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Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)2025; 34; e11; doi: 10.1017/awf.2025.2

A wicked problem: Systemic issues surrounding Canadian equestrian dressage and dressage horse welfare.

Abstract: Competitive dressage's social licence to operate is in jeopardy due to ethical concerns surrounding the use of horses for dressage. There is limited research that contributes to our understanding of Canadian equestrian perspectives on the use of horses in dressage. The objectives of this study were to: (1) explore the cultural context of the Canadian dressage industry, including how horse well-being is integrated within the culture; and (2) investigate coaches' and riders' perceptions and experiences with the use of horses for dressage. An ethnographic case study approach was employed, where MR spent 2-6 weeks with each of the four participating Equestrian Canada Certified dressage coaches and their riders (at least four riders per coach for a total of 19 riders). Data collection included direct observation, recording field notes and conducting at least one in-depth interview with each coach and rider. Interviews and field notes were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis leading to the development of three themes: (1) the systems that participants operate within; (2) how these systems foster a culture of contradiction in the industry; and (3) the 'equestrian dilemma' highlighting how participants navigate their love for horses with their horses' well-being amid the sport's demands. The three themes portray that the issues faced by the dressage industry may be rooted in systemic problems and could be described as a 'wicked problem'. These results aim to inform future research initiatives that promote a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by the dressage industry and promote systems thinking solutions.
© The Author(s) 2025.
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Publication Date: 2025-02-10 PubMed ID: 39935780PubMed Central: PMC11810510DOI: 10.1017/awf.2025.2Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates the cultural attitudes and systemic challenges within the Canadian dressage industry, specifically focusing on horse well-being. By employing ethnography and talking to both coaches and riders, the study unveils three key themes that, taken together, indicate culminating systemic problems that the industry faces which the authors term as a ‘wicked problem’.

Research Methodology

  • The research was carried out through an ethnographic case study where the researcher spent between two to six weeks observing each of the four participating Equestrian Canada Certified dressage coaches and their riders (a total of 19 riders). This included direct observation, recording field notes, and conducting at least one in-depth interview with each coach and rider.
  • In order to analyze the collected data, the authors used a technique called reflexive thematic analysis. This involves reading and re-reading the data to identify common threads, recurring ideas, and significant patterns, which are then grouped into themes.

Key Findings of the Research

  • The research findings identified three overarching themes from the interview and observation data: the systems that participants operate within; how these systems foster a culture of contradiction in the industry; and the ‘equestrian dilemma’ of balancing love for horses with their well-being amid the sport’s demands.
  • Firstly, the researchers identified ‘the systems that participants operate within’ which refers to the infrastructures, commercial pressures, rules, and norms that govern the dressage industry.
  • Secondly, ‘how these systems foster a culture of contradiction in the industry’ refers to the paradoxical attitudes and behaviors within the sport where the demand for high performance often conflicts with the well-being of the horses.
  • Lastly, ‘the equestrian dilemma’ refers to the emotional struggle the participants face as they deal with the conflicting demands of their love for the sport and the horses, and the requirements of competitive equestrian dressage.
  • The authors argue these themes collectively indicate that the industry is affected by ongoing, intractable issues, which they term as a ‘wicked problem’.

Implications of the Research

  • The authors suggest that these findings underscore the complex challenges faced by the dressage industry which necessitate comprehensive solutions and interventions.
  • The findings aim to guide future research and inform policy changes which will promote a more holistic understanding of equestrian dressage, focusing on both sport performance and horse welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Ross M, Proudfoot K, Merkies K, Lundgren C, Ritter C. (2025). A wicked problem: Systemic issues surrounding Canadian equestrian dressage and dressage horse welfare. Anim Welf, 34, e11. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2025.2

Publication

Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)
ISSN: 2054-1538
NlmUniqueID: 9214272
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 34
Pages: e11

Researcher Affiliations

Ross, Megan
  • University of Prince Edward Island, Health Management, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Proudfoot, Kathryn
  • University of Prince Edward Island, Health Management, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Merkies, Katrina
  • University of Guelph Ontario Agricultural College, Animal Biosciences, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
  • Campbell Center for the Study of Animal Welfare, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Lundgren, Charlotte
  • Linkoping University, Culture and Society, Linkoping, Ostergotland, Sweden.
Ritter, Caroline
  • University of Prince Edward Island, Health Management, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None.

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