Scholarly Equestrian

What does modern dressage really reward—and is the sport starting to return to its classical roots? In this video, we take a closer look at FEI World Cup judge Bill Warren and his approach to judging at the highest level of the sport. At a time when dressage faces increasing scrutiny around horse welfare, training methods, and judging standards, Warren stands out for his commitment to fundamentals...

Why do horses suddenly collapse without warning? 🐎 In this video, we explore the shocking reality of sudden death in horses, including the tragic case of Olympic champion Hickstead, and the new scientific research that may finally explain what’s happening. For years, these devastating moments have seemed completely unpredictable. Healthy, elite horses—at the peak of performance—collapsing mid-rou...

A new $300 million show jumping league is promising to “define a new era” for the sport—with horse welfare at its core. But can it really deliver? In this video, we break down the Premier Jumping League, a global series aiming to transform elite show jumping through structured seasons, team formats, and improved oversight. From reduced travel stress to increased veterinary monitoring, the league c...

The FEI’s proposed rule changes are being framed as progress—but what if they’re actually exposing something much deeper within equestrian sport? In this video, we break down the latest FEI veterinary rule proposals and what they reveal about long-standing issues in horse welfare, dressage, and endurance riding. From the controversial requirement that horses must have at least one functional jugul...

Is equestrian sport losing its license to operate? In this video, we dive into one of the most urgent and controversial topics in the horse world today: public perception, animal welfare, and the future of equestrian sports. From dressage and show jumping to Big Lick, halter horses, and racing, the pressure from the public is growing—and it’s forcing the industry to confront uncomfortable truths....

In this video, we’re taking a closer look at the crank noseband (also known as the Swedish cavesson)—how it should be fitted correctly, and how it is often misused in modern dressage. You asked, and I listened 💬 Many of you wanted to see what a crank noseband looks like on a real horse—and more importantly, what happens when it’s adjusted too tightly. I’ll show you: ✔️ The correct, welfare-friend...

Are modern sport horses being bred too hot to relax… or even be rideable in the FEI ring? In this video, we tackle one of the most controversial topics in modern dressage and show jumping: have breeders created horses that are too sensitive, too reactive, and too tense for the sport? With increasing concerns about horse welfare, tension, and rideability, riders and trainers are starting to questio...

What if the way your foal moves is increasing their risk of OCD? Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is one of the most common developmental joint diseases in young horses—and many owners don’t realize it can begin long before training ever starts. In this video, we break down new research showing how irregular exercise patterns, rapid growth, and body weight may all contribute to OCD in foals. Learn...

What really happens to a horse after it’s sold? In the horse world, we often assume that once a horse leaves our care, it will be safe, happy, and well looked after. But is that actually true? Or is there a deeper issue in the industry that we don’t talk about enough? In this video, we explore one of the most important and uncomfortable questions in horse ownership: Does responsibility end when a...

**Description:** Is dressage facing a turning point? In this video, we explore a powerful warning from Olympic medalist Laura Tomlinson—one that could shape the future of equestrian sport as we know it. As public scrutiny grows, horse welfare, judging standards, and long-standing traditions are being questioned like never before. This isn’t just about one rider or one controversy… it’s about the e...

Please be kind to bec and I we are not AI. I am sick and this is my real voice. It saddens me that so many people are jumping to conclusions. This video is for educational purposes and constitutes Fair Use under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976. Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes of education, research, criticism, comment, and news reporting. This video is fully transformativ...

Is burnout quietly taking over the dressage world? In this video, we explore the hidden mental and emotional struggles that many dressage riders face—but rarely talk about. From early morning rides that feel heavier than they used to, to the slow loss of passion and connection with your horse, burnout is becoming one of the biggest threats in modern equestrian sport. Unlike other athletes, dressag...

In this video, we break down what a crank noseband is, how it works, and why it has become one of the most controversial pieces of tack in modern dressage. Many riders use crank nosebands every day—but are they being used correctly? And more importantly, are they comfortable for the horse? In this video, I explain the key differences between a crank noseband and a regular noseband, how the leverag...

Why are Badminton Horse Trials entries falling—and what does this mean for the future of elite eventing? For decades, the Badminton Horse Trials has been one of the most prestigious 5-star eventing competitions in the world. But now, something is changing. Entry numbers are dropping, waiting lists are gone, and riders are becoming more selective about when—and if—they compete at the highest level....

The CEO of Wellington International has been fired after a battery complaint—and the fallout is sending shockwaves through the equestrian world. But this isn’t just another controversy. This could be a turning point for equestrian sport. In this video, we break down everything you need to know about the Murray Kessler firing, the allegations that led to his removal, and what this moment could mean...

This video is for educational purposes and constitutes Fair Use under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976. Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes of education, research, criticism, comment, and news reporting. This video is fully transformative and created in accordance with YouTube’s Content Reuse Policy under the Content Reuse Act. It includes original narration, commentary, educa...

The Frank Madden SafeSport case is shaking the equestrian world—and raising a question no one can ignore: 👉 Is SafeSport unconstitutional? In December 2025, legendary hunter/jumper trainer Frank Madden was placed on the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s Centralized Disciplinary Database over allegations dating back nearly 40 years. The accusations are serious—but they are also decades old and fall outs...

Can a veterinarian fail a breathalyzer test… without ever drinking alcohol? In this video, we break down a shocking peer-reviewed study published in Veterinary Sciences that reveals how equine veterinarians can test positive for alcohol after performing routine ultrasound procedures on horses. This isn’t speculation—it’s measurable, repeatable, and potentially more common than anyone realizes. Whe...

What really happened in Wellington—and why is no one talking about it? In early 2026, a serious allegation involving Wellington International CEO Murray Kessler sent quiet shockwaves through the equestrian world. According to a police report, the incident took place in a VIP setting, in front of witnesses, raising difficult questions about power, accountability, and the culture inside elite horse...

British Show Jumping has just announced one of the most controversial rule changes in recent history—and riders are divided. From the Cheltenham gag with roundings to hackamore combinations, rope nosebands, and even hammerhead spurs, a wide range of equipment is now banned or restricted. But this isn’t just about tack… it’s about the future of the sport. Are these changes a necessary step toward b...

Did animal activists just change veterinary medicine forever? In this video, we break down the controversial decision by Washington State University (WSU) to halt its equine surgery training program after intense backlash, public pressure, and reported threats directed at students and faculty. The move has sparked a global debate: is surgery training on real animals being phased out—and what does...

Are we ignoring Big Lick, barrel racing, and other controversial horse disciplines… or is there more to the story? 🤔 In this video, we’re addressing one of the most common comments we receive: “Why aren’t you talking about Big Lick?” and “Do you not care about other disciplines?” The truth is—we do care. Deeply. But there’s a reason we’re approaching these topics differently. As The Scholarly Equ...

Dressage has always been known as the art of riding — a sport built on harmony, balance, and respect between horse and rider. But across the world, something is shifting. Spectator numbers are declining. Memberships are slipping. And more people than ever are asking uncomfortable questions about where modern dressage is heading. In this video, we explore what’s really happening to dressage — from...

Many believe it was just bad timing… but for an older horse, gelding can be incredibly risky. 💔 Was this tragedy unavoidable, or was it rushed? Let’s talk about what really might have happened. #HorseTalk #EquestrianNews #DressageCommunity #HorseCare #FYP

In this video, we take an in-depth look at the heartbreaking story of Jovian, the renowned dressage stallion who tragically died at just 11 years old following his gelding procedure. Jovian’s passing shocked the equestrian world, and in this discussion, we explore the possible reasons behind his late gelding, including Fragile Foal Syndrome, a serious genetic condition that can be passed to foals...