Event horses are undeniably some of the most talented and versatile athletes in the equestrian world. For those new to the sport, eventing is a thrilling discipline that tests horse and rider partnerships across three distinct phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Each phase demands different skills, athleticism, and courage—making eventers true equine superstars.
But here’s the thing: not every talented horse is cut out for eventing, and that’s exactly what this inspiring video showcases. While the title mentions dressage to catch viewers’ attention, the real story is about a horse who’s talented in almost every way—except for one crucial thing: he absolutely cannot stand water.
In the video, you’ll see other riders confidently navigating their horses through water obstacles without hesitation. Their horses barely bat an eye at the splashing streams. But when this rider and her mount approach the water? That’s where things take an interesting turn. This otherwise talented horse will do just about anything to avoid getting his hooves wet!
The rider candidly explains why her horse can’t compete in events just yet: while he demonstrates incredible talent in every other aspect, his water phobia is a deal-breaker. Event horses must fearlessly tackle water crossings during cross-country phases, and there’s no getting around it. This boy simply isn’t there yet.
But here’s what we love about this situation: the owner isn’t giving up. With determination and patience, she’s committed to desensitizing her horse to water. As she says in the video, “We will be doing a lot more water with him… Hopefully, he will get used to it lol!”
This story is a great reminder that even the most talented horses have unique challenges and personality quirks. Building a successful event horse isn’t just about raw talent—it’s about addressing fears, building confidence, and working through obstacles (literally and figuratively). With consistent training and a supportive rider, this promising horse will hopefully conquer his water fears and realize his full eventing potential.
Have you worked with a horse who had a specific phobia? Share your training journey with us in the comments below!