Shaping the Future of Dressage: The Power of Mental Coaching and Mindset Change
Linnea Aarflot, Founder of Mind Body Dressage.
The future of dressage depends on how we tell its story, the training philosophies we support, and the steps we take to ensure its long-term success. With growing public scrutiny over horse welfare, evolving sponsorship trends, and increasing competition from other sports, dressage is at a turning point. To remain relevant, ethical, and commercially viable, the sport must embrace change - shifting its narrative from controversy to constructive progress.
In our February LinkedIn Newsletter, we take a closer look at how dressage can evolve through positive storytelling, mental resilience in riders, and progressive competition standards. Featuring insights from Linnea Aarflot of Mind Body Dressage, we explore the intersection of psychology, biomechanics, and ethical training - key factors in ensuring that harmony, not tension, defines dressage’s future.
A critical element of this shift is the role of the rider. While discussions around welfare often focus on horses, the mindset and approach of riders play a significant role in shaping competition outcomes and public perception. Mental strength training, widely adopted in other elite sports, is often overlooked in equestrian disciplines. Research shows that mentally resilient athletes perform better under pressure, recover faster, and maintain greater focus—leading to a more relaxed, willing partnership with their horses. Linnea’s Mind Body Dressage approach integrates sports psychology and neuroscience to help riders develop these skills, creating a more sustainable and ethical way to train and compete.
Beyond the individual athlete, systemic change is also crucial. Governing bodies and competition organisers are already responding to welfare concerns, with countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands implementing rule changes that emphasise ethical riding and correct biomechanics. These adjustments set the stage for a future where dressage is not just visually beautiful but also aligned with modern expectations of horse welfare. When judges reward relaxation and ethical riding, the entire sport moves in that direction.
From a commercial standpoint, these developments are just as important. Sponsors and brands are increasingly prioritising partnerships that align with values like well-being, sustainability, and responsible horse management. Riders and trainers who can authentically demonstrate these principles, both in competition and on social media, are better positioned to attract sponsorships and grow their influence.
Here at EQuerry Co., we believe in the power of marketing and media to drive this evolution. How dressage is portrayed in press coverage, sponsorship narratives, and digital storytelling will shape whether it continues to grow or struggles with declining engagement. Transparency, education, and showcasing ethical performances will be key to securing dressage’s place in modern sport.
So, what does the future hold for dressage? And how can riders, trainers, sponsors, and media work together to ensure it thrives? Read our thoughts in our February LinkedIn Newsletter, where we dive deeper into these critical discussions, exploring practical steps that can shape a positive, sustainable future for dressage.
