I’m not sure why there is a debate because if horses aren’t trained and developed in a manner and system that ultimately leads to the lowering of the hindquarters due to the bending of the hind leg joints and carrying more weight behind coupled with the horse being supple and submissive, it just isn’t Dressage. I would assume the debate comes from the fact that some Dressage judges are awarding horses that are hollow and disengaged, showing flashy front end action but with no engagement from behind. I can certainly understand the concern because it then begins to look like Saddlebred riding.

Horses that come with natural, enormous suspension and big moving gaits that with no training at all look magnificent……until they are asked to collect. Even these “super” horse won’t collect, or especially piaffe correctly without being trained in the …