In the world of dressage, everyone talks about talented riders, fancy horses, perfect piaffes, and Instagram-worthy moments. But who talks about those who make it all possible?
The grooms, the stable staff, the young riders who still dream of becoming true horsemen—not just competitors.
Today’s dressage world faces a significant challenge: not just selling or training horses, but finding the people to care for them and grow with them.
A concerning shortage
We are facing a serious shortage of:
- Experienced and committed grooms
- Skilled stable workers
- Young riders with the patience to learn, the humility to work, and the desire to truly understand horses
It’s not just about knowing how to ride. It’s about knowing when a horse isn’t comfortable, being there at 6:00 a.m. in winter, cleaning hooves, checking legs, adjusting blankets… without ever being in the spotlight.
Being a horseman is a lifelong journey
And fewer and fewer young people want to walk that path. We believe it’s time to raise awareness, to talk about this missing link in our industry. Because behind every Grand Prix pair, there’s a whole team—and without that team, there is no podium.
Have you also noticed this change in recent years? Share your thoughts with us. Let’s talk about how to support, value, and train the people who make dressage possible.
