Horse Shows

Fascinating to watch a dressage show and see so many variations of dressage. The idea of how to organize the outside of the box (or basic outline) is similar. The vast differences come in how the rider's organize the inside of the box (throughness, straightness, degree of core engagement, etc.) and interpret rhythm, relaxation, and impulsion. Is it a good thing that there is such a wide variation? The nature of connecting two living beings and having them interpret exercises would create diversity. I think the key question is are they doing all of this in a humane way--the "happy" horse idea.