The bystander effect was originally coined in the 1960’s when doctors and psychologists realized a group of people is less likely to help a victim than a person who is alone. The reasons groups of people may not speak up or act to help a victim are as follows:

• Diffusion of responsibility: People may feel a shared responsibility when in a larger group, so individuals may not take action because they feel less responsibility when others are present.

• Evaluation apprehension: People may fear unfavorable judgment from others around them if they take action.

• Pluralistic ignorance: Pluralistic ignorance is a mistaken belief that others in a group think differently from how they do. If nobody else is taking action, a bystander may believe the situation is not an emergency.

I am so grateful to see that there are a good number of trainers advocating for better communication towards the horse and rider in lessons, after the latest USEF scandal. If you are not on horsetok, I will let you know that a well-known jumper trainer (rider and olympian, the internet reminds me) lost her cool with horses and young riders in a clip, and said she would be “flipping her horse” and “crashing him into a fence” for rushing a turn. Even if her defenders understand her intentions and she was speaking in hyperbole, it certainly makes Katie Prudent look like an absolute relic to those of us who are better informed and want true partnership and harmony with our horses. 

I am grateful to see a lot of people coming out and standing up for those horses and riders. Many trainers are working hard to not let the old excuses for verbal abuse such as “they’re just words” “she was exaggerating” “it’s a metaphor” perpetuate, although this commentary (mine included) feels too little, too late.

The Uniteds States Equestrian Federation (USEF) claims there is nothing more important than protecting young riders, did any official stand up and say “We will not stand for this!” while the riders were being told that their clinician would use abusive tactics? I have not heard if that happened, but I do feel doubtful that anyone had the courage thanks to the Bystander Effect. 

It is hard to reflect on the times I wish I had stood up for my horse, myself, a friend, but those times exist in my memory. Would I feel empowered enough to stand up in front of a group of top riders and say “too much” or “no” when cameras are on? I hope I would.

In my own teaching, if I am struggling to communicate a concept, I now tell horse and rider to keep trying until it feels right, or take a break and come back. Horses and humans have 3 zones - the comfort, stretch, and panic zones. Learning takes place in the stretch zone. It is good to push your horses and riders to the stretch zone, but the panic zone is detrimental to progress.

In all of my examinations of the commentary regarding Katie Prudent, I am not seeing enough people mention the good training that took place over the weekend. Allison Brock was so clear, firm, effective, and encouraging for her young riders. She helped them through the pressure so beautifully, and I hope they all feel proud of themselves for getting out there. Modern Dressage requires a higher degree of focus, emotional control, and mastery that some jumpers seem to not want to embrace. If you watch anyone head down centerline, you will see the difference in skill, tact, determination, and communication it takes to get there. Dressage is an expression of the highest level of horse training. The partnerships we build transcends words. Find yourself a trainer that agrees so you and your horse can grow and thrive.