed for her horse's mouth bleeding. Giving Werth 3rd AGAIN. The FEI lost the plot and this needs to stop. I guess if normal dressage riders have to go full PETA on the FEI to stop sponsored horse abuse, then we must. Not really a move I like, but these people don't get it. And when it's all shut down, all those expensive horses will be worth nothing cause there will be no international sport anymore. Shooting yourselves in the toe to spite your ears. It doesn't even make sense.

[@lisawrobel2980]

Shame shame shame.

[@FfStar]

This ride is gross. 🤢🤢 Im not even a dressage rider, but even i can tell thoes transitions are sloppy and his right front is bothering him. The clear marshmellow fluff before he even gets in the ring is a dead give away. Pair that with the fact that there is a clearly hidden blue tongue on social media.

[@coreyk67]

Why is it foaming at the mouth?

[@mollyLouM]

A moist mouth is considered a sign of relaxation in the jaw. Modern ‘nothing counts but the ribbon’ practitioners commonly create the appearance of froth artificially, which, because saliva froth melts away quickly and fake froth hangs around, indicates that the fluffy white stuff on this horse’s leg is NOT coming from a naturally relaxed jaw. (I’m not seeing much else relaxed or flowing here either, except perhaps in some of the simpler canter movements.)

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

Because Patrik Kittel is pulling hard on the reins. He is causing harm to the horse

[@gianmarco19197878]

I would say, as an ignorant, not as classy as some other performances I watched these days.

[@mollyLouM]

If you want to see ‘class,’ look for any ride by Reiner Klimke. If you get intrigued and want to see how one of the greatest horsemen ever develops a dressage horse, you might be able to see some of his training videos here.

[@oswaldwagner3302]

this is not dressage. if you want to see an example of classical dressage look vodeos of Dr. Reiner Klimke (or his daughter). we all can see the difference.

[@annaalonsogarcia6174]

3:44 music?

[@chaseyourdreams1402]

Dear FEI, WHY ON EARTH don't you realize how much lovers of real dressage riding hate what they see in your arenas?! Shame on these professional FEI commenters for praising this rough and unharmonious show which serves nobody except the cold hearted and ruthless businessmen who are fine with the cruel exploitation of these wonderful creatures... it's disgusting... 🤮

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

Don’t let blue tongue and rollkur in these world cups! I am so ashamed that Patrik Kittel is representing our country! He has done rollkur and blue tongue several times before.

[@vastanberga]

Poor horse. 😥😥

[@katvloom6542]

Im so confused at what everyone sees as a bad ride. Yes, the horse's mouth is open but i believe this may just be some of his teeth showing, as besides the ability to see teeth the mouth looks quite quiet. And heavy hands? I don't see it, he appears to be following the horse. People are also shouting rolkur when the horse isnt being ridden in an extremely bent shape, sure he may of gone behind the vertical afew times but he appears to be ridden quite well. I would love to see the people complaining give an example of a good dressage test for me to compare this with.

[@mollyLouM]

Look at any ride by Reiner Klimke and you’ll see what dressage was meant to be!

[@lily.0317]

The horse has a blue tongue = no oxygen.

[@MelsCrybaby_z]

Patrik kittel has a history of rollkur and blue tongue. The horse here has circulation to his tongue completely cut, it’s blue and he’s literally foaming at the mouth.

[@Linsi273]

The more professional dressage I see, the less I like it

[@Ryoka_16]

The fact that a free walk isn’t even free for the horse to stretch and relax his neck is disgraceful and disgusting

[@emilyottersberg3953]

Unverständlich warum so ein Mann gewinnt ?!?!?.... Hatte Hand, im Galopp den Mund auf.... Nicht harmonisch. Nichts mit Reitkunst zu tun. Ich finde das Pferd Klasse aber wo soll es auch hin ..... Schade ....

[@k-w627]

Horrific

[@HorseCrazieGirl15]

How is a horse fitting the bit, a wanted trait? Shouldn’t the horse be comfortable with the bit??!!

[@winstonsmith8172]

And the big wigs in the top of the FEI think this is better than the 'big lick' both ought to be outlawed

[@WindedTails]

GUESS WHAT I FOUND A YT CHANNEL THAT ISN'T PATRIK AND YOU CAN SEE HIM AND ANOTHER PERSON ABUSING TWO HORSES THREE YEARS AGO- those people are dangerous and need their horses taken away NOW one of the horses is this exact horse- i feel so bad

[@ramonguilherme6943]

❤

[@jjlux5836]

this makes me sad.

[@lindagray3915]

I never comment but this was hard to watch 😞

[@sandralogue1774]

Such a sad travesty 😢

[@DB-bw1tg]

So fluffly.

[@lori5455]

Great coverage for colour of that tongue!!

[@shay4210]

love Touchdown! He is a lot more natural than some modern dressage horses and Patrik 100% deserves the win! Loved watching Patrik reward with a pat while in the test and also the love he has for Touchdown at the end :)) Athletes who love their horses make this sport 100000 times better Edit: I really want to emphasise why I said congrats since people have been replying to me with things saying that the horse is in pain and that the horse is not happy. Horses do not understand competing, they have no idea that the crowd is cheering for them and that this is a good thing. With that said, this sport is about horses' training, relaxation and how well they do each movement. It's normal for horses to be a bit on edge especially at a venue like that, that does not always mean they don't enjoy their job and that does not always mean they're in pain. Now about the scoring, do I think it's the BEST DRESSAGE TEST in the world? Of course not. You didn't see the judges give him a score in the 90s either, the technical score was around 75%. A lot of things in this test I didn't care for, and I think the curb rein could've been a lot looser and the horse would still be able to carry himself in the frame, I don't really like Patrik overall as a rider either. The judges didn't say it was flawless, they said it was average (in technical riding), and for that I think it's justified to say, that if he had the highest score out of everyone, he's the winner and he deserves congrats. You can't just look at who wins, you have to pay attention to the score as well. Someone could win on a 55% if it's the highest score of the day.

[@J_LorraineK]

Yes, the love shines through the horse's blue tongue and terrified eyes....

[@Jill_P]

Funny, cuz I think it'd be impossible to truly relax when your tongue is blue because you're suffering from a lack of oxygen. This was witnessed in several horses competing here, and Touchdown was one of them. Seems like the FEI would rather reward an aesthetic at the expense of the horse's welfare, and ignore the true purpose and intent behind dressage.

[@lori5455]

The horse is in pain, sorry you cant see that!

[@rachelanderson9663]

please take a closer look!! his tongue is blue, he’s soaked with sweat, he never once closed his mouth, and his eyes are swollen and puffy from prolonged shortening of the neck!!!

[@nanna1725]

Where did you see the horse being relaxed? The horse dragged through from beginning to end in tremendous pain.

[@silvanaduchaine3510]

Shame on you😡 FEI

[@MarySantarcangelo]

I disagree with the disparaging commentators. I see a horse that is in tune with his rider and is trying his best to do what his rider is asking of him. I see a rider that is thrilled that his horse has shown his best abilities. I will agree that I find it odd that riders slap their horses instead of stroking them.

[@rachelanderson9663]

gosh if that’s what you see then i’d recommend some glasses!! i see a horse in a hell of a lot of pain!

[@oceanh07]

😢

[@marthadgreen8216]

Hes not really on the bit.

[@et8834]

Look at the foaming at his mouth!

[@Patty.29675]

THEY do Foam. DID You See The Froth Between His Hind Legs .

[@XHeidi_and_ConnieX]

I can’t wait to watch!! Also I’m first I think!! It is a lot to ask for but could I get a pin?? I’m not forcing 😊

[@profe3330]

This is absolutely hideous. The "crank and spank" horses SHOULDN'T WIN.

[@Yomamaluvsme]

Tongue was blue before he even started his test. This being allowed is the reason I quit this “sport”

[@melissaking8321]

Lol whos the pros here? Him. Not you couch jockeys. The horse had so much foam around his mouth how can anyone see a tongue let alone what color it is? Im so sick of people saying "poor horse" or "its not his fault" i can guarantee you. IF THIS HORSE DIDNT LIKE DOING THIS HE WOULDNT BE THERE!!! How many of you actually own horses? How many years have you been around horses? When you werent riding or grooming a horse were you reading everything you could about them? 1 thing i can tell you is NO 2 HORSES ARE ALIKE, THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN PERSONALITY

[@rachelanderson9663]

it’s not a damn personality you knob! this horse is in a hell of a lot of pain! you don’t have to be a bloody professional to notice that! and if you think this is okay, get yourself sorted and god forbid you own horses, i cant even imagine the suffering they must be going through if they have to put up with someone like you who thinks this type of riding is okay!

[@PhebusdesTours]

You should do some research about this guy to know what you're talking about. A rugby fan doesn't need to be Jonny Wilkinson to recognise a dangerous tackle or a forward pass. As for equestrians, anyone who's got eyes can see this rider has terribly hard hands. Dressage is supposed to be about lightness and discretion of the aids but FEI has proven throughout the years they didn't care about animal welfare.

[@saltybanana8637]

Look up Marlyn Little and her horses bloodied mouth. Or Saint Boy at the Olympics. You think those horses wanted to complete those courses. Of course not. But they still did, because of learned helplessness. So whether or not a horse likes or doesn’t like something, it can be forced to do so.

[@johanna8206]

Look it up, there are photos. Its easier to see in a quality still photo than video. This rider has been in the hot seat before for blue tongue if I'm not mistaken. His hands alone are very harsh and demanding if you watch them in this ride, hence the almost constant gaping mouth and excessive foam. Watch for bracing against the knee rolls and yanking back and up on the bit simultaneously.

[@mollyLouM]

Horses are herd animals hard-wired to obey a leader. They herd leader in a natural situation (as a group in a big pasture) may be quite rough on an underling to put a point across. And horses have been selected for submissiveness for millennia. Though I’ve wondered, though, if the horse’s take on the rider has switched from pilot to predator, watching the actions that horses that can’t bear the thought of going into the ring present. Not often posted online but there’s a good video of Charlotte Fry using up her time after the bell to no avail.

[@nicolajanerandall9653]

Well done!

[@irisshields]

When people who don’t have a clue and only care about money, are made judges, this trash and abuse is what happens. Absolutely abhorrent that abuse like this is rewarded like this 🤬

[@Harriet_Eq]

Lovely ❤

[@stridewayjayde]

This is abuse. That poor baby’s tongue was blue.

[@larsagren9300]

Congratulations Patrik you are great. A well deserved win and wonderful horsemanship ❤

[@vibeskouenborg6842]

🤮

[@whiteraveeen_]

are you blind??? that horse is suffering through the whole test. it’s not “wonderful horsemanship”, it’s abuse