Debating the Balance: A Discussion with JJ Tate on Whether We Require More Firmness or More Kindness

JJ Tate, one of the top International Grand Prix Dressage riders, has been honing her craft at the highest levels since her junior years. In a recent podcast, Tate discussed the balance of toughness and softness in riding, a topic that is currently generating a lot of interest in the equestrian community.

Hosted by Caroline Culbertson, the podcast delved into the importance of training horses without fear and retribution. Tate emphasised the need to encourage horses to volunteer for you, a goal worth striving for. She also shared some of the wisdom she's learned from her mentor, the great Charles de Kunffy.

The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, also touched on the concept of "rider merit" which extends beyond competitive accolades to encompass other aspects. Tate, who runs a USDF University Accredited online program called Team Tate Academy, believes in training without shortcuts, with integrity, and principles that align with how horses think, move, and learn.

The discussion also highlighted the "Growth Mindset" which promotes continuous learning and improvement. Tate and Culbertson also explored the possibility of having both hardness and softness in training, a topic that is often debated in the equestrian world.

Interestingly, the podcast featured an interview with internationally renowned Grand Prix dressage rider Frederic Wandres. The conversation emphasised the universal qualities shared by horse sport with other sports, focusing on character growth for both horse and rider.

The podcast also shed light on the differences in horse training methods between the EU and the US. While each has unique strengths and weaknesses, the ultimate goal remains the same: to train horses to respect boundaries, listen to requests, and learn from a place of mutual respect and understanding.

One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the notion that being clear with your horse is a long-term form of kindness. This is a sentiment that resonates with Tate, who has vowed to train with principles that align with how horses think, move, and learn.

For those interested in learning more from Tate, her expertise is accessible to anyone through her online program, Team Tate Academy. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, Tate's insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to improve their horsemanship skills.