Author's Note
Preface
1 Equestrian: a sport for all?
The myth of gender equality
Economic barriers to participation
More flags does not really mean more participation in equestrian
events
Promoting grassroots take-up of equestrian sport?
Poverty-washing PR is demeaning and potentially harmful
Abuse of power in equestrian sport
2 Animals in the Olympics are a liability, not an asset
Animal exploitation and the Olympic brand
No evidence horses want to compete
3 Modern horse sport does not represent tradition
Traditional horsemanship and modern competition
Equestrian traditions and modern times
4 Doping, cheating, and why equestrian sport can
never be clean
The normalisation of drugs that enhance performance
Clean or corrupt, international horse sport and welfare don't mix
Additional difficulties in avoiding prohibited substances in horses
5 The stories of Anton and Never
Removal of the ban on de-nerved horses in competition
Implications of allowing de-nerved horses in competition
6 Equestrian rules are unenforceable
A growing gap between rules and reality in dressage
Implications for fairness in judging
A welfare code incompatible with the reality of horse sport
7 The impact of social media
The emergence of 'rollkur'
YouTube and the impact of video
From 'rollkur' to 'hyperflexion' to 'LDR': plus .a change
8 Equestrian sport and media repression
'The riders don't feel comfortable with the camera'
FEI World Reining Finals: well that was awkward
'Take down that video!'
Intimidation of photographers at shows
Taking the fight to the courts
9 The price of more flags is declining safety
Logistical barriers limit opportunities to qualify
Standards in Equestrian's 'new markets' are still too low
Contrived universality may harm athlete safety and public opinion
10 The equestrian fanbase is overstated
As the sport bleeds fans, the side-show becomes more and more
undignified
11 Equestrian will not meet modern standards.
Will the IOC?
Fear of litigation limits officials' ability to enforce the rules
Conflicting views among member countries
Equestrian may not meet modern legal codes
Public exposure of abuse will only increase
Over to you, IOC
About the Author
Bibliography
