A mental test
MORE dressage riders than ever are speaking out about their experiences of mental health. While increased awareness can only be positive, the reality is that poor mental health, and its often devastating consequences, is worryingly widespread. It’s time to ask: can dressage incite psychological suffering in a way that differs to the other equestrian disciplines, and what can we do about it?
Five-time Olympian Carl Hester is one of many big names to have publicly promoted the importance of good mental health in recent years.
“I don’t necessarily think the situation in dressage is worse than in other disciplines, but dressage is so particular that its participants tend to attract more criticism, very often from the people inside the sport,” he says. “I think most of us would say that we have been negatively criticised – I am at the stage in my career where I am confident in what I do, but it doesn’t stop people questioning what I do.”
International grand prix rider and trainer Anna Ross agrees that the fact dressage by its very nature is a “judged” sport, and attracts many riders with perfectionist tendencies, can lead
