Bee and the Horse
The Academic Art of Riding Blog from Poland
Category: Opinion
Scandal at Helgstrand Dressage, again.
While everyone seemed to have a lot to say about the latest dressage scandal involving the documented abuse at Helgstrand dressage, I rather felt somewhat empty. So one of the “big fishes” has been caught doing what we all know is being done to… Continue Reading “Scandal at Helgstrand Dressage, again.”
Social Media and Resentfulness
In order to feel good about ourselves or our decisions, we often justify things. Like a choice we made to leave something or someone behind. Since I do academic art of riding, I have seen many people come and also seen quite a few… Continue Reading “Social Media and Resentfulness”
Are you living in an equestrian “filter bubble”?
From the beginning of my journey in the academic art, I appreciated that I was treated as a grown up. The training came as an offer, as an inspiration, but I was the one who chose what to take, on what to focus, and… Continue Reading “Are you living in an equestrian “filter bubble”?”
But What About Endurance Horses?
When discussing wrongdoing in the dressage world, there always seems to be this one argument: “But what about endurance horses? They suffer much more!” Yes, the number of dead horses in endurance make me shudder, too. Also the dead racehorses. Or that about 40%… Continue Reading “But What About Endurance Horses?”
About the Latest Dressage Scandal Involving the FEI No Blood Rule
I have been thinking now for two days about the latest competition dressage scandal due to the application of the FEI blood rule. My thoughts are, in no particular order: The FEI dressage is a faulty system that promotes incorrect riding. The horses have… Continue Reading “About the Latest Dressage Scandal Involving the FEI No Blood Rule”
Why don’t you sell your horse?
…is a question I get every now and again from friends and students. What they all refer to is the fact that Nazir cannot be “used” like other horses. Due to his past and also his physical condition, he simply cannot be trained like… Continue Reading “Why don’t you sell your horse?”
Checklist: Does Your Stable Have a Good Atmosphere?
It’s all about the vibe. Ever since I have moved my horses to a different stable, I learned that a good atmosphere is worth gold. An equestrian centre can have the perfect facilities and yet you can feel a certain tension in the air.… Continue Reading “Checklist: Does Your Stable Have a Good Atmosphere?”
Living in the Shadows: the Imprisoned Horses of the Warsaw Racetrack
Horse racing is a glamorous business. Classy, fiery horses, elegant outfits, the thrill of betting, and the chance of winning a lot of money. Spectators readily believe in this cliche, especially the rising Warsaw middle class with their black SUVs and designer clothes. To… Continue Reading “Living in the Shadows: the Imprisoned Horses of the Warsaw Racetrack”
Totilas. How a Magnificent Stallion Became a Poor Creature.
(rough translation from my German article) It is not easy to be objective in the case of Totilas. I’m following the discussion about about this exceptional horse (in German we call him the ‘wonder stallion’) already for some years, and I must admit that I’m quite emotional about… Continue Reading “Totilas. How a Magnificent Stallion Became a Poor Creature.”
Opinion: What We Can Learn From the Latest Scandal in Dressage Riding (involving Andreas Helgstrand and his horse Akeem Foldager)
Some of you might have followed the latest ‘uproar’ in the dressage scene as photos of the horse Akeem Foldager, ridden by Danish dressage rider Andreas Helgstrand, circulated the internet. Although, certainly, not the first photos of this kind that I’ve seen, I found… Continue Reading “Opinion: What We Can Learn From the Latest Scandal in Dressage Riding (involving Andreas Helgstrand and his horse Akeem Foldager)”
Bee and the Horse 