11/06/2026
Yes!
TECHNICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE BRITISH BRIDLELESS COMPETITION
While having a conversation about the recent British Bridleless Competition that's been going viral, it was noted that there were a lot of faults in the movements during the dressage section.
As a small business that spends a lot of time writing about what makes a movement correct, we felt we should share our view.
And that is: yes, movements had faults. There was some incorrect bend, a lack of straightness and engagement, horses falling in, quarters coming slightly to the inside, and various other faults.
However, there are four things we'd like to point out:
1. These same faults are still present in bitted competition—often at every level of the sport.
2. If we're talking about incorrect movements, how many times have we seen top FEI riders produce poor movements and still be awarded high marks? (Extended trots that don't extend, jerky passages that double-beat and lose rhythm, four-beat canters, and piaffes that resemble a handstand.)
3. Let's also look at some of the other requirements of dressage movements—namely relaxation and rhythm, which form the foundation of the Training Scale. This is where many of these horses excelled.
4. The point of dressage isn't simply to ride movements.
According to the FEI: "The object of Dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result, it makes the horse calm, supple, loose, and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with the rider."
When comparing FEI competition to the British Bridleless Competition, it's worth asking which horses appeared more calm, confident, attentive, and in harmony with their riders.
Because while technical correctness is important, we shouldn’t be training for movements alone, but for partnership.
