A recent study by Cheung, Mills, and Ventura explores the complex attitudes equestrians hold toward horse welfare, highlighting how psychological and cultural factors shape these views. Through interviews with riders and trainers in classical equestrian disciplines across the US, Canada, and the UK, the researchers found that cognitive dissonance plays a key role: riders deeply care for their horses yet often participate in practices that raise welfare concerns. Many justify these contradictions by emphasizing their own care standards (“but my horse is well cared for”) and tend to recognize welfare issues as problems caused by others rather than themselves. Additionally, enculturation within equestrian communities normalizes certain traditions and training methods, making it difficult to challenge established norms.

The study also reveals that competitive pressures influence welfare decisions, as riders balance the demands of success with their horses’ well-being. While structured work can benefit horses, it may come at the cost of social interaction or turnout, creating internal conflicts for riders. Importantly, the researchers stress that equestrians generally do not intend harm but navigate a system shaped by tradition, competition, and cultural expectations. Understanding these dynamics—especially cognitive dissonance and enculturation—could foster more productive welfare discussions, helping the equestrian world evolve in ways that honor both partnership and horse well-being.