Scholarly Equestrian

With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Jovian, the extraordinary dressage stallion ridden by Andreas Helgstrand, who passed away on September 4, 2025 due to complications following a gelding procedure Eurodressage . Jovian, an 11-year-old KWPN stallion by Apache out of Zinith (Tango x Fruhling), was fondly bred by E. Ten Bosch Eurodressage . Though initially not accepted at the 2017 KWPN stallion licensing, he went on to earn approval from multiple studbooks—including

At the 2023 European Dressage Championships, a moment unfolded that sent shockwaves through the sport. British rider Andrew Gould and his talented stallion Indigro were eliminated after the Ground Jury spotted blood in the horse’s mouth. It was a tough moment, heartbreaking for the rider and his team—but also a turning point. Many are now asking: could this mark the beginning of the FEI standing more firmly for horse welfare? In this video, we take you through the story of Indigro’s

Portuguese Grand Prix rider Ricardo Vinhas Reis has been suspended for 18 months after his horse, Lord das Faisas, tested positive for banned substances at the CDI Esposende in September 2024. The test revealed Nandrolone and Nandrolone laurate—anabolic steroids that build muscle, speed up recovery, and can push a horse beyond safe limits. These drugs are banned under FEI Anti-Doping Rules to protect both fairness and horse welfare. But here’s the question many riders and fans are asking: why

On August 8, 2025, the equestrian world was struck by tragedy. Sarah Yorke, 37, a passionate and dedicated British eventing rider, lost her life during the BE100 at the Aston-le-Walls Horse Trials in Northamptonshire. Riding her trusted horse MGH Hera, Sarah fell at the third fence, and despite immediate medical attention, she could not be saved. Her horse was unharmed, returning safely to the stables. Sarah was more than a competitor—she was a devoted mother, a primary school teacher, and a

Are we truly putting horses first in equestrian sport—or is winning taking priority? 🐎 In this powerful, feature-length investigation, we explore why independent oversight is essential for the future of horse sport. Drawing on expert research, welfare science, and real-world examples, this documentary-style video reveals the cultural and structural issues threatening equine welfare—and how independent review could change everything. From tight nosebands to harsh training practices, from

🔥 16-Year-Old Blanka Bodi Saves 4 Horses from a Barn Fire in Hungary 🔥 When a barn fire broke out in Szarvas, Hungary, 16-year-old showjumper Blanka Bodi didn’t hesitate. With smoke filling the air and flames closing in, she ran into the burning stable again and again—leading four terrified horses to safety. In this emotional and inspiring story, you’ll see how a young rider’s quick thinking, calm under pressure, and deep love for animals turned what could have been tragedy into a moment of

Step back in time to December 12, 1948, when Olympic-era horsemanship was still a true art form. This rare surviving reel from Captain Vladimir S. Littauer’s instructional film catalog captures a moment in equestrian history that is now almost lost forever. Filmed at Sweet Briar College and preserved thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Helen Groves of the King Ranch, this is Part 3 of a 4-part series—with the other reels tragically destroyed by vinegar syndrome. Littauer’s own notes tell us: “During

In September 2025, Denmark will take a bold step that could reshape the future of competitive dressage. The Danish Equestrian Federation (DRF) has announced that double bridles will be banned in all dressage competitions below Level 4 — roughly equivalent to Advanced Medium in Britain or Fourth Level in the U.S. This isn’t just a small rule tweak. It’s part of a sweeping welfare-first reform package that also makes nosebands optional at all levels and permits bitless bridles or soft hackamores in