At the intersection of equine welfare, communication, and performance, my focus is simple: a horse's body belongs to the horse. The work is finding ways to implement and influence those around us. Everything I do — writing, riding, training and competing — is grounded in that principle.
Advocacy & Content Creation
I create written and visual work exploring the horse's mouth as a neurological organ — not equipment. Like the eyes, nostrils, genitals, and anus, the mouth is mucosal, highly innervated tissue directly connected to the autonomic nervous system. Control devices inserted into such tissue — particularly for entertainment or sport — deserve ethical scrutiny.
My work examines how tradition, language, and habit have shaped what we consider "normal" in equestrian sport — and invites riders to think differently. I am also actively involved in challenging local and federal government on the concept of sentience and bodily integrity.
Competitive Riding
I compete in showjumping and remain undecided about dressage and eventing because I do not like riding with a bit. As the rules currently stand, competing in those disciplines requires one. I am therefore working to find a balance that feels ethical for both me and my horses.
I am also actively engaged with Dressage Australia to advocate for the inclusion of bitless bridles. Performance and welfare are not opposites. When communication is clear, work becomes easier — not harder — and jump-offs faster.
My aim is not to criticise from the sidelines, but to show — practically and publicly — that another way is possible.
About Paula
I'm Paula Lasersohn — rider, horsewoman, and lifelong student of how horses think, feel, and learn. I am neurodivergent and deeply empathetic, which shapes how I experience horses. I do not see them as animals to be managed. I experience them as intelligent beings with nervous systems, emotions, and opinions.
Dressage for the Future grew out of my own struggle to reconcile classical ideals with modern competitive scoring — and a fundamental question I couldn't ignore: how could a "positive contact" possibly be pleasant for the horse?
I am becoming an Equestrian Australia accredited coach and have competed internationally in eventing, and in dressage to Prix St Georges. I have showjumped, raced thoroughbreds, played polocross, and won multiple South African Championships across disciplines. My background gives me a deep understanding of classical training systems — and it's precisely that experience that led me to question them.
I'm also an accredited WOW saddle fitter and barefoot trimmer, which gives me a whole-horse perspective on comfort, movement, and long-term soundness.
Over a lifetime in horses, I've had hundreds — likely thousands — of lessons with exceptional horsemen, including Morten Thomsen, Jean-Philippe Cambourlives, Maud Aarts, Fred de Wae, Daniel Pevsner, Hans Staub and Andreas Hausberger from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. I've also been fortunate to meet extraordinary horses such as Olympic Bonfire, Olympic Salerno and Olympic Scandic.