British dressage rider and trainer Anna Ross addresses the recent public scrutiny of dressage training methods, sparked by controversial footage from a World Cup qualifier. She highlights the complexity of defining acceptable welfare standards, noting that pressure is inherent in horse training from an early age and that good care does not always equate to what is best for the horse. Ross emphasizes the need for ongoing education, self-reflection, and a sensitive understanding of the horse’s responses to ensure ethical training practices.

Ross also discusses the challenges faced by dressage judges, who must evaluate numerous technical elements in real time without the benefit of replays, often under intense public and online scrutiny. She suggests that artificial intelligence could assist by handling the mechanical aspects of judging, such as counting strides and verifying movements, allowing human judges to focus on assessing the quality and harmony of the performance. This integration of technology could enhance fairness and accuracy in judging while preserving the nuanced human evaluation essential to the sport.