Hur påverkas dressyrhästen av ridning på kandar? : Fysiska skador och psykiska belastningar

Sammanfattning: Double bridle is widely used in the sport dressage, and according to the FEI and the Swedish competition regulations (II) is it a requirement to use in the Grand Prix and within the championship classes. With this essay I want to investigate how riding on double bridle can affect the horse physically and mentally. The aim is also to put horseback riding in relation to the horse's welfare and the Swedish animal welfare law (2018: 1192), the FEI:s Code of Conduct and the competition rules in dressage. The essay is a qualitative literature study based on scientific articles, scientific books, the animal welfare law and websites from the horse industry. When the horse is ridden with double bridle, physical damage can occur in the mouth as sores in the soft tissue, infections in the teeth and pressure injuries. In addition, the double bridle applies a remarkable pressure to other parts of the head and to the horse's neck. The cavesson can cause pressure and abrasions when tightened too tightly and create an internal stress as it prevents the horse from opening the mouth to perform natural needs and alleviate any pain. The mental strain can occur when the horse cannot perform normal behaviors due to the double bridle and an internal stress can occur. The bits that is used for double bridle is not considered compatible with one another, and does not fit naturally in the horse's mouth. Double bridle can be considered contrary to Chapter 2: sections 1 and 9 in the Swedish Animal welfare law (2018: 1192), that say that equipment must not cause suffering and that it is forbidden to expose animals to unnecessary suffering. The double bridle may involve a risk of suffering if the horse does not have the morphological conditions to carry it. It is also contrary to the FEI Code of Conduct, where horse welfare should always be given priority over the rider's success, by being a requirement and not a choice for the rider.