dressage is currently facing significant challenges, including declining participation, falling spectator numbers, rising costs, and shifting competitor habits. British dressage membership has dropped slightly, and attendance at major events like the National Championships has waned, partly due to high overheads and ticket prices amid post-pandemic inflation. Organizers struggle with expensive infrastructure and fewer trade stands, while changing spectator habits favor online viewing. Despite these issues, freestyle dressage remains a bright spot, drawing large audiences both live and online, though national events lag behind in adopting modern technologies like MP3 music systems.

To revitalize the sport, experts suggest learning from other disciplines such as NCAA gymnastics, which successfully blended technical skill with artistic expression to broaden appeal. Increasing the emphasis on creativity and entertainment in freestyle routines, improving event presentation, and fostering community through combined competitions and demonstrations could help reconnect dressage with fans. Grassroots initiatives that focus on fun, inclusivity, and engagement show promise, highlighting that the future of dressage depends on enhancing connection and experience rather than just competition.