The 2025 Danish warmblood licensing in Herning was a successful event with almost 61,000 spectators attending, making it one of the largest horse shows in the world. The show featured stallion licensing, dressage championships, and various classes, with a focus on presenting a positive image of the sport despite past controversies. The event highlighted the deep connection between horses and Danish society, but also raised concerns about horse welfare and the need for stricter regulations.
The show in Herning was a significant moment for Danish horse dealer Andreas Helgstrand, who saw success despite past allegations of horse abuse. The event also brought attention to the issue of horse welfare in dressage, with complaints lodged against top riders for their use of double bridles. The pressure from activists and politicians has led to calls for stricter regulations and a reevaluation of the sport’s practices.
The controversy surrounding horse welfare in dressage has sparked a debate about ethical treatment of horses in sport. There are calls for clearer definitions of what constitutes ethical training and a framework for ensuring the well-being of horses in competition. The future of dressage judging is also being questioned, with a need for judges to adopt stricter scoring criteria to address issues such as tense mouths, uneven gaits, and other signs of discomfort in horses.
