“So Embarrassed”: Isabell Werth’s Controversial Call for Equitable Dialogue Ruffles Dressage Community

Isabell Werth, the renowned dressage rider, has talked about the recent controversies surrounding the dressage world. Equestrian Isabell participated in a free masterclass at Helgstrand Dressage USA in Wellington, Florida, on January 29, 2024. Last year, prominent horse dealer Andreas Helgstrand faced suspension from the Danish Equestrian Federation for the year 2024 due to controversial underpinnings of horse abuse.

Now, the Tokyo Olympic champion, Isabell Werth released her statement to emphasize the need for unity among horse lovers and riders, amidst the discussion. Werth discussed her positive experiences with Andreas Helgstrand’s yard, refuting any negative claims. However, it did not sit well with the fans.

Isabell Werth addresses dressage world controversy

The most decorated dressage rider, Isabell Werth, took to her Instagram account to release a statement that touches upon the current state of affairs in the dressage world. In her statement, she adds, “In the past 35 years, I have won many medals and have brought fantastic horses into the sport… However, I have also made many unintentional mistakes on the way and I try very hard, through personal development and good training to keep these mistakes to a minimum.”

She concludes her statement with, “…in the future we can have an honest and fair discussion, which will show the difference between bad riding and animal abuse. Mistakes in riding however should and must be discussed… But please, it has to be factual, objective and fair.”

Werth’s statement faces backlash from fans

Following the release of her statement, fans took to the comment section to show their disapproval. One of them wrote, “Ahh, so embarrassed to be a part of a sport that rewards people like Werth and Helgestrand. You are the queen of btv, not dressage. You and your little friend Helgestrand are killing the sport, just wait until the greenies catch onto this, it’s not long now.”

Read More: Olympic Champion-Isabell Werth to Compete At Aachen Before She Bids Farewell To Bella Rose

Another fan expressed the ambiguity of the statement, writing, “She uses the same methods as Helgstrand, Rath, Uphoff, Kittel, Gal, Minderhoud, van Gruensven and and. So wouldn’t admit to it being wrong, would she?” questioning the authenticity of her statement. Bringing focus to Cesar Parra’s suspension, one of the fans wrote, “Cesar Parra being abusive is not acceptable but your mate Andreas Helgstrand being abusive (and there are plenty of photographs of him on horses abusing them) is fine.”

One of the fans addressed the sheer dichotomy between the statement and the dressage world, writing,” That’s some gaslighting if I’ve ever read some lmao.” 

Hence, Werth’s call for unity to address controversies requires more than just the release of her statement it seems.

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