Report 2008

Report 2008

27 – 28 October

Opening by Richard Davison Page 1 Dutch Dressage – Part 1 - Breeding page 3 - 9 Dutch Dressage – Part 2 – Talent Development page 10 - 14 Olympic Evaluation page 14 - 18 Clinic by The Cadre Noir page 18 – 21 Working groups – Part 1 – Core Strengthening by Dr Hilary Clayton page 22 – 25 Olympic Judging – how to solve problems? By Hans van Zetten page 26 - 30 Working groups – Part 2 – New Developments in Mental Training with Dr Rico Schuijers page 31 – 33 How to become an Olympic Judge – an education system for dressage judges with Dr Dieter Schüle page 34 – 36 Physical Training For Riders with Andrew Thomas page 36 – 41

Masterclass by Hubertus Schmidt page 42 – 47

Press releases international magazines

Opening by Richard Davison Richard Davison opened the 8th Global Dressage Forum (on “The History and Future of Dressage”) by welcoming over 300 delegates from 25 countries; truly a Global Forum encompassing different techniques, riding styles and methods, but with a common love – the Horse.

Questions, as ever, to the presenters were welcomed but time restraints meant that written questions were preferred so that a variety could be picked for the members of the Panel to answer. ‘Question corner’ is a feature of the Forum, with presenters available after their sessions for delegates to meet and discuss any aspects of the Richard Davison Presentation further. Grateful thanks to everyone that supports the Forum and makes it possible – the Dutch National Federation KNHS, the commercial and private sponsors Eurocommerce; DressageDirect; Equine Elite; Dressage Today; Lambert Geerkens; the Bechtolsheimer family; Mrs Lyke Sonnenberg; and the Spijkers family. Also to the Bartels family, who hosts the Forum, the International Dressage Trainers Club, co-organisers of the Forum, and to the staff behind the scenes. Finally, thanks to the audience.

Richard, the host of the Forum, introduced David Hunt, President of the International Dressage Trainers Club, and now Director of Training for British Dressage; and David Holmes, former CEO of British Dressage, and now the new Sports Director of the FEI, based in Switzerland.

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Introduction David Hunt This year the focus is on respect – for each other as trainers, riders, owners, judges, and others involved in the sport of dressage and, in particular, for the horse. The horse is the reason everyone is here; we all have a passion and a love for horses. The Forum provides the best possible circumstances for discussion and communication to pull all parts of our sport together; communication should be positive, forward looking, creating strategies for the future; it is too easy to be destructive and divisive. Our collective experience is a substitute for youth; sadly, we can’t have both; both ends of this spectrum can contribute to a successful Forum and the development of dressage.

David Hunt

FEI David Holmes As the President of the FEI, her Royal Highness Princess Haya of Jordan, was unable to attend the Forum, David Holmes represented her. Just two months into the new job, he sees his role as co-ordinator and communicator between the Olympic equestrian disciplines; bringing the new Youth Olympics, the Paralympics, and the developing nations more closely into the fold of equestrian sport. The continuing education and training of officials, judges and stewards, at all levels, is of paramount importance in keeping the sport on line, with development and support similar across the disciplines.

Key areas include the strategic direction from 2

David Holmes

the top down necessary to address the challenges that face the FEI and equestrian sport generally. Cross-departmental issues, for instance, need attention so that there is no conflict with overlapping rules in each discipline. Strengths need to be developed and turned into opportunities to access a wider public, via the media, and thus attract commercial sponsors, involve national federations and support the International Olympic Committees in its goals and aims. Dressage must somehow make itself more appealing because, although it has experienced huge growth from a membership perspective, it has yet to make sufficient impact in terms of sponsorship internationally. For instance, having only one tender forward for championships suggests that there is something wrong with the basic concept and a long, hard look at this aspect is obviously necessary.

David is very optimistic about the role the FEI plays in global equestrianism and looks forward to maximising strengths across the board.

Dutch Dressage – Part 1 - Breeding George de Jong, formerly a director of the Dutch National Federation and now director of research institute ‘Innosport’, introduced this session on the ways in which Dutch horse breeding has developed and the impact it has on equestrian sport way beyond the borders of Holland. There has been a meteoric rise in the success and popularity of Dutch horses, with many medals being won at the top levels, particularly in dressage. Is this simply the ‘Anky’ factor or is there a bit more to it than that? What is the recipe? Together with his colleagues, Wim Ernes (‘O’ judge), Johan Knaap (director of Dutch Warmblood George de Jong Studbook KWPN) and Arie Hamoen (chairman of stallion selection KWPN), a comprehensive picture of the breeding strategies that have underpinned these successes was presented. But first, 3

an overview - dressage is the number one equestrian sport in Holland. Over 60.000 participants in official competitions are affiliated to the Federation; there is a good base of clubs and riding schools, with over 500,000 competition entries (!) registered per year. There is an education system for judges, with five levels, and a master plan in place for the future training of judges which should improve further the image of the sport.

Credibility, quality and fair play are the cornerstones of the sport; the aims are to minimise mistakes, conflicts of interest and the pressures on judges in the increasingly commercial industry that dressage has become. New and more professional ways to improve education, monitor and evaluate performance, balancing quality with quantity; all these things need consideration. Perhaps competition organisers should not appoint judges – perhaps it would be better if national federations did that and then younger judges would be more likely to be given the chance to progress through the levels. It needs to be totally clear what the policies are, what guidance there is, and how responsibilities are allocated, so that high standards of performance can be expected, and delivered, all round. Major considerations include PR and marketing; constant and consistent education and innovation; good communication between riders, owners, and trainers; agreements between top riders and the national federation, with give and take on both sides; helping the success of important events and promoting the sport – all these aspects need to be factored in to the total strategy so that new ideas and the exchange of ideas and experiences can bring the sport forward. The ‘Anky’ factor is a particular strength in Holland – she is a super star, and has been since 1994, way beyond the rather narrow limits of dressage. She is a wonderful help and the possibility of putting other riders around her, so that they can benefit from the media exposure she generates, can only be good and she contributes much to the sport by mentoring and training up and Johan Knaap 4

coming competitors. We do it our way! This is the message from Johan Knaap, the Director of the Dutch Warmblood Studbook, the KWPN, who talked about the breeding strategies in place to produce top class horses for the sport. Historical traditions are crucial to today’s successes; the Dutch have always been good breeders of cows, pigs, and poultry, working in the fields with their horses to cultivate the land. A natural appreciation of the ability to work, soundness, and good conformation comes through from this heritage. Breeders realised, very early, that thinking in generations was essential, with the dam lines as crucial to the success of any breeding programme as the stallion lines, although the latter are understood to bring the most genetic progress. Together with the collection of data from the broader family, seeing and being able to assess desirable traits in the offspring, good conformation and movement are fundamental to the process, with quality and good looks being important as well. Already in the 1940s, an approval system for breeding stallions existed and this has been developed over the years into one of the most stringent in the world. Not all horses bred will be top level so the breeding system must be good enough to ensure that what is bred can be marketed to have useful lives in jobs other than in top competition.

There is an open breeding policy so that fresh blood lines, and their strengths, can be integrated to improve the traits inherited through those lines. Breeding for specific purposes, in effect, specialisation, is part of the innovative process – performance confirms the pedigree. New knowledge, new systems, new technology and scientific research are embraced without ever losing sight of traditional values and breeders’ practical experience to ensure good, healthy, sound horses are bred year after year. There needs to be co-operation and collaboration between breeding and sport with the stallion selection commission consisting of breeders, trainers, test riders for young horses and all levels up to Grand Prix, putting information into the pot, so that every aspect is covered and considered. As already mentioned, the Dutch selection system has evolved into one of the strictest in the world; there are around 6000 colts born each year of which 600 go to the first inspections at 2.5/3 years of age; from these only about 20 get through the grading and licensing stages. The performance testing takes between 50 and 70 days, with the stallions being trained 6 days a week and test ridden once a week by experienced riders to 5

assess their natural talent, willingness and stamina. Even then, stallions can be de-selected if their offspring do not meet the necessary criteria. It is very difficult, but essential, to tell breeders if their horses are not up to standard; finance and pride is involved; however, such hard decisions make for top quality and overall success. Which traits should form the basis of selection? Essentially, those which are inheritable as there must be some measurement possible that can be judged and repeated – is the horse trainable, talented, with good movement and sound conformation?

Performance testing gives an early prediction and offers uniform conditions of training, riding and environment; it can take 10 years for a horse to be fully trained so estimations need to be made at around 3 years old. One of the ‘founding fathers’ of the Dutch breeding system, the extraordinarily successful stallion, Broere Jazz, was shown on DVD, and some of his descendants featured in Part 2. Three groups of horses and riders were introduced to showcase the qualities of the Dutch breeding and riding systems, to show the natural way young horses are produced to develop their respective talents. First, the four year olds, then five and six year olds; all showing the differing levels of training pertinent to their age and stage of development. Young equine talent is paired with young riding talent whenever possible, enabled by the Rabobank sponsorship.

Dutch Dressage horses

Westenwind (Flemmingh x Contango) Zoriana (Jazz x Juventus)

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Rhodium (Ferro x G. Ramiro Z)

Wynton (Jazz x Matador)

Vivaldi (Krack C x Jazz)

Reine B (Rubinstein I x Vincent) 7

Witschge (Ferro x Dutchboy)

Zico (Riant x Ferro) 8

Hexagon’s Ollright (Rubiquil x El Corona)

Farm Frites Spargo (Krack C x Boreas)

Warola (Rousseau x Jazz)

Lancet (Wenzel I x Shogun)

Zaragoza (Rhodium x Jazz)

Hunter Douglas ZiĂŤsto (Lancet x Clavecimbel) 9

Dutch Dressage – Part 2 – Talent Development Tineke Bartels is the Dutch national dressage coach for young riders and juniors, entrusted with the responsibility for taking the Dutch Talent Spotting Scheme forward. She is one of many national coaches, who are all working in conjunction with the riders’ private coaches with high performance policies in mind, offering an overview of the training, personal advice where needed, training and clinics. A national coach has to be respected by riders, owners and trainers as, without this respect, the job would be even more challenging than it is. Holland is equally fortunate that there is a Tineke Bartels national sponsorship scheme, via Rabobank, for talent spotting riders. This scheme has been in place since 2002 and top riders, trainers, coaches and sports science professionals all contribute their time and expertise to it.

The vision of fair opportunity for all and a mission to scout and develop talent at an early age has helped Holland to develop a training pyramid from local, regional and national levels to the top level of international sport. 300 regional riders go forward for assessment; from there, 120 go on to winter training where their good riding technique, equine knowledge, motivation, their ability to compete under stress, managing skills and team compatibility are assessed and the focus is on what it means to be, and how to achieve success as a future professional rider. Only ten go forward into a dedicated training programme (‘Rabo Talent Team’) which supports them through young riders into contention for the senior team. Tineke sees her role as team coach as enabling riders to become independent, responsible for their own careers. The Federation aims at training the trainers so that there is one consistent line through the sport; discussing training and competition programmes; ensuring that the tried and tested system prevails but allowing new ideas and technologies; making sure that riders are aware what they are doing and why so that they become thinking

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and responsible professionals of the future. Tineke feels that, however good a rider is, he or she should always be aware that there is room for improvement, by education and experience. Handling themselves and their horses appropriately is essential for the betterment of the sport. The riders and horses forward for this session demonstrated a maturity and depth of knowledge that was pleasing to see. Yes, of course, there was some tension in front of the audience but part of the learning process is to cope with such situations. Tempo control, transitions, working the horses over the back into an outline suitable for the level of balance and strength, whilst asking enough of each horse to progress the training, underlined the good temperaments and movement of the horses presented. Riders influence the way of going of the horse; all the young riders had already had competition success but it is important for them, and for their parents, to learn that there is always room for improvement.

Wim Ernes, FEI judge and a member of the KWPN stallion selection committee and breeding expert, Arie Hamoen, commented on the breeding strategy shown in practice; several of the young horses had been picked out at the performance testing and brought through the system. Holland’s most successful sire, Jazz, was well represented in the line up of young horses, as were Ferro and Krack C. Finally, Emma Hindle presented her Olympic ride, the Dutch stallion Lancet. This horse originally came from the Bartels stable and it was obvious that Tineke was quite emotional about him; she expressed herself delighted with his successes with Emma. Lancet is a willing, tough, good tempered stallion, always Wim Ernes keen to please, always the same every day, which enables him to perform consistently and to improve; his expression, good outlook and harmony with his rider was plain to see. It was good to see him with one of his sons, Hunter Douglas Ziesto, a 4 year old out of a Clavecimbel mare, a licensed KWPN stallion who is very succesfull in stallion competitions.

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Panel Discussion – Heike Kemmer, Johann Hinnemann, Jean Bemelmans, Bernard Maurel JH – queried the specialisation selection at an early age and pointed out that, in the Aachen final, 80% of the horses had jumping bloodlines, including IPS Salinero whose brother is a show jumper. Ferro and Sunrise also came from such jumping bloodlines. He praised the Dutch for the integration of top riders into the scouting and talent training systems; very clever as young people follow their idols. It seemed to him that the Dutch system encompassed not only horse families but also human ones, such as the Bartels! He imagined that Anky’s children would be performance tested in due course!

Johan Knaap - of course, specialisation can never be total and horses can be dual purpose; talented is talented. However, if a horse comes forward for performance testing and shows more talent in one direction, a decision has to be made although, in the end, the horse effectively chooses.

BM – as a judge and a breeder, it is always good to have so much information; the Dutch system allows for a focus on the market in a small country. He thought there was too much tension in the young horses shown and would have preferred to see more relaxation and work over the back.

Wim Ernes – some positive tension is necessary for the high sport and so young horses must have an element of this; however, negative tension is never desirable.

HK – in Germany, there is a similar development of the training of young horses through the levels, with finals that allow young horses and riders to compete alongside senior riders. It takes a lot of years for new top riders to come through. The most important things are relaxation and suppleness, to give the reins, so that walk and trot are fluent and the rider can give the rein in the transitions.

TB – It is always easier to talk about relaxation and suppleness than to produce it, especially as the young horses were really there to show off the breeding. Dutch horses can be sharp and spooky but also expressive …

JB – speaking as the trainer of the Spanish team, it is easy to be jealous of the German and Dutch systems that produce such good young horses and put experienced riders on young horses. He also queried the early specialisation – he felt that doors should be kept open; quality is very 12

important but character is what really wins out; good horses take so much time to produce well.

David Hunt – felt that this was one of the most professional presentations he had ever seen. Well explained, happy horses and riders. He agreed that there was positive tension in the horses and riders, although the older horses shown were more relaxed; he thought that such tension shouldn’t be over penalised as long as there was no sign of negative tension.

Question from the audience: how much money does Rabobank give to the scheme?

Jean Bemelmans Rabobank is one of the main sponsors of three sports – cycling, hockey and equestrianism – they give E1m annually for talent spotting and the teams. The National Federation and the Government also contribute.

Laurens van Lieren – the no. 1 object for breeding is to produce Grand Prix horses; lots of breeders use young stallions, how does this produce GP horses? Perhaps older horses with proven youngstock, and proven themselves in competitions, should be used more instead?

Arie Hamoen – breeders use young and older stallions; they must also use the stallions that provide the bloodlines that people want. The difficult section is the middle age group of stallions because commercial necessity means they are often sold to keep the breeding sector in funds.

Johan Knaap – it is necessary to look to genetics and exclude environmental factors; the performance testing allows natural ability to come through and it has proved to be predictive. There are, of course, examples where this is not true and older stallions are used but, overall, the breeding system works well.

LvL – performance testing is good but the special qualities necessary for a GP horse take time to develop so such stallions could be better appreciated and KWPN could promote these horses with the breeders – and the buyers.

Mariette Withages – there’s a lot of talk about the stallions and their lines; 13

what about the mares?

Hans Peter Minderhoud – Nadine is a very sensitive mare and really a mare; she was already at small tour and well ridden when she arrived; it took about a year to establish piaffe but she was really good in Hong Kong.

She was nervous after the Olympic experience at her first show back home but has recovered her confidence; she really wants to work and rises to the challenge in competition.

JH – top horses came out of this family; the mare lines and the families are very important.

Hans Peter Minderhoud AH – top sport and breeding for mares is difficult; embryo transplants help with this. Mares are also performance tested (20 – 50 days) with a field test day at the end.

GdeJ & TB responded to a question about matching talented horses with talented riders. This is not so easy; it is always hoped that important stables will give proven riders the chance to ride good horses but it is very difficult to organise. Good competition results attract attention and this encourages sponsors and owners to come forward. Every country is looking for the best system to put riders and horses together.

LvL – my father had good horses for me to ride up to small tour; then I was taken into the talent plan and made it to GP on home bred horses; sponsorship came at this point but I was already on my way by my own effort but, undoubtedly, the talent plan was helpful.

RD – a fantastic presentation; a complete system which looks at every part and angle of the sport to keep it moving forward.

Olympic Evaluation Chairwoman – Mariette Withages, Technical Delegate in Hong Kong Panel – Gary Rockwell (USA) and Jean Michel Roudier (France) both judged in HK; Dr Dieter Schüle (Germany). The panel and audience commented on the movements shown and discussed the marks given.

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Ravel with Steffan Peters (USA) and Balagur with Alexandra Koralowa (Russia) were shown executing blocks of movements for comparison and evaluation. Ravel, the younger of the two horses, is quite new to GP whereas Balagur is older and more established; HK was the last Olympics for Balagur.

MW – two quite different types with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Half passes and passage Ravel showed power and freedom, just some occasional stiffness; the passage, although active, could lift in the forehand more; the half pass left showed more lift and cadence than the right one.

Balagur showed lots of expression; some tilting of the head at the beginning of the half pass with less lift and suppleness than Ravel. The passage showed expression and a good lift in the forehand but could be more under behind; the extensions could Mariëtte Withages have had more power and the contact could sometimes be steadier.

DS – video doesn’t always show the actual picture; Ravel had better half passes and Balagur had the better passage Dr Bechtolsheimer – when comparing the two, it looks as though expression was taken over regularity?

MW- the marks reflected any unevenness of contact or irregularity.

Extended & collected walk; transitions to and from piaffe & passage; transition into canter Ravel was relaxed over the back but could have stretched more to the contact in extended walk; in collection, he kept the 4-beat but showed some tension. His piaffe covered too much ground but was elastic, the transitions to passage could have been more precise; from passage into piaffe, some resistance was shown, but the piaffe was sitting and elastic.

The canter transition was interesting as the horse jumped out of his frame into canter, something which was seen by the short side judges but not by the judges at E & B. 15

Balagur showed less quality in the walk than Ravel, with no stretching, and tension in the top line in extended; a loss of contact and tension in collected. A good transition into piaffe, sitting, active and on the spot, good self-carriage into the passage and again into piaffe; too short in the base in piaffe so not so good into passage and tension showed in the canter transition.

DS – There was difference in the quality of the walk in the two horses.

When piaffe is too much forwards, or the base becomes too short, the quality of the transitions is influenced. The mark for the transition from passage to canter also includes the canter itself.

Ravel got 2 x 5 and 3 x 8 for passage to canter; from in front or behind the judges could only see the straightness, from the side it could be seen that he was tense over the back and croup high. Balagur got straight 6s.

Arthur Kottas – 8 seemed too high, 5 too low. There didn’t seem to be much similarity between the two horses and it wasn’t always clear how marks were awarded.

MW – there are different ways to arrive at similar marks and horses can end up with marks that are, perhaps, too close but that is the name of the game AK – with Balagur, why not a 10 when excellent? Then bigger differences would be possible.

Jennie Loriston-Clarke – Ravel had the better walk; Balagur didn’t really fulfil the criteria so why did he get a satisfactory (6) mark, when he wasn’t drawing forward or over-tracking?

MW – with hindsight, it does look as though 6 was probably too much

Pirouette right, tempi changes, pirouette left Ravel lost some balance in the pirouette right; the changes were fairly straight ; the left pirouette was a bit big but well balanced Balagur produced a good right pirouette; was supple through the back in the changes; left pirouette less balanced than the right one DS – The canter before and after the pirouettes is very important David Hunt – Ravel looked greener; Balagur looked much more established in collection GR/MW/JMR – responded to a question from the audience; should judges mark what they can’t see properly?

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GR – our system ensures that all angles are covered; you mark what you can see from the angle from which you view it.

MW – judges see all the qualities because of the different places in which they sit; that’s one reason why scratching the highest and lowest marks is not such a good idea.

JMR – from some positions regularity is easier to judge; from others straightness; from others cadence and self-carriage GR – as a judge, a different level of detail in the test is obvious because of the proximity to the arena; as a spectator (between judging commitments), detail diminished in direct relation to the distance from the test.

DH – different horses presented different problems and ended up quite close in the marks. The judges did well.

MW – the Press wasn’t happy with the judging but it was very much in line in the end.

Richard Davison – asked the audience if anyone would have been disappointed if you had ridden either of the tests?!

Heike Kemmer’s Olympic ride on Bonaparte for Germany Heike talked through her Bronze medal winning test as it was shown on the screen.

Question from the audience: 71% is only fairly good – surely what we have seen was better than that?

MW – we hear this and discuss it frequently. Technical criteria and the scale of marks are our system and it only needs a couple of lower marks within a test of mainly 7s, 8s and even 9s, and the overall mark is lowered.

BM – In the main, the concentration, selfHeike Kemmer

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carriage and straightness were all great but mistakes took the marks down.

HK - not too many mistakes and, in general, satisfied but admitted that the last centre line mistakes occurred because she was distracted by the big screen and her horse felt her loss of concentration!

The Cadre Noir M. Eric Chalamet introduced the presentation by the Sauteurs of the Cadre Noir. M. Chalamet is French Canadian and translated for his colleague, M. Frederic Pierrard, Chef des Ecuyers. They were very impressed with the Global Forum and hoped that the Cadre Noir could match such a standard.

The Cadre Noir bases its ethos on the classical equitation principles handed down from Xenophon, Pluvinel, and de la Gueriniere, incorporating release of the reins, lightness and straightness. The classical art of the haute ecole, with its M. Frederic Pierrard roots in 16th century Italy, is still the basis of its teaching, although the Cadre Noir itself has a purely military tradition. With the advent of the Military school in Auvergne, the manege was introduced in 1815 and the first Chef des Ecuyers took up his appointment. From Baucher came flexion; from the Comte d’Aure came outdoor riding; General l’Hotte (the most famous of Saumur’s riding teachers) advocated calmness, forward riding and straightness in his Questions d’Equestre. The latter avoided the term ‘light’ to avoid confusion or conflict between the philosophies of Baucher and Aure. General Decarpentry was also a big influence. In 1972, the Ecole National d’Equitation was founded at Saumur. Now there are over 400 horses, five indoor and 15 outdoor arenas, and 50 kms of gallops, all within 300 hectares. There are 45 rider/trainers of whom 8 are

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in the military, who provide France with top level Olympians on a regular basis. Each year, approximately 30 young Selle Francais and Anglo-Arab horses are bought with grants from the Ministries of Defence and Agriculture and the National Federation. National and international students, and French professional riders, both male and female, benefit from the expertise and facilities at Saumur. There is also a research department which, in conjunction with universities, looks into horses’ movement and the interaction with riders; with the aid of Percival, a mechanical horse, riders wearing virtual reality glasses are able to prepare dressage movements, ride over fences, gallop and so on.

Ecuyers are the trainers of the students and professional riders – three of these, M. Gildas Flament, M. Fabien Godelle and M. Vincent Pottier, worked their horses (all geldings) in hand under the direction of their Chef, to show the progression of training of the airs above the ground, keeping the traditional ideals of calm, forward and straight. Temperament and good health are paramount in the selection of horses for this work and they start at 5 years old; by 6/7 years all the lateral work, changes and the beginnings of collection are in place.

Years of tradition are behind the basic training; confidence and trust are crucial.

Whips are not for punishment, more to replace the rider’s leg in work in hand; horses are familiarised with the whip by lightly stroking it over the horse’s body so that there is no fear. Constant quiet communication by voice, body language, eye contact, and contact with the reins, leads to education of the mouth, with an ability to produce easy flexion left and right, as the horses must accept the double bridle without resistance or stress.

When this is established, training continues with mobilisation; half-steps, with the hindlegs engaged and under the centre of gravity; changing the frame from low to high at will, to increase the energy and collection and guard the regularity of the steps. Croupade is the first movement taught as it 19

requires less engagement and the frame can remain long and low, with the weight forward. It is also a first check on the temperament of the horses for these airs; it is considered less demanding and uses the horse’s natural reaction to kick out and back; the rider is careful to remain near the horse’s shoulder for control and safety reasons.

Courbette uses the horse’s inclination to rear, with the weight much more over the hindlegs, in collection but with energy and calmness. This requires quite a degree of strength to maintain the position with good height, the forearm parallel to the ground and the knees bent.

The way in which the reins are held (in both hands, sometimes in one, sometimes over the head), and how the whip is used, differs according to the movement being taught, but it was noticeable that the whip became simply an adjunct to the air and, in fact, came away from the horse at the moment of execution.

Courbette The rider’s free hand touched the horse’s quarters as it landed, to reassure and calm. After each air, each horse landed and immediately halted in a calm, patient manner.

On to le terre a terre – a sort to two tempi ‘canter’, which looks like the action of a rocking horse and which builds up sufficient energy and collection for the final, and most difficult of the airs, the cabriole (from ‘cabri’ which is a small goat!). This demanding movement is not something every horse has the temperament or energy to show well – perhaps only 2 or 3 out of 10 show aptitude for this movement.

Each of the three horses remained calm, focused, and straight throughout the performance with no evident stress or resistance. The final flourish was a trio of courbettes performed on command. All this work can be done in hand or with the rider in the saddle; however, it is much easier for the horse to carry out the movements without the weight of a rider on his back.

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Panel discussion – Mariette Withages, Arthur Kottas; John Lassetter, Dirk Willem Rosie Question from the audience: why is this aspect of the classical school important in these modern times?

JL – tradition and history should be kept intact; this work relates to modern competition requirements of collection and energy; it’s excellent for the establishment of an independent seat and for the development of empathy between horses and riders, leading to a new dimension of feel.

MW – it is from where everything we work towards and strive for comes; it should remain part of our education and civilisation; young people should be encouraged to interest themselves in such traditions. It puts an accent on the way in which a whip should be used – more as a violin John Lassetter bow than a punishing stick.

Question from the audience: is it cruel?

AK – look at what we saw; soft, supple, engaged, without resistance.

DWR – the word ‘horsemanship’ breaks down into ‘horse’ and ‘man’ working together; that’s what we saw. Perhaps it brings people closer to the secret of the horse. For eventing, for instance, such work sets the horse on its hocks and is very good for downhill step fences and teaches the rider to be more secure in the seat.

DH – kept an open mind about this presentation as he wasn’t sure about it but was totally converted to a very positive view of such work. Real horsemanship and partnerships were shown; work in hand can’t be forced and is considerably more difficult to achieve than the Cadre Noir officers made it look.

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SECOND DAY A new innovation for the 2008 Global Dressage Forum, the delegates split into two groups according to their interests, to interact with experts in the various fields

Working groups – Part 1

Core Strengthening by Dr Hilary Clayton (Pilates for Horses – Anyone can do it!)

As a veterinarian and researcher, Dr Clayton has studied equine biomechanics for many years, particularly in sport horses, with input from some of the top names in dressage and show- jumping.

Dr Clayton’s presentation focused on exercises to improve and strengthen the core stability of the horse; a cross training regime which, in conjunction with schooling and fitness work, can help to develop as wide a range of athletic ability as possible in each horse.

Core stability are the current buzz words for riders – the selection of specific exercises to Hilary Clayton target weaknesses of posture or performance to improve core stability in the horse can only be useful. However, like any exercise, repetition is the key to success – improved spinal mobility and muscular strength will take several months although beneficial changes can become apparent in a matter of weeks.

No special equipment is needed nor is any specialist knowledge. The exercises are done from the ground and can be done in any order on any sound horse. Start with the easy ones first and be patient, as the horse will take a while to co-operate fully; he needs to use his own muscles with nothing forced; this is about him stretching himself. Optimally, use the exercises from 3 – 5 times a day, 7 days a week, equally on both sides, for 2 – 3 months; observe and note the measurements of stretch on a monthly

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basis. If appropriate, veterinary help may be needed to accurately evaluate muscle thickness and separation of thoracic spines – MRI scanning is ideal (if somewhat expensive!).

Each exercise has its basis in a physiological response and many of the exercises can be used therapeutically for veterinary purposes and rehabilitation after surgery. However, caution is needed and seeking veterinary and physiotherapy advice is a sensible precaution before embarking on any exercise regime.

Best done when the horse has worked and the soft tissue is warmed up, the exercises mobilise the joints of the horse’s neck, back and ribcage, strengthening the muscles that move the neck and back, and help to stabilize the back, the pelvis and the hips.

Mobilisation – start with the horse standing well balanced on good non-slip footing, against a wall or in a corner to control the movement of the haunches and keep his feet still; with a long piece of carrot, entice the horse to stretch the neck round to each shoulder, holding the position for several seconds to allow the muscles to relax into the position, before giving the carrot. Eventually, the horse should follow the carrot to the ribcage, left and right; avoid a sharp angle at the base of the neck by standing with your back to the shoulder and let the horse bend his neck round you – this will work for shoulders and ribcage but move out of the way to encourage him to bend his neck low to reach each hind fetlock.

Rounding - chin to chest which flexes the upper and middle neck, chin to knees which flexes the middle and lower neck and lifts the back, and chin to front fetlock which flexes the lower neck and lifts the back.

Neck extension – with someone with a hand on the horse’s chest to prevent forward movement, entice him to stretch his neck forwards downwards towards the carrot.

Additionally, there are exercises that lift the withers and the back, recruit the strong abdominal muscles, engage the pectoral muscles and tilt the pelvis; particularly useful for hollow backed horses and for helping to prevent kissing spines. For these, strong fingers are required; otherwise a blunt metal object, such as a hoofpick or metal manecomb, is needed to stimulate the reactions of the horse.

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Some horses are initially sensitive to such pressures and can kick out backwards or cow kick very efficiently, so caution is advised so that no-one is injured. It is also sensible to wear gloves to protect fingers and a good tip is to make a central hole in a plastic cover from a tin through which the carrot can be pushed.

Much more detailed information is available in Dr Clayton’s book and DVD Activate Your Horse’s Core (www.SportHorsePublications.com).

PILATES FOR HORSES Baited Stretches

Core Strengthening Exercises

Stimulated Movements

Mobilize the joints of the horse’s neck, back and ribcage Exercises done from the ground Do not require sophisticated equitation skills or expensive equipment

Anyone can do it!

Strengthen the muscles that: • move the neck and back • stabilize the back, pelvis and hip

Mobilization Exercises

Part 1: Mobilization Exercises Use the horse’s muscles to mo ve the joints of neck and back

Baited Stretches Entice the horse’s chin to the desired position using food

Part 2: Core Strengthening Strengthen the muscles that move and stabilize the neck and back

Part 3: Balancing Exercises Strengthen the muscles that raise the withers and stabilize the pelvis

• •

Carrots cut into long pieces 1 cm in diameter work well Protect your fingers – leather gloves, finger protector

Target training is an alternative

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Rounding Exercises

Bending Exercises Chin to Girth

Chin to Chest

Chin to Knees

Chin to Fetlocks

Flexes middle and lower neck, lifts back

Flexes lower neck, lifts back

Bends neck Flexes upper and middle neck

Avoid sharp angle at base of neck

Neck Extension Exercise

Lifting the Withers and Back

Unwinding exercise

Restrain the horse’s chest Stretch neck with base of neck lowered

Rounding and Core Strengthening Prevention/treatment of back problems e.g. kissing spines

Pelvic Stabilizer Muscles mi ddle gluteal superficial gluteal biceps femoris semitendinosus

• Stabilize hip and pelvis • Important for balance and stability in collection and lateral movements

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Olympic Judging – how to solve problems?

Hans van Zetten Not every change is improvement but there is no improvement without change. Hans has been an international competitor in gymnastics; he is a judge, a coach, a writer and a TV commentator; further, he is an expert in sports judging systems and has extensive knowledge across six sports.

However, he is not involved in equestrian sports although he made a similar presentation to the Global Forum in 2003.

What could dressage learn from judging systems from other Olympic sports? A broad view of what other sports do to make judging as objective as possible might be of. value to dressage Most sports have a Code of Hans van Zetten Points (CofP); the what, how, where and when for all techniques and requirements; and a judging system which prescribes the organization, the procedures and their implementation to produce results in accordance with the CofP. In order to reduce the risk of improper scores, or even merely subjective scores, the following should be considered:- Detail the values, requirements, norms, faults and deductions Ensure that all judging tasks are prescribed Increase the number of judges and exclude extreme marks Create an effective reactive evaluation system – post mortem and video replay. Judges opinions are not valid; judges are there to register behaviour in line with the CofP. Judges must ‘look to the law and compare the crime to the law’ Judges who judge too harshly or too generously, against another country or in favour of their own, must be removed; unprofessional judging has consequences. Fair play should not be compromised with conflicts of interest and, ideally, judges should not judge their own countrymen. Comparisons were made, and examples given, of the problems that gymnastics and figure skating experienced at the 2002 and 2004 Olympics, after which the rules of judging and the prescription of

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movements were tightened up to make the systems fairer and more objective.

In figure skating, judges are now chosen at random, an hour before the competition, from a pool of 12, with 9 actually judging; then the highest and lowest scores are ignored, so 7 scores count. This removes the possibility that a maverick judge can over-influence the outcome of a competition. In gymnastics, there is a judge for every piece of apparatus with superior judges who oversee different sections of the competition and a head judge who controls the whole process. Superior judges sit on the technical committee and there is also an individual judges committee.

Scoring takes some time to come through and the whole system is not particularly user friendly but is as transparent as possible.

Both sports have a totally prescribed technical side; the presentation side of skating has a number of aspects that can attract varying marks and this does leave a degree of discretion as to what can be awarded for what.

Having separate judges for different aspects, such as artistic interpretation, technical execution and position, does serve to divide the marks and reduce the impact of opinion; there are 3 panels with 4 judges in each; the average is taken within each panel and then the resulting 3 averages make up the final score.

Whatever the improvements to the systems, it is still considered that that it is necessary to constantly review the processes. To this end, the Codes of Practice are reviewed and revised within each Olympic cycle of 4 years and new rules are brought in as appropriate every year.

Discussion with audience Question from the audience: how are costs allocated and met? In skating the costs are met by the organisation but choosing the judges is a Federation task. In gymnastics, the Federation is in charge of sending judges to competitions and pays the costs involved; the organisation pays for costs on site. The changes made after Athens were driven by the IOC to the Federations as it was felt that the marks for the top athletes were so close that it must be made possible to make discriminations between them for a clear result; indivisible marks are not acceptable.

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Scoring The existing scoring system in dressage is movement by movement, or a series of movements, which incorporate the FEI Guidelines as set out in the Handbook and the Scales of Training. Unambiguous descriptions of each movement, mark by mark, and what is required within each movement for the mark, are set out very clearly in the Handbook and on the test sheets.

However, might it be better to have a mark for every single movement made rather than for a series of movements so that no compromises are necessary?

The scoring system is pretty transparent and, at international level at least, the scores from each judge are posted after each movement for the public to see (this depends upon the IT system in place at each venue).

Sheets are collected after each rider so changes or collaboration between the judges is obviated.

Judges Perhaps it would be good to have 7 judges, and discard the highest and lowest scores. This might, however, dissuade judges from using the wide range of marks available as they would effectively be penalized for so doing. As judges are positioned in various parts of the arena, giving different angles and views of the technical execution, high and low exclusions might also have the effect of removing mistakes. Extremes such as 5 and 8, or 6 and 9, for a movement from different judges often reflects the differing angles and can be a safeguard against over marking because a mistake is not seen. Post mortem evaluation ensures that judges keep to the criteria and not are not out of line.

Dressage judges are all volunteers – they are not paid for their services – this makes it different from other sports where professional judges are the norm. Neither National Federations nor the FEI pay anything for them or to them. Should this change?

In other sports, professional judges are usually also coaches and it is considered difficult to be a good judge if that person doesn’t work daily, or regularly, within the sport.

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Technical Delegates Dressage Technical Delegates are judges who are not involved in the particular competition. Perhaps it would be better to have someone approved by the riders and trainees and not appointed by the Dressage Committee?

Complaints Procedures There is no protest procedure available in skating. In gymnastics there is only a very brief time, i.e. before the next athlete starts; there is a deposit to be paid which goes up each time a complaint is made and this can only be about your own score or your own country’s score.

Athletes Question from the audience: where do the athletes fit in and what is their role? Proposals are put forward and controlled through the technical committees where due consideration is given. Athletes like that the technical side of the competition is fixed (in skating it is worth 40%) but feel that the presentation scoring still needs a more prescribed basis.

No firm conclusions but further food for thought to help ensure that dressage scoring is as up-to-date as possible and totally transparent.

Basic needs of artistic sports Code of Points is a Handbook with the values and requirements, norms, bonus points, faults and deductions.

It is a guide with rules in WHAT and HOW to perform to get the maximum amount of points.

1. Code of Points ( CoP ) 2. Judging-System

How to reduce the risk of improper scores?

1. By detailing the values, requirements, norms, bonus points, faults and deductions in the Code of Points 2.

4.

The Judging-System is the organisation and procedures to award a number of points to the performance in accordance with the Code of Points.

By dividing judging tasks

3. By increasing the number of judges with the same task and excluding extreme marks By creating an effective evaluation-system Minimise free space for subjectivity

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Dressage - discussion

Use the 4 criteria

How to reduce the risk of improper scores?

1. By detailing the values, requirements, norms, bonus points, faults and deductions in the Code of Points 2.

By dividing judging tasks

3. By increasing the number of judges with the same task and excluding extreme marks 4.

By creating an effective evaluation-system

AG - Evaluation-system 1. All routines are taped and evaluated 2. Judges Objective Evaluation (JOE-system) 3. Head of competition jury controls process 4. Unprofessional judging has consequences 5. Innovating skills may be brought in the CoP 6. The CoP is changing every Olympiad 7. All judges are tested every Olympiad

The Magnificent Seven

Second step of improvement in Olympic dressage

6. Values and requirements in CoP

1. Divide judging tasks

7. Norms and bonus points in CoP

2. Increase the number of judges

8. Faults and deductions in CoP

3. Exclude extreme marks

9. Detail the marks in 0,1 points

4. Detail the marks in 0,5 points

10. Improve evaluation system

Educate the dressage community

Third and final step step of improvement

Evaluate continuously, but change to improve every Olympiad

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First step of improvement in Olympic dressage

5. Simple evaluation system

Engage the dressage community

Working groups – Part 2

New Developments in Mental Training with Dr Rico Schuijers Mental Skills for Equestrians – Rico has produced a DVD which shows the skills necessary to improve performance. (www.ricoschuijers.nl).

‘Optimists think that sunshine comes after rain; pessimists think that rain comes after sunshine’.

Rico is an Olympic sport psychologist who works with individual athletes, national teams, and also with trainers and coaches.

Equestrianism is way behind other sports in the use of mental skills and, even 10 years ago, such techniques were met Rico Schuijers with scepticism; things have moved on and the equestrian world now acknowledges the benefits of such skills.

Psychology is equally important for each element of an equestrian team – the rider, trainer and horse.

However, such skills are not only for athletes as the principles can apply equally to anyone who needs a systematic method to influence such areas as choice, relationships, emotions, self-confidence, concentration, thought control and technical expertise.

Goal setting needs to be in place early enough to be useful so that the person concerned knows where they are going. Mental training techniques help them get there.

An audience participation exercise early in the session involved ‘Cheerios’ – delegates formed small groups and were given a cup with some Cheerio rings in it; each person chose one Cheerio, examined it closely and then put it back in the cup. The exercise was to identify that particular Cheerio when it was mixed with the others. The point was the necessity to focus on the task in hand and not be distracted by outside influences. The people who found it easy spent time on the task and concentrated on what

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they were doing; those who were distracted by the amusement of the exercise found it much harder.

This sort of focus is a basic requirement for success in the arena and is not, in general, a skill that people take seriously enough.

Teaching such skills to children, via similar fun exercises, have proved a valuable investment for their future. It is easy to spot those with concentration problems and these can be addressed at an early age; from 8 – 10 years is optimal, before the hormones kick in; and one session of 15 minutes a week is usually sufficient.

Words are very important in mental training. ‘Must’, ‘try’ and ‘if’ should be replaced with ‘want’, ‘do’ and ‘dare’. ‘Do’ and ‘dare’ require that mistakes can be made and learnt from. Ask yourself if your thoughts are helping you; if not, then change the thoughts into helpful ones. We all talk to ourselves so make the talk positive!

If you make a mistake, what do you say to yourself? Do you swear? Do you give up? Do you look back? Do you say ‘interesting’? Do you say ‘and …’?

Staying in the present and occupying yourself only with the immediate future is the way to self-help; past mistakes can’t be rectified but you can move on and determine to improve by setting realistic targets.

Sports psychologists work on interventions; communication; and mental skills.

Interventions include crises management; injuries; eating disorders; abuse; drugs; personal problems; politics.

Communications include lifestyle management; negotiation skills; assertiveness training; self-care; conflict training; teambuilding; debriefing.

The newer mental techniques include bio-energetic exercises; biofeedback; acupuncture based Energy Field Therapy; and neuro-feedback.

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More commonly known techniques include breathing exercises; relaxation; virtual reality; imagery; cognitive training (memorising rows of numbers and then reciting them backwards and forwards, for instance); focus and thought control.

Mental toughness training includes coping with mistakes and pressure; every horse and rider has a different response to pressure and it is important to have strategies in place to deal with it. Keep fighting when you’re losing – this is about not giving up as the horse will pick up such negativity and act accordingly.

Coping with fatigue – again strategies need to be practiced to ensure that both horse and rider can work through it and this leads into perseverance – when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Coping with humiliations from the coach or from colleagues – real or imagined. This leads into fear of failure from such outside influences as who is on the start list; a negative reaction to gamesmanship in the warm up arena; the thought that everyone is more experienced, better, more talented than you. You can effectively plan to fail by failing to plan.

When one performance, or one week, is super and the next is not, the cause is usually to do with mental perceptions and mental training skills can minimise these. The gap between the level of riding at home and at a competition can usually be dealt with by such skills but it is always sensible to train at a higher level than that at which you compete.

Planning to succeed requires an insight into how motivation, tension and concentration affect performance and how these can be influenced and trained. Controlling the controllable is the first step towards an optimal performance program. Rico showed his ‘six circles of attention’ which vary from number 1, which is the ideal state of ‘me and my task’, perception, decision making, execution; to number 6, which is ‘what am I doing here?’

Most people can identify with these circles and the trick, i.e. the mental training and psychology, is to learn the techniques to constantly put oneself, and keep oneself, in circle 1.

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How to become an Olympic Judge – an education system for dressage judges with Dr Dieter Schüle Many different countries are represented at the Forum by their judges and, in 2008, over 40 top level judges were present to see, listen, study and discuss dressage. Dr Schüle and some of his colleague ‘O’ judges spoke about the positive and negative aspects of being a judge at international and Olympic level.

He outlined the education system that is in place to put forward potential international judges from among those judging at national GP level in their own countries. A brief summary follows: There are four categories of judges: 2* national GP; 3* international candidate; 4* international; and 5* official international Dieter Schüle (Olympic). The numbers of 3*, 4* and 5* judges in each region of the world depend on the number of international events held in those regions.

Each level has entry criteria which include, at 2*, registration with, and the recommendation of, the relevant National Federation, the number of GP classes judged, a theory examination and practical ‘sit-ins’ with O level judges who must, in turn, recommend the candidate for promotion.

At 3* level, the ability to speak English is a requirement, with at least an understanding of French, the second official FEI language. Additionally, participation in judging GP tests at CDI or CDN level is a must. Promotion to this level is only possible up to the age of 55.

Refresher courses and three yearly examinations are obligatory at 3* and the criteria for entry to 4* and 5* become correspondingly more stringent; again, there is an age limit for promotion to 4*, this time 60 years of age.

The age limit, i.e. the retirement age, for 3* - 5* judges is 70.

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-

The refresher courses at 3* and 4* consist of theoretical and practical sessions with a closed book examination, a public judging test, by microphone and the judging a class of at least 10 GP horses.

5* judges are selected by the Bureau of the FEI on the recommendation of the TD committee, which consists of judges already on the FEI list of official international judges. Certification requires proof of judging at least 20 GP classes within 3 years; there is no examination as such but attendance at the bi-annual judges’ seminar is required. Status is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the highest standards.

After successfully completing the criteria at each level, it is expected that judges will have an in-depth knowledge of the following:- The FEI, its principles and its statement relating to the welfare of the horse - Rules for FEI Dressage and General Regulations - The FEI Handbook, Guidelines for Judging, and the Codex for Judges - The Scales of Training - The role of the foreign judge/President of the Ground Jury - Organisational structures of dressage events Communication with the IOC, the press and media, and co-operation with other judges - The dressage sport The above should do something to dispel the notion that progress through the judging levels is easy and undemanding; it is not for the faint hearted and only for those who start early enough in their judging careers to make it to the top before becoming too old!

FEI Dressage Judge EducationSystem Syllabus

FEI Dressage Judge EducationSystem Syllabus

Level II

Level II Aim:

• To provide qualified International 3* Dressage Judges for the FEI

Du ration of course:

• 3 Day s

Entry requ irem ents for Participants:

• To be a certified National Grand Prix Judge • To be recommended by NF • To have judged at National GP events – 1 0 Grand Prix/ GPFS • To have passed a Exam/ Filter Test • To have done at least 2 sit-ins (2 classes) with positive recommendation by an O-Judge

Attendance

• Minimum 10, Max imum 20 participants

Participants

• Must be registered with their NF

Assessment

• Judging of Dressage in theory and practice

Ex am ination

• Practical, oral and theory ex amination

Certification

• Certificate will be issued after successful ex amination and sit-ins

Ev aluation of the Cou rse

• Ev aluation questionnaire to be completed and returned to the FEI FEI Course Director – FEI Participants – FEI

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FEI Dressage Judge EducationSystem Syllabus

FEI Dressage Judge EducationSystem Syllabus

Level III Aim:

• To provide qualified International 4* Dressage Judges for the FEI

Duration of course:

• 3 Day s

Entry requirem ents for Participants:

• To be a certified International 4* Judge • To be recommended by NF • To have judged at International CDI3* events – 10 Grand Prix/ GPS/ GPFS

Level III Participants

• Must be registered with their NF

A ssessment

• Judging of Dressage in theory and practice

Exam ination

• Practical, oral and theory ex amination

Certification

• Certific ate will be issued after successful ex amination

Ev aluation of the Course • Ev aluation questionnaire to be completed and returned to the FEI • FEI Course Director – FEI • Participants – FEI

Physical training for riders with Andrew Thomas Andrew is an Olympic physiotherapist who now works exclusively with riders, having previously trained athletes in tennis, athletics, football and rugby union. At the WEG, he worked with riders across all the equestrian disciplines. Prior to Beijing, he worked extensively with GB Olympic dressage riders, Emma Hindle and Laura Bechtolsheimer.

The day after Olympic team selection, Emma found out that she had an ovarian cyst. She phoned GB team manager, Richard Davison, to withdraw but he persuaded Emma to keep her place.

After her major surgery, she had just 6 weeks to Andrew Thomas recover sufficiently to compete; she was, of course, very fit and determined but what she achieved with Andrew’s dedicated help, in under two months, would have taken most people a year. She gained GB team’s highest score!

One of Andrew’s particular interests is in creating exercises to help increase a rider’s strength, mobility and control in the area around the spine and pelvis – core stability for riders. First of all, Andrew studies what 36

is actually possible for a rider, and how the horse influences the rider’s body. What actually happens on a horse? Is the rider symmetrical on both reins? Can the rider keep hips in the correct position, stabilize left and right, with no shift of weight or movement out of the centred position?

What does it take to be functional on a horse? Why can some riders do exercises and movements more easily than others?

What qualities does a dressage rider need? The key physical attributes are balance, control, strength, agility, flexibility, suppleness, mobility.

Working with the riders, trainers and coaches, Andrew assesses the weaknesses and imbalances particular to each rider; he checks the rider’s ability to adjust position and absorb the forces on the body that the horse produces, whilst staying supple and in control. He looks at the techniques the rider uses to cope with movement so that the exercises he uses will be specific to that rider’s problems.

Fitness is an issue that he has to deal with as often riders think that riding a certain number of horses each day is sufficient; his view is that riding more than 4 or 5 is likely to cause back pain and create imbalances in the rider. Exercises to improve peripheral muscle effectiveness and overall body fitness are essential; it is not about strength but control. Suppleness is not flexibility and has nothing to do with an ability to touch one’s toes; it is the ability to absorb forces of movement without losing independent control of the limbs and it gives the rider body control through core stability in the pelvic area. It is all about the pelvis – positional problems almost always stem from this area. Obviously it is not the same for a rider off a horse as on one but pelvic control off the horse is essential to pelvic control on a horse.

Equestrian sports are quite unique in that males and females compete on equal terms. With other athletes, the norms are usually quite close together and very structured so male gymnasts, for instance, would never compete against females. There is a huge variance in height, weight, build and strength between male riders, never mind between males and females.

Is there a perfect rider shape? Probably but successful riders are certainly not in one mould. Most riders have imbalances and weaknesses – better riders are better at ‘hiding’ their body problems. Sitting and steering from childhood doesn’t turn a person into a rider; time on the lunge, at all 37

paces, to learn to sit the horse’s movement whatever happens, is the way to develop an independent stable position.

Some people have a tight side with the opposite side of their body being weak; others are tight and weak on the same side; fairly obviously, the latter is the more difficult. Andrew demonstrated this with the help of a 17 year old female rider; some simple tests gave him quite a few answers. Lying on her side on a table, the range of hip movement was tested by holding the leg up and back and asking her to resist against a downward pressure from Andy’s hand; on the right she could resist, on the left it was very tight and weak and she couldn’t. This translates, on a horse, on sitting out to the right, the left leg coming into effect to stabilize the position and the tightness on the right side affecting the horse and limiting the contact.

Andrew then put his hand on her hip muscle and pumped the left leg up and down a few times; after about 20 seconds, a test showed that the flexibility was much improved. Rehabilitation for this rider would actually be to strengthen the right side, i.e. to work on the less stiff side to equalize the two.

The key muscles involved are the gluteus minimus and medius; exercises really only work after straightness is sorted out (much like horses!), otherwise the exercises would only strengthen the stiff side and make things worse. The psoas muscle goes from the front of the spine to the hip and helps to control and decelerate the pelvis which, in turn, helps with balance and co-ordination. Part of the core, the longer leg length helps the muscles to come into play, but only if the position is already correct.

Females need greater control and stability as their seat bones are much further apart and much wider than males; also their hip bones are much nearer the spine than those of men, so exercises must be adapted accordingly to take these differences into account.

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Core strength allows other muscles to function correctly, reduces fatigue, helps prevent injury and improves technique.

Never give riders expensive equipment or complicated exercises – they won’t use the first and they won’t bother with the second!

A table, a chair, some rubber bands, exercise balls and a wobble board are all that is needed. Emma and Laura, both athletically built but quite different in shape and height, demonstrated various of the exercises Andrew has developed to help their core stability.

One or two of the exercises like sitting on the ball and moving the pelvis forward and back, and from side to side, and then using both Laura Bechtolsheimer movements to rotate the pelvis, looked possible.

Then Laura had to kneel on an exercise ball while Emma balanced on the wobble board, neither of which either looked or was easy, whilst throwing another smaller ball to and fro between them, sometimes straight and sometimes to the left and to the right. At this point, a little light relief appeared in the shape of Richard Davison who was persuaded, somewhat reluctantly, to attempt to balance on the wobble board. This was momentarily achieved with a lot of help from his friends!

One nil to the girls! These, and other, exercises done for 10 minutes before riding have two advantages; one, the rider is balanced physically and mentally; two, 39

the rider is warmed up. A lot is said about the necessity of warmup for the horse; seldom do riders warm themselves up before getting on their horse.

Panel discussion – Hilary Clayton; Laurens van Lieren; Jean Michel Roudier; and Tineke Bartels Tineke sat on a special chair with a free moving seat which enables her to do pelvic exercises while teaching to keep her from stiffening up.

Not surprisingly, this chair was the first topic under discussion! Hilary Clayton thought that the chair allowed a good relation between thigh and hip and it could be ideal to develop the idea further with a saddle on it, although the height would have to be adjusted so that the ‘rider’s’ legs could be allowed to fall naturally without the feet on the floor.

The chair was designed by Eckart Meyners, a movement expert and specialist.

Tineke Bartels Although it wasn’t designed specifically for riders as it has applications way beyond equestrianism, it allows free movement forward, back and sidewards, from side to side, and in a circle, so the user becomes aware of how the pelvis works to align the body and strengthen the core muscles. A very useful aid for riders of all ages and sizes. (www.balimo.info) Objective measurable repeatable tests to monitor results from exercising have proved to be hard to measure accurately as there are too many variables between riders. Andrew and Hilary agreed that some muscle activity testing could be done, as well as bio-mechanical measuring, and this is already done in athletics. Three or four functional tests could be developed to find out where change and repetition would improve performance.

Hilary explained that riders wobble more front to back than side to side which is what most people do; with a weak psoas muscle, riders often lean

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back to compensate and they need to strengthen the front muscles – back to core stability!

LvL – the Dutch national teams use these exercises. Laurens was very keen to have a go on the wobble board to demonstrate his prowess, but found it much less easy to do than he had imagined and his trainer, Ruud Jacobs, came to his rescue.

Two nil to the girls!

JMR – was very impressed by Emma and Laura; never too late to start working on core stability but it should be progressive; it would be a good idea to start the philosophy of exercise in riding schools so that it becomes second nature to use such exercises to warm up before riding; this would also help to prevent injuries, strains and so on.

AT - Trainers and coaches need to have an Laurens van Lieren understanding of anatomy and bio-mechanics in order to advise and help their students. Of course, they could simply send their riders off to the gym but perhaps it would make more sense to develop their knowledge and awareness that there are tests that can identify riders’ weaknesses. Very often, it is less that riders are useless or incompetent but more that their weak and/or crooked positions make correct riding very difficult. When specific weaknesses have been identified, some sessions on the lunge (on a balanced horse) to first exaggerate the problems and underline the difficulties they cause, and then to find the correct way to sort them out, would be a very valuable first step to making the rider more symmetric. This is one small part of the whole process but an essential one. It applies equally to novice and elite riders as they all demonstrate similar weaknesses. It is just that experienced riders have often found ways to compensate for their problems – it is better to go to the root cause and not just address the symptoms.

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Hubertus Schmidt – Masterclass The last presenter of the Global Dressage Forum 2008 was top German Olympian rider and trainer, Hubertus Schmidt, back by popular demand. His wife, Doris, his constant ‘eyes on the ground’ was with him.

This is a man who has trained over 30 Grand Prix horses in recent years. He is, however, modest and unassuming, crediting his horses with much of their joint successes. He is only interested in having a totally relaxed, supple horse who works in a willing, submissive way in harmony with his rider and he practices what he preaches.

Hubertus advocates two key essentials in Hubertus Schmidt dressage – the ability of the horse to flex and bend without resistance in any head and neck position the rider might require; and the freedom from tension and stiffness so that the horse works through his whole body in a supple, swinging, self-carriage. He expressed himself very glad to see the high standard of riding of the young Dutch rider, Diederik van Silfhout, during the Dutch Dressage session the previous day, as it clearly demonstrated the qualities he wants to see. Hubertus introduced Emma Kanerva, Finland, a young Finnish ‘bereiter’ currently working with him in his barn, riding a 5 year old by Furst Piccolo. They worked together to show what he expects from the warmup phase, quite regardless of the level the horse works at. In his opinion, this phase is critical to the success of any later work and takes as long as is necessary to achieve the aims – that is, the horse must be loose, relaxed in his body and his head; stretching forwards downwards into a steady contact, nose in front, but not off the rein. It is length over the topline he is seeking so the stretch shouldn’t bring the horse so low that he is on the forehand; not all horses that stretch down are actually loose in the neck and back; however,

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A horse that can’t stretch down is certainly not loose.

Initially, Hubertus doesn’t want to see much cadence or expression; the horse should work in a relaxed, swinging way so that, when the reins are taken up, and the frame is somewhat shortened according to the horse’s age and stage, the quality is not lost. He uses a lot of circles at the beginning as he feels that it is easier for the horse to remain soft on the inside and balanced on the outside rein, although the aim is for equality of feel on both reins. After some rising trot, came transitions between the three paces, with a long topline in the transitions, adding energy and expression gradually as the work Emma Kanerva progressed.

On the slightly stiffer left side, more flexion was used to encourage a softer inside rein without losing the rhythm, then some shoulder fore and shoulder in, all to encourage increased cadence and ‘schwung’ to produce a big, uphill trot. On a straight line, a small degree of flexion was maintained to ensure straightness and continuing softness to the inside, balanced as always by the outside rein.

The flying changes were new to the horse and had only been worked on for two months. First, some work in canter on the diagonal, staying straight and in rhythm, before transitions through simple changes on the diagonal and on the centre line. When this work goes well and the horse remains through and straight, it is probably the right time to start changes.

Hubertus prefers to teach changes on the diagonal; he thinks that using one circle to change on to another circle encourages the horse to swing from side to side; he wants them to learn to stay straight. He finds that young horses often start to get hot and anticipate the changes; when this happen work in counter canter on the diagonal, after one change, so that they 43

learn to wait and stay straight usually solves the problem.

Emma was encouraged to keep her horse moving slightly to the right so that the right hindleg could swing forwards, using a light tap of the whip to get him quicker from behind before the change; she sent him a bit on and back, again with a tap of the whip to get him quicker from behind, then asked for another change.

This super young horse worked beautifully throughout, calmed and focused, and showed an enviable way of going and complete harmony with his rider.

She and her horse were a credit to themselves and to the training they have received. Hubertus hoped that his Grand Prix would show a similar picture!

Hubertus brought in Franciskus, a 10 year old Westfalen GP gelding by Fidermark out of a Potsdam mother. His warmup proceeded in a similar way to the young horse; apparently, the horse can be ‘rowdy like a teenager’ and he takes time to settle into the steady honest contact to the rein that Hubertus wants – he tends to be a little light in the rein if this is not attended to in the warmup; Hubertus wants to feel some weight in the hand, comfortable for horse and rider, but definitely a ‘feelable’ connection.

Hubertus and Franciskus Again, no cadence was required at the beginning when the transitions were introduced and the stiffer right side was flexed quite a bit to correct the stiffness and make the horse looser in the neck and prepared to stretch forwards downwards when asked.

The next stage was to add ‘schwung’ and cadence, collecting the horse step by step up and into a higher, more advanced outline while keeping the softness, flexion and rhythm intact.

44

As with the younger horse, the work is interspersed with short walk breaks and plenty of soothing reassurances with the voice and hand.

Hubertus always has a plan. One movement prepares for the next and the rider must always know what is to be done, how, why, when and where. If a horse can swing and have cadence and rhythm on a straight line, it must be replicated on circles, in all lateral work, and transitions, keeping the fluency, the suspension and energy.

In the half pass, when everything is as it should be, then the angle and crossing can be increased to match the requirements of the Grand Prix; he has heard it said that he is ‘the half pass expert’ but actually he can ride good half passes because he always takes so much care of the basics, everything must stay intact to produce the quality. Preparation well in advance of the movement is essential, so riding a corner to produce bend for the half pass, together with a check on the acceptance of half halts and softness to the inside rein, has to become second nature; a constant attention to detail and correctness is what makes good lateral work easy to achieve. Canter pirouettes again require good preparation and he always starts with working pirouettes, going bigger, smaller, quicker and slower, to check that the quality of the canter and the basics are in place; soft inside rein, accepting and on the outside rein, flexion, loose; and then a half halt on the outside rein, collect and turn the shoulders into the full pirouette. Into a super trot, very good in the hand, then some passage because the trot was so good and easily into piaffe, putting the horse into a lower or higher frame at will. One superb extended trot finished what was a marvelous, harmonious display of horsemanship.

As a final remark, Hubertus expressed his opinion that everything must be easy for horse and rider, and should also look it, not only for the test but also in every day training. He doesn’t go for spectacular in a ‘show’ sense; he feels that correct work produces quietly spectacular results and that is what he wants to achieve every time.

45

Panel discussion – David Hunt, Bernard Maurel, Christina Stückelberger, Dirk Willem Rosie DH – people often seem to misinterpret the term ‘light’ in the rein so I was pleased to hear that the horse was too light, meaning that he wasn’t sufficiently connected from behind to the bit. It was a pleasure to see such attention to detail and to watch such a superb display of horsemanship and the partnership between man and horse.

HS – I want my horses to be comfortable in the hand, not too strong, not too light.

CS – I was so pleased to see your riding and hear your comments; it was clear that you work with your friend, you both learn from any mistakes and stay attentive; I can only admire the partnership and the happiness.

HS – the warmup was ‘super easy’ today; sometimes, at a show, it can take much longer for him to relax; it must come, as today, before a test can possibly be ok.

BM – sometimes Richard (Davison) exaggerates a little when he introduces someone; not today. Hubertus lives up to his excellent description and I will keep the image of his work with this horse in mind when I am at home.

I liked the whole thing, whenever you wanted more, it came without a problem. I would have like to see more walk, is there a problem with this?

HS – no, his collected and extended walks are very good. My problem was to decide what to show today and flexing and bending were the main theme.

DWR – this man can do two things at once; I thought only women could multi-task!

Amazing to work with the horse and remember the audience as well. I really liked to see the same production and build up with both horses; the best thing was Dirk Willem Rosie

46

probably that the horse should move well and continue to do so whatever the movements. I think it is important that people remember that dressage is not about learning tricks but building an athlete.

Question from the audience: what problems do you come up against most often when horses come into your barn for training or re-training?

HS – often too many tricks and not honestly trained and ridden through.

Even at GP, with super tempis, piaffe and passage, I often find that the basic work, quality and flexion are missing. It can take six months or more to put it right.

Question from the audience: what would be a normal training day with the 5 year old and how often would he be ridden during the week?

HS – six times a week, but not for too long and not the same every day; when a competition is coming up he would work a bit harder and then have a break. With the GP horse also, concentrated sessions but not for too long; it is not possible to keep them working at top pitch the whole time and older horses need bigger breaks than younger ones.

They are often stiffer after a day off, so it can be better to ride them every day. If something new is being taught, then a shorter time every day until the horse knows the work can be useful.

About half an hour for 4 and 5 year olds is usual; if there is a problem then it can be 45 minutes to an hour; they walk beforehand and afterwards.

This seems to be enough to keep them fit and athletic. The goal is to make everything easy but sometimes this requires some work. It is no fun riding at any level, and especially not at GP, with a hard, heavy horse that doesn’t like his work.

CS – horses can only work in a concentrated way for a short time, it is not only physical but mental training. Sometimes corrections are necessary; then a reward and return to correctness can happen.

DH – Glad to hear that training horses is not always sugar and honey; how refreshing to hear an open and honest opinion that it doesn’t always go according to plan, even with Hubertus.

47

RICHARD DAVISON , in closing the 2008 Global Dressage Forum, hoped that the audience agreed that this Forum has been immensely interesting and enjoyable. A friendly, fun, respectful two days, due to the fantastic presenters, riders, owners and organisers – and to the audience.

Many thanks once again to the sponsors, Federations, commercial and private, to the ‘Academy Bartels’ family and staff, and to the IDTC. See you again in 2009!

Support

A big thank you to the sponsors and partners for their loyal support: International Dressage Trainer Club - IDTC Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation – KNHS Royal Dutch Sporthorse - KWPN Mrs. L. Sonnenberg (Switzerland) Family Bechtolsheimer (United Kingdom) Eurocommerce (the Netherlands) Geerkens-Hippico (Belgium) dressagedirect, (the Netherlands) Dressage Today (USA) Equine Elite (the Netherlands) Spijkers Family (the Netherlands)

Text: Andrea Hessay Photo’s: Kevin Sparrow

48

In the Eye of the

Storm

Olympic judging, Hubertus Schmidt and much more at the annual Global Dressage Forum

By Karen Robinson • Photos by Kevin Sparrow

W

Despite the brewing storms, the 2008 GDF still managed to inspire and educate the 360 attendees from a record 25 nations, who were treated to exciting demonstrations from some of Holland’s best talent, exhibitions by the Cadre Noir and harmonious riding that has become the trademark of Hubertus Schmidt. All aspects of the rider and horse were addressed, including core strengthening for horses by Dr. Hilary Clayton, fitness for the rider by Andrew Thomas and mental training by Rico

hen a hurricane passes directly overhead, the first blast is fol-

Schuijers. There were ample opportuni-

lowed by an eerie calm—the eye of the storm. Then, when the

ties for the 40 or so attending judges to

tail of the storm hits, it can be even more powerful than the

expand their knowledge, too.

first. The first storm followed the Olympic Games in Hong Kong this summer, when there was a great deal of discussion in the

Olympic Judging

press and in tack rooms worldwide about the judging. It was expected that this year’s

The quieter atmosphere at this Forum

Global Dressage Forum (GDF)—hosted once again at the beautiful Academy Bartels

was due, in part, to the milder struc-

in a peaceful corner of the Netherlands—would provide a place for analysis of that

ture of the video analysis of judging,

event. The GDF has a reputation for being unafraid to provoke controversy, but this

compared to last year. The GDF is the

year’s edition was uncharacteristically subdued. There was also no outward sign of

brainchild of Joep Bartels, creator of the

the tumult going on within the FEI—the international governing body of equestrian

Dressage World Cup and father of Dutch

sport—that was about to come to a head, in spite of the presence of several Dressage

team rider Imke Schellekens-Bartels. He

Committee members at the Forum, two of which—Mariette Withages and Dieter

says the decision to pull back was deliber-

Schüle—were speakers (see “The FEI Storm,” p. 36).

ate. “The first thing we have to achieve

The Global Dressage Forum hosted 360 participants from 25 countries. Germany’s Hubertus Schmidt (left) demonstrated on Franziskus. Hans van Zetten (inset) compared the judging of six artistic Olympic disciplines.

January 2009 Dressage Today

The workshop session “Olympic Judging: how to solve problems?” was particularly well attended by judges.

This was the second visit by gymnastics coach, commentator and judge Hans van Zetten, who spoke at the 2003 GDF on the same topic. The focus of this presentation was to explain how the sports of gymnastics and figure skating have changed their judging systems following unsatisfactory results at recent Olympics and World Championships. Some of van Zetten’s points were relevant to dressage, but others indicated that dressage has already addressed problems that gymnastics and figure skating only recently overcame, such as the creation of a specific judging code defining each exercise in the Codex for FEI Dressage Judges (you can download it at fei.org).

Speakers included (from left) Mariette Withages, Dieter Schüle, Jean Michel

The presentation elicited a variety of

Roudier and Gary Rockwell; (top ) Dr. Hilary Clayton. The staff of France’s

responses from the judges. Dr. Schüle

Cadre Noir demonstrated haute école. Their motto: “Calm, forward, straight.”

pointed out that the system of dropping the highest and lowest judges’ marks

is that the people come,” he said. “Last

speakers gave general comments about

may not be a good idea in dressage. Dres-

year, the judges felt attacked, and the rid-

what marks the movements received

sage is unique in that the judges sit in

ers always feel attacked. So, we decided to

from the jury as a group.

different positions, which means they see

be more careful in order to bring people

The judges had been commenting on

different aspects of the same movement.

back.” Unfortunately, the attendance of

the great expression of Balagur’s pas-

“If you exclude the highest and lowest,

international riders this year was even

sage, explaining that the Russian horse

maybe you will exclude a good thing or a

lower than in 2007. Apparently the judg-

received higher marks for the passage

mistake,” he said. “Also, if you want the

ing video analysis, which is meant to put

than Ravel, whose passage was not as

marks to go higher, then you punish the

the judges under the microscope, is seen

expressive in the front leg. “I’m a bit con-

judge who uses the full range of marks.”

by some riders as putting them under too

cerned,” said Dr. Wilfred Bechtolsheimer,

much scrutiny, as well.

whose daughter, Laura, competed in

judging in the following session on how

Dr. Schüle continued his thoughts on

Hong Kong on the British team. “To me

to become an Olympic judge, for which

include the gold or silver medalists, but

Ravel was very regular, but Balagur was

he was the main speaker. By the time he

instead showed the fourth and fifth

irregular behind. Regularity goes above

had explained the process of going from

placed pairs in the Grand Prix Special:

expression.” His was one of only a few

a national judge to an Olympic judge,

Steffen Peters on Ravel and Alexandra

significant criticisms from the audience.

it was evident that a retired Grand Prix

Korelova on Balagur. Commentary came

The message driven home at this pre-

rider who entered the judging system in

from Withages (the Olympic Technical

sentation was that the judging in Hong

his or her 50s would quite possibly not

Delegate) and FEI “O” judges Gary Rock-

Kong was of a high quality and correct

make it before reaching the age of 70,

well, Jean Michel Roudier and Dieter

in its results. Withages said later that the

the age at which an FEI dressage judge

Schüle. Instead of a detailed analysis

trend has been to “always find the judges

currently retires. Dr. Schüle did express

of the judge-by-judge marks for move-

guilty. The judges feel that there has been

an acknowledgement that the judging

ments, as has happened in the past, the

enough of this negative criticism.”

system can always improve but, at the

The videos from Hong Kong did not

Dressage Today January 2009

pionships. Ernes explained the way that judges in Holland are educated and promoted. There is no doubt that the Dutch approach to excellence in the sport has been successful, including their system of educating and approving judges. In Germany, judges must start out in both dressage and show jumping disciplines. Just as they have specialized in their breeding program, the Dutch have done likewise with their judges. “We already started a couple of years ago with specialization,” explained Ernes. “You don’t have to do jumping.” He said that the Dutch system has sought to bring judges out of the “ivory tower” by selecting not only those with technical knowledge but those who also possess “personal abilities to communicate, be a coach to other judges, talk to the press and give presentations.” The The Dutch riders and trainers explained their formula for success (left). Body-

goal is to have judges entering the system

work specialist Andrew Thomas (top); Dr. Rico Schuijers spoke on mental skills.

that are ready within 10 years to become international judges.

same time, he didn’t embrace any of the

moted to candidate (C) status, he or she

proposed changes that were put forward

should be sent back to national judging.

The Core Muscles of Horse & Rider

by his “O” judge colleagues during the

“Don’t punish the rider,” he added.

A new workshop format was introduced

session. One change he himself suggest-

The other speaker at the session was

to the second day of the Forum this year

ed was that if an “I” judge (FEI judges

Wim Ernes, a Dutch “O” judge who

in order to give people some choices and

are ranked “C,” “I,” then “O”) fails the

wowed the audience last year by volun-

also to create a more intimate setting

periodic mandatory test, instead of hav-

tarily admitting he had given too low

with smaller groups. An inevitable result

ing an opportunity to be tested a second

a mark to an extended walk during the

of the format was that one could not

time (which is the current policy) or de-

video analysis of the European Cham-

attend all the sessions. Dr. Hilary Clay-

The FEI & Dressage Committee Storm T he FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) is the governing body of international equestrian sport. Rumblings began when press reports quoted FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint al Hussein regarding the precarious position of dressage with the

International Olympic Committee (IOC). A schism seemed to be growing between the FEI Executive Board and the FEI Dressage

Committee chaired by Mariette Withages. This exploded into the public realm just after the Global Dressage Forum ended Oct. 31.

An FEI press release announced the Executive Board’s request for the immediate resignation of the six-member Dressage Committee. “The Committee has been seen to work in isolation, not fully representing the interests of the Dressage community as a whole,” it stated. This was followed by highly publicized communications between the FEI President and Ms. Withages. The British magazine Horse and Hound reported that Withages said, “For the moment, the Dressage Committee has no intention to resign.” The FEI’s Executive Director of Sport, David Holmes, explained the next step, would take place at the FEI’s General Assembly meeting in late November: “The [FEI Executive] board doesn’t have the power to demand the resignation of the committee,” he said. “The only body that can de-select them is the one that selected them—the General Assembly.” (See Arena, p. 18.)

Dressage Today January 2009

ton, a popular speaker at past Forums,

a large tumor prior to riding in Hong

was invited back to explain the content

Kong. Richard Davison, the Forum’s em-

of her new book, Activate Your Horse’s

cee, was also chef d’equipe of the British

Core. The topic of core fitness continued

team. He said it was a tribute to Hindle’s

into the afternoon with a presentation

determination and will to fight that

from Andrew Thomas, a trainer of elite

she recovered sufficiently to be able to

athletes from a number of sports who

compete in Hong Kong and finish in the

worked with British dressage team riders

top 10 individually. Hindle and Thomas

Emma Hindle and Laura Bechtolsheimer

“worked every single day in that gym,”

in the months leading up to Hong Kong.

he said. “This was more than a journey of

His presentation was not exclusively

doing a good dressage test.”

about core strengthening, but he made

Most riders have imbalances and

it clear that in dressage, the core is the

weaknesses, Thomas said. “The better

single most important muscle group that

riders don’t have fewer imbalances, they

creates straightness, stability and balance.

are just better at hiding it.” He explained

The presentation was made more mean-

and then demonstrated with a rider lying

British Olympian Emma Hindle rode

ingful with a mounted demonstration

on a table how compensation occurs in

Lancet, demonstrating the benefits of

from Emma Hindle on Lancet. Hindle

the body to make up for a weakness or

her bodywork with Andrew Thomas.

underwent emergency surgery to remove

tightness on one side. The subsequent

compensation creates crookedness in the

tailored to the individual athlete, follow

position, as well as the back, shoulder

ing a thorough assessment of weaknesses.

and hip pain that many riders tolerate as a matter of course. The problem is cor-

Final Impression: Hubertus Schmidt

rected by first identifying the weakness

Scheduling Hubertus Schmidt’s dem-

and then doing exercises to strengthen it.

onstration as the finale left a vision of

Hindle’s position in the half passes with

harmony for us to take away. As the In-

Lancet was picture perfect, in both direc-

ternational Dressage Trainer’s Club presi-

tions. Thomas explained that suppleness

dent, David Hunt, said in his welcoming

in riders has “nothing to do with being

address the first day, “We are all here for

able to touch your toes. Suppleness is the

one reason and that reason is the horse.”

ability of the rider to absorb the forces

Schmidt returned to the Forum after

generated by a horse’s movement with-

his first presentation in 2006. This year,

out losing independent control of the

he rode a relatively new Grand Prix

limbs. It is through the pelvis.” Thomas

partner, Franziskus. The presentation was

Hubertus Schmidt and student Emma

described some specific exercises and

titled “Correct Bending in Practice” but

Kanerva from Finland, the individual

showed a couple of apparatus that work

the focus was not only on lateral work.

bronze medalist at the European

on core stability, but he also said that a

Lateral suppleness is present in all well-

Young Rider Championships in 2004.

truly valuable training program must be

executed exercises, even those on straight

Dressage Today January 2009

lines. “I think it’s important, because we need it for every bending line, shoulderin or half pass,” he said, “but mainly because we have to give a half halt on the outside rein, which works on the same hind leg. Many problems come from having uneven contact on both reins, for example, in passage.”

When the horse is first learning flying changes, “you need to be able to make them straight and soft on the new inside rein before asking for the change.”

Schmidt emphasized the importance of not losing the swing and thoroughness in the body as exercises increase in difficulty. “Start with a 15-meter circle before a 10-meter circle and, before shoulder-in, do shoulder-fore so that you don’t lose it as you increase the exercises.”

Schmidt then rode Franziskus from warm-up through to the Grand Prix work. Talking as he rode, he explained not only what his goals were at each moment, but he also described any problems he was having. Following the presentation, trainer David Hunt praised Schmidt. “We’ve just seen another display of brilliant horsemanship.

One thing that was really interesting for me was that there is a possible misinterpretation of contact, and I was very pleased to hear you say ‘he’s too light in my hand.’”

Chistine Stückelberger praised the way Schmidt“explained when something was not right. “It shows the greatness of a rider that he draws attention to mistakes,” she said.

Perhaps Schmidt’s presentation captured the spirit of the GDF’s stated mission: that progress can only happen when everyone comes together to discuss the issues without fear of reprisals or a perceived need to defend oneself. “Criticism is part of the process, but our goal is hard to achieve,” said Joep Bartels, whose mind is already on the program for 2009.

Dressage Today January 2009

DRESSAGE

GLOBAL DRESSAGE FORUM À HOOGE MIERDE

le dressage en question et en discussion De nombreux participants venus de vingtcinq pays s’étaient une nouvelle fois déplacés fin octobre à Hooge Mierde (HOL) pour suivre le Global Dressage Forum organisé par le Club international des entraîneurs de dressage et l’Académie Equestre Bartels. Au programme de cette édition: le dressage classique et ses développements, notamment au travers de l’explication du jugement à Hongkong. Sans oublier un clinic avec Hubertus Schmidt.

62 Décembre 2008

© Kit Houghton FEI -LDD

Deux des juges olympiques 2008,

Lors du Global Dressage Forum, Heike Kemmer a analysé son programme des Jeux olympiques de Hongkong.

le Français Jean-Michel Roudier et l’Américain Gary Rockwell, ont analysé à l’aide de vidéos le GP spé spécial de l’Américain Steffen Peters avec Ravel et de la Ruse e se Alexandra Korelova avec Balagur, classés 4 et 5 avec seulement 0,4% de différence. Le Dr. Dieter Schüle, juge FEI-O, et la déléguée technique à Hongkong, Mariette Withages, les complétaient. Bien sûr, le public n’était pas toujours d’accord avec l’évaluation, ce qui donna lieu à des discussions animées.

La médaillée de bronze, Heike Kemmer, commentait aussi son programme montré en vidéo: «Bonaparte était tellement bon sur la dernière ligne du milieu que je l’ai regardé avec plaisir sur l’écran géant. Ce moment de déconcentration de ma part lui a fait faire un pas irrégulier.» C’est donc la cavalière qui s’est laissé distraire par l’écran, pas le cheval !

A la gym, les cavaliers…

L’Anglais Andrew Thomas, entraîneur physique, constatait que la plupart des cavaliers manquent de contrôle, de stabilité et d’équilibre. Il a expliqué les exercices qu’il a créés pour améliorer la force et le contrôle autour de la colonne vertébrale et du bassin. On a pu constater le résultat de ce travail avec Emma Hindle montant son étalon Lancet en parfait équilibre et harmonie à Hongkong.

Opérée cinq semaines avant les JO, elle avait récupéré très vite grâce à un entraînement intensif avec Andrew Thomas pour terminer 7e.

… et les chevaux !

Le Dr. Hilary Clayton de l’Université de Michigan a fait un exposé sur les exercices qui mobilisent articulations et muscles du cheval, stabilisent son encolure, son dos et son bassin, améliorant sa force et sa souplesse, sa posture et son équilibre, spécialement dans des mouvements d’extrême rassembler, réduisant ainsi les risques de blessure.

L’exposé de Rico Schuijer, psychologue du sport, était axé sur la différence entre l’entraînement et la compétition ainsi que sur la maîtrise du stress, la concentration et la confiance en soi. A cette occasion, les écuyers du Cadre Noir de Saumur ont présenté d’impressionnants sauts d’école, dans le

calme, avec des chevaux immédiatement détendus après ce gros effort.

Hubertus Schmidt: et que ça swingue !

Hans van Zetten, ancien juge de patinage artistique et de gymnastique, parla du système de jugement dans son sport, expliquant que les patineurs, satisfaits en ce qui concerne les règles techniques, critiquaient toujours les notes artistiques. Dieter Schüle constatait que ce règlement était trop compliqué, surtout pour les spectateurs, et trop cher vu le nombre des juges impliqués.

Après un brillant clinic donné il y a deux ans, Hubertus Schmidt était à nouveau là. Avec un cheval de cinq ans monté par son élève et un de Grand Prix présenté par lui-même, l’Allemand démontra la grande importance accordée à la phase de décontraction par des exercices de flexion, d’incurvation et de stretching: «Je ne cherche pas des mouvements spectaculaires en compétition, mais des mouvements rythmés, expressifs, avec impulsion et power, avec un dos de cheval qui doit swinguer.»

HELGA EPPLER

Impressions Parmi les personnes présentes à ce forum, on dénombrait plusieurs Suisses, dont l’olympique Christine Stückelberger «enchantée par cette rencontre». Opinions.

Marie-Valentine Gygax, entraîneur: «On apprend toujours en discutant ouvertement avec les participants et en s’enquérant d’autres visions du dressage d’autres pays.»

Alenka Jochens, élève de M. V. Gygax: «Je suis une passionnée de dressage. Ce forum m’a donné une motivation de travailler encore davantage. Dommage qu’on n’ait pas de tels séminaires en Suisse.»

Simonne Staub, membre du cadre élite: «Ces contacts sont très importants. C’est un moyen de m’assurer que je suis en bonne voie avec mon équitation, de voir où va le dressage, d’apprendre les connaissances les plus récentes dans ce sport, de savoir comment font les autres nations.»

H. E.

Dressage

HORSE INTERNATIONAL

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM 2008 Global Dressage Forum by Karen Robinson

J

ust three days after the 8th annual Global Dressage Forum took place in Hooge Mierde, FEI President HRH Princess Haya sent a shock wave through the dressage world by requesting the immediate resignation of the FEI Dressage Committee. Both the committee chair Mariette Withages and committee member Dieter Schüle were speakers at the Forum held at Academy Bartels on October 27 and 28.

The lack of passion at this year’s event makes it difficult to reconcile with what arose so soon afterward.

Even the Forum’s opening address by the FEI’s recently appointed Executive Director of Sport, David Holmes betrayed nothing of the struggle that was, at that very moment, taking place. Of course, most of the presentations were not designed to provoke, but to educate and inspire –two of the Global Forum’s primary goals.

The lineup of speakers and demonstrations brought out record attendance of 360 people from 25 countries. A new workshop format was introduced, giving people a choice of sessions on the second morning.

The workshops meant smaller audiences and a more intimate environment, but it also made for some difficult choices. Hilary Clayton’s lecture on activating your horse’s core competed against gymnastics judge Hans van Zetten’s talk on solving problems in Olympic judging. Rico Schuijers shared new developments in mental training at the same time that Dieter Schüle explained how one becomes an Olympic judge. All the presentations involving actual horses – Dutch

“Never lose the swinging”-- Some would say that the best was saved for last although Hubertus Schmidt hoped his training demo with Franziskus wouldn’t be “too boring.”

Dressage, the Cadre Noir, and Hubertus Schmidt – were remarkable in that they raised none of the potential controversy that has punctuated the mounted presentations of previous Forums. The panels and audience were repeatedly on the same page; the feedback was filled with approbation.

WHERE ARE YOU? As last year’s Global Dressage Forum wrapped up, Joep Bartels said that one of his aims for 2008 was to encourage more attendance by the world’s dressage riding elite. Alas, the objective was not met this year. “It didn’t improve, it deteriorated,” he said of the even smaller head count of top riders who attended this year’s Forum. “It’s a strong personal feeling

I have that once a year all the stake holders should meet; it’s essential.

The more we split up into parties and fight by email, the more counterproductive it is. Getting

Once a year all the stake holders should ‘meet; it’s essential. The more we split up into parties and fight by email, the more counterproductive it is – Joep Bartels ’ together people from different areas of the sport and the world brings development.”

In 2007, the International Dressage Riders Club held its AGM at the Academy Bartels right before the

She’s no Videophobe

Photos Kevin Sparrow

If the Hong Kong video session was less profound in its prodding of the judges, it also yielded a moving surprise. Richard Davison, comfortable in his role after years of emceeing the Forum, sprang a request on Heike Kemmer at the end of the session. Would she take the audience through her experience of the Grand Prix Special test as the video played?

Kemmer willingly accepted the task, sharing her experience with honesty and humour. A small mistake on the final centre line was explained with a laugh. “I was looking at the screen, at how beautiful we were looking. The screen was a bit delayed and I was confused between what I was seeing and what I was feeling.”

Kemmer observed with satisfaction that Bonaparte’s tail stayed quiet throughout the test; someone in the audience pointed out the contrast with Ravel and Balagur, whose tails were busy at times. “I have to defend the other riders,” Kemmer replied. “It’s really a talent of the horse. I have other horses at home that do it, too.”

Heike Kemmer.

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Forum began. However, as Bartels pointed out, only a small handful of those who attended the meeting stayed for the Forum that same afternoon. This year the IDRC’s meeting was scheduled to take place far away in Berlin.

Laura Bechtolsheimer was among the riders who not only attended the 2008 Forum, she also participated in the rider fitness presentation by Andrew Thomas. Bechtolsheimer is one rider who doesn’t blame the Forum’s organizers but praises them for providing a valuable meeting point for all the parties. “There is a lot of value in having a Forum like this,” she says.

“Openness and communication are only to be encouraged among the riders, trainers and judges, especially in a good atmosphere outside of a competition.”

This was Bechtolsheimer’s first visit to the Global Forum, but she hopes to return next year. “I think it’s a shame; many riders tend to talk and complain behind closed doors. If you don’t show up for a forum where you have the chance to discuss things, you can’t expect the changes to be made.”

WATERED DOWN Bartels says he took a “conscious step back” with the judging analysis video session that in recent Forums had become a highlight. Permission to show videos of specific riders and horses has always been sought and received beforehand, but today the idea appears to have become a stumbling block for some riders. In this age of commercial DVDs and Youtube, it may seem strange that a rider would object to the showing of a video that is already so available to the public – but the fact is, some do.

“We decided to be more careful,” says Bartels of this year’s blander and less detailed judging session, whose very name had even been watered down, from ‘analysis’ to ‘explanation’. “It’s been a learning experience that riders seem to be so upset about discussions of their horses. I’ve made this mistake before,” he says, referring to past efforts (“which ended in blood”) to bring the Dutch trainers together to

Dressage

HORSE INTERNATIONAL

The FEI’s Executive Director of Sport, David Holmes gave the opening address.

Both Mariette Withages and Dieter Schüle (pictured) were speakers at the Forum.

discuss their methods. “When you go too fast you lose the key players. We have to blame the program committee, not the judges and riders. It’s my fault,” sighed Bartels.

This year, presentations on judging outnumbered the training sessions, which gave the judges quite a few opportunities to hold the floor and share their points of view. The explanation of the Olympic judging, led by Mariette Withages, was most remarkable for the fact that videos of neither Salinero nor Satchmo were shown. Satchmo’s name didn’t come up a single time at this year’s Forum – a sign of how restrained the atmosphere was, since his behavior and results in Hong Kong this past summer have undoubtedly remained on more than a few people’s minds.

Withages, who had to absent herself for the second day of the Forum for an urgent meeting at the FEI, made comments by email on November 3rd regarding the judging of Satchmo’s Grand Prix Special and Freestyle: “Satchmo had twice a very strong reaction or defense. You could see how the marks went down drastically, but Isabell came back strongly and recovered immediately. A judge has to give the marks movement by movement, so you have the ones, twos and threes, followed again by sevens and eights for the next well executed movements. The total is the result.”

see anything. I realized how much you can’t see and how different it looks from the grandstands.” It would be putting words in Rockwell’s mouth to say that his comment was a veiled defense of the judging in Hong Kong, but there was no mistaking the meaning of Withages’ words. “If you look at the test sheet and all the numbers, the judges were really on one line. Some of the press have said the judging was bad, but I have to say ‘no way’.”

Defense of the judging in Hong Kong spilled over into the following day’s

from that class, Ravel, ridden by Steffen Peters and Balagur, ridden by Alexandra Korelova. Two judges from Hong Kong participated in the session: Jean Michel Roudier from France, and American Gary Rockwell. Instead of sharing with the audience what each judge gave from his or her position on each movement, Roudier and Rockwell gave more general comments such as, “we gave sevens and eights.”

At one point, Rockwell said that when he watched the freestyles from the VIP seating on the final night, “I thought I’m sitting so far away I can’t

AGE DISCRIMINATION?

VEILED DEFENSE The two horses chosen for comparison in the Hong Kong presentation were the fourth and fifth placed horses

presentation by Dieter Schüle. Titled “How to become an Olympic judge,” it had originally been intended as a closed workshop for judges presented jointly by Withages and Schüle, but it was ultimately given by Schüle alone, and open to anyone who wanted to attend. “In Hong Kong it was very clear that the judges did a good job, and the results that came out were correct,” said Schüle near the beginning of the session. He referred several times to David Stickland, who has created a statistical model to analyze judging results. Stickland has concluded that of the past three Olympics, the panel in Hong Kong showed the most consistency and closest marks from one judge to another.

Guest speaker Gymnastics judge Hans van Zetten.

The main purpose of the workshop was to explain the process of qualification that takes a judge from national level to FEI Candidate judge, ‘I’ judge, and ultimately ‘O’ judge.

With the mandatory three year stints at each level, the issue was raised about the amount of time it can take a judge to achieve ‘O’ status. French judge Bernard Maurel said that the existence of an upper age limit on FEI judges risks the accusation of “age discrimination.” Maurel pointed out that older judges often have valuable knowledge from their extensive experience, and that excluding them with an age limit removes their contribution. “If you remove the age limit you have no rotation, and no new judges coming up,” was Schüle’s

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Dressage

HORSE INTERNATIONAL

Rico Schuijers shared new developments in mental training.

IDTC president David Hunt.

Olympic judges Jean Michel Roudier and Gary Rockwell.

“There is a conflict with what Hans said about equalizing and Dieter disagreeing with Roudier’s proposal.

The IDTC strongly disagrees with the current policy.” Schüle relented slightly by saying he could accept an average from two or three ‘O’ judges on the same panel. But considering there are only about 25 ‘O’ judges at

Schmidt is never boring to those who appreciate harmony between a horse and rider. The session was split into two parts: training the young horse and training the Grand Prix horse.

Schmidt’s working student rode her five year old, then Schmidt took over with Franziskus, his partner at the Aachen CHIO 2008. The common

If you don’t show up for a forum where you ‘have the chance to discuss things, you can’t expect the changes to be made – Laura Bechtolsheimer ’ Olympians Emma Hindle and Lancet.

response.

During the workshop, Jean Michel Roudier drew attention to the way in which riders achieve the FEI certificate of capability: 64% on two separate occasions from a single ‘O’ judge. He referred to the session from earlier that morning on how the sports of gymnastics and figure skating have improved their judging systems, and said that giving a single judge the power to award a qualifying score contradicted one of the essential qualities of a good judging system as outlined by Hans van Zetten (who said just an hour earlier that “the goal is to reduce the impact of one judge”).

Roudier suggested the qualifying score should be an average from an entire panel that includes an ‘O’ judge.

Schüle’s response reflected a general impression he gave throughout the morning: that he does not believe the system is in need of much change. “In my opinion, there are problems with using the whole panel.” Schüle explained that the possibility of a panel containing a not-very-good judge, a Candidate judge or a judge from the rider’s own country makes such a policy “dangerous”.

Agreeing with Roudier was IDTC president David Hunt, who said,

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the moment, the idea of putting more than one on a panel at qualifying competitions around the world seems a somewhat impractical solution.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Some would say that the best was saved for last at this year’s Forum, with the demonstration from Hubertus Schmidt. He prefaced his presentation with the hope that “it’s not too boring.

I was here only two years ago.”

ORANGE IS IN

quality of both horses was soft contact, thoroughness and swinging of the back, and happy attitudes. Schmidt reminded the audience that as the intensity of the exercises increases, “never lose the swinging, big and uphill” in the horse’s way of going.

The panel, comprised of a trainer, a judge, a top rider and a journalist, was unanimous in its praise. Thanks to Schmidt, the Forum this year ended on a sweet note, with people inspired to go home and ride, instead of

Dutch Young Rider team trainer Tineke Bartels finally took the microphone after seven years of staying in the background.

questioning the practices of more controversial figures in the sport.

Bartels says he is not discouraged by the lack of meaningful dialogue among the stakeholders at the Forum this year, in spite of some disappointment.

“Our goal is difficult to achieve. I think there is far more in dressage than we get out of it, and I don’t see progress or open minds. I see defensive mechanisms.” The 2009 Forum is already on his mind. ❑

Dressed in the colour that has become synonymous with the Dutch team, some of the Netherlands’ best and brightest on two and four legs gave an impressive demonstration to open the 2008 Forum. The horses of Germany, Spain and Portugal have been showcased in past years; this time it was the host country’s turn. The message delivered by the demonstrations was that in the past 20 years, the Dutch have risen from near-nonentities in the sport to world-class breeders, trainers and riders. Young Rider team trainer Tineke Bartels finally took the microphone after seven years of staying in the background; she explained how the Dutch rider development programs work. Participants included Hans Peter Minderhoud, riders from the Rabo talent program such as top Young Riders Diederik van Silfhout and Lotje Schoots. An inspiring finale was presented by Emma Hindle on Lancet, who beautifully demonstrated why she finished in the top ten at the Olympics last summer. At the end of the performance, Lancet was joined in the arena by his four year old son, the stallion Ziësto, who already showed off the presence and quality of his sire. Hindle and Lancet made a repeat appearance the next day during Andrew Thomas’ interesting and entertaining presentation on physical training for riders.

The only potentially contentious remark about the Dutch presentation came from Johann Hinnemann. The Dutch breeding system has specialized its breeding programs for jumping and dressage horses. In his comment that top horses for both disciplines can come from the same bloodlines, Hinnemann cited the example of Salinero and Seven Up, brothers and OIympians in dressage and jumping. “I think we should discuss that,” he said. Perhaps the topic will appear on a future Forum program.

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Der er stadig

meget at lære Så gjorde de det igen, Familien Bartels og den internationale trænerklub samlede over 300 deltagere fra 24 nationer for at lære, se og diskutere mangt og meget fra dressurens verden Tekst og foto: Jytte Lemkow

I

de otte år hvor dette globale seminar har fundet sted, er det ikke blevet lettere at finde nye emner nye deltagere og nye debattører, og både Joep Bartels og deltagerne har flere gange tænkt; nu var det nok sidste gang. Men så dukker der alligevel nye ting op, nye problematikker at tage stilling til, og dette års seminar blev om ikke det bedste, så et af de bedste og i hvert tilfælde det forum med den bedste atmosfære og munterhed nogen sinde.

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Avl er et spørgsmål om at tænke i generationer KWPN

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Tre ryttere fra Cadre Noir fra Frankrig var for første gang gæster ved Global Dressage Forum.

Disse sortklædte elegante rytteres optræden blev en kæmpe succes. Alle tog hatten af for det harmoniske samspil der var mellem rytter og hest, selv om sidstnævnte skal udføre diverse øvelser over jorden som kræver enorm kraftudfoldelse men også timing og gensidig tillid.

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Da Global Dressage Forum startede op var målet at skabe en platform, hvor trænere, ryttere, dommere, videnskabsmænd og -kvinder, officials, veterinærer, stævnearrangører, avlere, hesteejere og journalister frit kunne diskutere, men det viste sig hurtigt, at den fri debat havde lidt trange kår. Kun få har lyst og mod til at kritisere kollegaer, konkurrenter, gæsteforelæsere og kendte personligheder, så i stedet for et debatforum, er det mere blevet et informations- og lærested og debatterne kan så føres under mere private former under diverse måltider! I stedet for, som i starten

‹ Bemærk navnet – Theo Hanzon, som er elev af Anky van Grunsven, for han er et talent ud over det sædvanlige. Her i præsentationen af unge hollandske talenter på sin 9-årige Farm Frites Spargo efter Krack C.

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Vend negativitet til positivitet: Erstat: jeg skal med jeg vil Erstat: j eg vil forsøge

med jeg gør det Erstat: hvis med jeg tør Rico Schuijers – sportspsykolog

i større målestok at involvere publikum, er man også gået over til efter hver seance at sammensætte et ekspertpanel som vurderer det der lige er blevet vist, set eller hørt, men også dette er med nogle få undtagelser nær meget diplomatisk og temmelig konfliktsky – så verbale slagsmål kan man se langt efter!

Hollandsk talentudvikling Man har igennem årene fokuseret på forskellige hesteracer, og træningssystemer og i år var det hollændernes succes både som avlere og som internationale topryttere, der var i fokus og ikke mindst Hollands udviklingsprogram for unge talentfulde ryttere, det såkaldte Rabo-talentprogram, som Rabobank siden 2002 årligt understøtter med 1.000.000 euro foruden det rideforbundet stiller op med!

Hollandsk avl Endnu engang må man tage hatten af for dem, og det gælder både deres rideforbund – KNHS hvis medlemstal er på 500.000 og deres avlsforbund KWPN. Først og fremmest for deres professionalisme på alle fronter, for deres visioner og for de-

› Holdlederen for det britiske kvindedressurhold Richard Davison er guld værd for Global Dressage Forum. Med humor og med charme har han alle 8 år ledet slagets gang og tog endda imod opfordringen fra de unge piger til at afprøve deres ”balanceredskab”.

res struktur. Intet overlades til tilfældighederne. Hollandske heste har for længst slået deres ry fast både som dressur- og springheste og de mere involverede ved også, at intet avlsforbund er mere selektivt end det hollandske og har været det siden de startede op lige efter anden verdenskrig. Nogle af ”hemmelighederne” bag den hollandske avlssucces er at tænke i generationer – og bevare eksteriøret, ekstrem

fokus på præstation og at have et åbent avlsprogram. Alle blodlinjer er velkomne – bare de indeholder kvalitet, lige som de i Holland på et meget tidligt tidspunkt har delt avlen op i spring- og dressurheste.

At der ikke kun er tale om tør teori, blev bevist i praksis, idet der blev fremvist en imponerende kollektion af hollandsk­avlede heste fra de fireårige via to femårs til to seksårs hingste. Her var det især ­Vivaldi ridehesteN

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Global Dressage Forum 2008

efter Krack C på en Jazz-hoppe, der vakte jubel med sine tre herlige gangarter med traven som den allerbedste. Vivaldi blev redet af ingen ringere end Hollands bedste unghesterytter holdsølvvinderen fra OL – Hans Peter Minderhoud. Alle ridt blev kommenteret af direktøren for KWNP, Johan Knaap, og af Wim Ernes som både er officiel FEI-dressurdommer og medlem

bal Dressage Forum og denne gang var hovedtemaet: forskellen på at træne og at starte i konkurrencer, og hvorledes man forholder sig til stress, motivering, koncentration og selvtillid. Han er aldrig kedelig at høre på – og det er stadig ikke blevet nemmere at dreje den ene hånd ud ad i en cirkel og den anden ind ad samtidig, hvilket er et af de forsøg vi alle bliver udsat for!

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Et OL-år

Målet er ikke at ændre én ting 100%, men at ændre 100 ting 1% Rico Schuijers – sportspsykolog

›

Emma Kanerva fra Finland er så heldig at være elev hos Hubertus Schmidt. Hun viste på sin dejlige femårige Casper i hvor høj grad selv så ung en hest kan være løsgjort, bøjelig, og kan rides frem og ned på et hvilket som helst tidspunkt det måtte ønskes.

af hingsteudvælgelseskomiteen. I præsentationen af de fireårige heste var det velgørende at konstatere, at man i Holland i unghesteklasserne på dette stade ikke beder rytterne om at flintre rundt i øget trav, men tværtimod kun beder om nogle få trin, men til gengæld også beder om nogle afkortede trin for at se, hvorledes hestene reagerer på dette for en dressurhest så vigtige krav – at kunne tage vægt på bagbenene. Når hesten er faldet til ro i trav skal der skridtes, og først derefter galoperes, og når det er overstået bliver de unge heste bedt om at trave med en gradvis tydelig forlængelse af tøjlen. Det kunne vi lære noget af i Danmark! Blandt de 16 hollandskopdrættede heste vi så i de to dage forummet varede gik navne som Jazz, Krack C og Ferro igen og igen. For Jazz og Ferros vedkommede både i 1. og 2. generation.

Mentaltræning

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Laurens van Lieren – kendt hollandsk Grand Prix-rytter, som er opfyldelsen af Rabo-talentprojektets målsætning, var lidt for selvsikker i sin bedømmelse af egne evner i træningslokalerne. Resultatet blev ikke at han kom på ”træhesten” men på vippebrættet!

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Men hestene alene gør det jo ikke i ridesporten. Derfor var der også ved årets forum fokuseret på rytternes mentale og fysiske træning uden hvilken ingen top­ idrætsmand eller kvinde kan klare sig i dag. Hvad det første angår, har hollandske topidrætsfolk en superspecialist i den meget veltalende og dynamiske hollandske sportspsykolog Rico Schuijers, som er involveret i mental træning af mange forskellige sportsfolk i så forskellige discipliner som svømning, hockey, taekwondo, skøjteløb skydning, bordtennis og ridning.

Rico har to gange tidligere gæstet Glo-

I et olympisk år med de debatter der har fulgt efter, kunne man have forventet at netop dressuren ved OL ville få en hovedrolle ved dette års Global Dressage Forum. Men erfaringer fra tidligere år, hvor årets officielle mesterskab hvad enten det var OL, VM eller EM har været evalueret med større og større forsigtighed har lært arrangørerne, at både de involverede ryttere og dommere føler sig ”angrebet” og derfor ikke mere vil komme, og for første gang har en rytter endda truet med fogedforlæg, hvis vedkommendes ridt ville blive vist!

Så i forprogrammet havde man ændret ordet evaluering til belysning af de olympiske lege – og det blev en meget neddæmpet affære. Der blev vist udsnit af de to ryttere der placerede sig på en henholdsvis 4. og 5. plads i Grand Prix Special: Steffen Peters fra USA på den opgående stjerne Ravel og Alexandra Korelova fra Rusland på Balagur, der i Hongkong havde sin sidste internationale optræden. Formålet var

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Fokuser ikke på hvad de gør forkert, men på hvad de gør godt Råd til dommerne i unghesteklasser

at vise hvorfor to så forskellige heste blev bedømt så relativt ens, men forsøget fik ikke den store applaus! Det der var mest interessant i indslaget var, at Heike Kemmer, som var inviteret som paneldeltager, blev bedt om at kommentere sit eget bronzemedaljeridt, hvilket hun gjorde ærligt og ydmygt, medens vi andre endnu engang kunne undre os over, at det ikke blev honoreret højere end det gjorde.

Øvelser for ryttere og heste

Laura Bechtolsheimer viser graciøst en af de øvelser som fysio­ terapeut Andrew Thomas bruger i sit træningsprogram af de engelske dressurryttere.

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Til at fortælle om og demonstrere den fysiske træning af ryttere var englænderen Andrew Thomas, som er fysioterapeut for de engelske ryttere, inviteret til Holland, og med sig havde han bl.a. Emma Hindle på hendes dejlige hollandskavlede Lancet efter Wenzel I, som havde indvilliget i at Andrew Thomas fortalte det dramatiske træningsforløb der var gået forud for Emmas OL-start. Ved et generelt sundhedstjek af samtlige britiske OL-deltagere fik Emma konstateret en stor tumor i underlivet som skulle opereres øjeblikkeligt, hvilket kun var 5 uger inden hendes OL-start, og man fik som tilhører en intens fornemmelse af hvad viljestyrke hos en rytter kan føre til, og hvad opbakning, den rette genoptræning, støtte og teamgejst kan udrette af mirakler. Også den anden holdrytter på det engelske dressurhold Laura Bechtolsheimer var kommet med og viste nogle af de øvelser som indgår i det træningsprogram Andrew Thomas har lavet for de engelske dressurryttere.

Her gælder det især om at styrke rytternes muskelkorset, altså mave-, bækken- og lændemusklerne som spiller så stor en rolle for balance og kropskontrol.

Professor Hilary Clayton fra Michigan State University, som bl.a. forsker i hestes bevægelsesapparat, var tilbage som gæsteforelæser og denne gang var temaet: Pilates for heste. Som altid var hendes indlæg interessant, let forståeligt og meget velillustreret. For at også interesserede som ikke var med i Holland kan få glæde af hendes forskning i hvorledes man aktiverer og styrker sin hests ryg- og mavemuskler og forøger halsens og nakkens bøjelighed, vil der følge en særlig artikel om dette emne.

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Hubertus Schmidt på utallige opfordringer Traditionen tro sluttede forummet af med en demonstration af en supertræner eller superrytter, og på utallige opfordringer, var det Hubertus Schmidt, der ligesom i 2006 på fortrinlig vis samlede alle trådene fra de indslag, der havde været i den forløbne 1½ dag ved på sublim vis at demonstrere, hvad alle anstrengelserne både for hest og rytter bør resultere i. Det Hubertus Schmidt denne gang havde på hjertet var især sammen med sin finske elev Emma Kanerva at fokusere på betyd-

Emma Hindle, som rider den hollandskfødte hingst Lancet, synes at ride både bedre og smukkere efter sin operation der krævede mere skånsom rytterindvirkning.

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Ikke kun ryttere, men også heste bør trænes efter Pilates-principper: Styrkning af kroppens muskelkorset – nærmere betegnet mave-, ryg-, lænde- og bækkenmusklerne.

ningen af at kunne stille, bøje og strække sin hest korrekt frem og ned, og det var en ren nydelse at se på. Emma red på en dejlig smidig femårig, Casper, og selv red Hubertus sin Grand Prix-hest Franziskus efter Fidermark samtidig med, at han talte ud til publikum og på utrolig sympatisk vis også til hesten. Bortset fra Franziskus’ svage skridt var det en herlig demonstration som udstrålede ro, smidighed, gensidig fortrolighed og harmoni.

Da nogen henvendte sig til Hubertus og tiltalte ham som specialist i sidebevægelser svarede han, nej det er jeg ikke, men

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Varm op så længe som hesten har brug for, men ikke længere end nødvendigt

Hubertus Schmidt – dressurrytter/træner

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Global Dressage Forum 2008

Dressur er ikke at lære en hest forskellige tricks men at bygge en atlet op Hubertus Schmidt – dressurrytter/træner

Hans Peter Minderhoud – Hollands bedste unghesterytter viste den meget graciøse og letgående Vivaldi efter Krack C.

GRAFIKER: KH

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”The master himself” Hubertus Schmidt har i Franziskus måske ikke verdens bedste dressurhest, men den er redet af en af verdens absolut bedste trænere og efter verdens bedste og mest skånsomme system.

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måske specialist i løsgjorthed, smidighed og bøjelighed. Det er så dejligt indimellem at se, hvorledes dressur og en ”happy athlete” virkelig skal se ud. Det har man brug for i disse tider hvor der også er alternativer som ved første øjekast virker charmerende og måske mere spektakulære end de ridt vi kender på dressurbanerne fra Hubertus Schmidt, men som alligevel efterlader nogle spørgsmålstegn. Dem var der ingen af ved afslutningsdemonstrationen ved Global Dressage Forum 2008.

Man tog så opløftet og glad derfra med visheden om, som Hubertus Schmidt selv siger: dressur er ikke at lære en hest forskellige tricks, men at bygge en atlet op.

Og jeg vil gerne tilføje: og det uden tvang og voldsomme metoder men selvfølgeh lig med konsekvens!

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Всемирный форум по выездке

Восьмой год подряд в Нидерландах проводится Всемирный форум по выезд­ке, который благодаря сочетанию традиций и новаторского подхода пользуется огромной популярностью у выездкового сообщества. В этом году на форум съехались участники из 25 стран. В программе появилось обсуждение некоторых вопросов в рабочих группах, а изюминкой форума стала практическая демонстрация приемов классической выезд­ки в исполнении всадников из школы верховой езды Сомюра и методов современной спортивной выездки, которыми поделился известный спортсмен и тренер Хубертус Шмидт. Екатерина Штатнова www.equestrian.ru Фото автора

Ф 20/21КОННЫЙ МИР 12/2008 СПОРТ

орум проводится в част­ ном конноспортивном клубе семьи Бартельс, все члены которой имеют непосредственное отно­ шение к выездке. Глава семейства Йоп Бартельс – психолог по образованию, спор­ тивный журналист, издатель и главный редактор нескольких журналов и газет, посвященных конному спорту, один из основателей Кубка мира по выездке. Его супруга Тинеке Бартельс в течение мно­ гих лет является тренером молодежных сборных Нидерландов по выездке. Их дочь Имке Шелекен-Бартельс – успешная спортсменка, член сборной Голландии и участница Олимпийских игр в Гонконге. В клубе есть все необходимое для занятий выездкой, а также для проведения меро­ приятий, подобных Всемирному форуму.

Одна из стен конференц-зала представляет собой занавес, за которым скрывается манеж. Таким образом, участники форума имеют возможность не только послушать доклады, но и ознакомиться с практичес­ кими аспектами выездки, которые демонс­ трируют тренеры и спортсмены на манеже. Каждый год организаторы придумывают что-то новое, и в этом сезоне фойе было оформлено в стиле старинной карусели, для полного правдоподобия не хватало только фигурок лошадей. В перерывах очереди выстраивались к стендам с кни­ гами и видео, где можно было приобрести новинки конной литературы на англий­ ском, немецком и голландском языках. Среди книжного развала мне встретилась даже книга русского автора – изданный на немецком альбом В.Парфенова о выве­ денных в России породах лошадей. Форум открыл недавно назначенный спортивный директор FEI Дэвид Холмс, рассказавший о своем видении дальней­ шего развития выездки. Тема была про­ должена в докладах представителей ФКС Нидерландов и королевского студбука лошадей голландской верховой породы (KWPN). Выездка очень популярна в Гол­ ландии, и основа этого успеха – не только знаменитая «королева выездки» Анки ван Грюнсвен, на которую хотят быть похожей все юные спортсменки, впервые садящиеся в седло. ФКС Нидерландов имеет четкую программу, направленную на выявление талантливых спортсменов, а коннозаводчи­ ки страны не менее планомерно трудятся для того, чтобы снабжать спортсменов первоклассными лошадьми. В зону ответственности федерации кон­ ного спорта входит назначение менедже­ ров команд, процесс отбора спортсменов в команды, ветеринарная и медицинская поддержка лошадей и спортсменов, юри­ дические и административная поддержка,

логистика, маркетинг и работа с прессой. Несколько лет назад федерация совместно с банком Rabo разработала программу поддержки молодых талант­ ливых спортсменов. Есть еще важные аспекты работы фе­ дерации: – отбор спортсменов в ко­ манды на основании текущей спортивной формы спортсмена, а не его предыдущих результа­ тов. Ответственность за отбор целиком лежит на менеджере команды; – персональная работа с командой: планирование вы­ ступлений, участие в специа­ лизированных тренировках и семинарах; – взаимодействие и решение проблем между спортсменами, их частны­ ми тренерами и владельцами лошадей; – ежегодные контракты между члена­ ми сборной и федерацией (федерация работает только с теми, кто принимает ее правила игры, давая остальным воз­ можность идти своим путем). Нидерланды имеют хорошую базу для развития конного спорта, в первую очередь в виде большого количества профессио­ нальных конюшен, развитой спортивной инфраструктуре, которая делает возмож­ ным естественный и логический путь от пони-клуба до олимпийской сборной, большое количество международных соревнований, а также последнее по по­ рядку, но не по значению – серьезная программа коннозаводства. В презентации ФКС Нидерландов участ­ вовали лучшие лошади, победители Кубка PAVO по выездке. В соревнованиях Кубка принимают участие лошади 4-5 лет. В ро­ дословной лошадей, представленных на форуме, часто встречались имена самых популярных выездковых жеребцов-про­ изводителей – Джаза и Ферро. Многие победители и призеры Кубка PAVO в на­ стоящий момент успешно выступают на соревнованиях самого разного уровня. Так, например, среди животных, чьи прекрас­ ные выездковые качества были выявлены в раннем возрасте, можно назвать Оллрайта, выступающего сейчас по Большим ездам под седлом Лоренса ван Лирена. Этими же лошадьми комплектуются и молодежные сборные Нидерландов. Перед участниками форума выступили чемпионы Европы Дидерик ван Силфхоут на Родиуме и Лоти Шутц на Рейне. Хотя голландцы старают­ ся оставлять лучших лошадей для своих спортсменов, некоторые таланты меняют гражданство, как это сделал участник двух Олимпиад Ланцет, выступающий под седлом английской спортсменки Эммы

Рабочий момент форума

Хиндл, хотя и продолжает использоваться в племенных программах коннозаводчиков голландских верховых лошадей. Вечером перед участниками форума вы­ ступили «черные всадники» национальной школы верховой езды в Сомюре (Фран­ ция). Они продемонстрировали работу с лошадьми, выполняющими школьные прыжки – крупады, курбеты, каприоли. Лошади двигались легко и раскрепощен­ но даже после выполнения сложнейших прыжков. Во второй день работы форума его участ­ никам было предолжено поучаствовать в работе нескольких групп, где обсужда­ лись различные темы. Ханс ван Зеттен, в прошлом гимнаст, а ныне спортивный комментатор, рассказал о системах судей­ ства, принятых в гимнастике и фигурном катании. Эти виды спорты схожи с выезд­

Судья не должен иметь собственного мнения кой принципами судейства, а также тем, что проблема его необъективности стоит и там достаточно остро. «Судья не должен иметь собственного мнения. В артисти­ ческих видах спорта он должен регистри­ ровать то, что он наблюдает, и оценивать то, что видит», – сказал Ханс ван Зеттен. Отступление от этой аксиомы приводит к большим проблемам в судействе. Судейство является одной из наиболее животрепещущих тем в выездке. В этом году Международная федерация конного спорта подготовила и опубликовала «Руко­

водство для судей», где подробно описываются все элементы и шка­ ла оценок, которые выставляются за их исполнение. Увеличение количества судей было признано нецелесообразным, так как изза судейских кабинок с трудом можно будет увидеть поле. Также обоснованную критику вызвало отбрасывание самой высокой и самой низкой оценок. С разных судейских позиций элементы, вы­ полняемые всадником и лошадью видны по-разному. Например, прямолинейность пассажа по цен­ тральной линии может оценить только судья на букве С, а импульс и сбор – только судьи на длинных стенках манежа. Было внесено предложение сформировать тех­ нический комитет из опытных судей в отставке, которые могли бы обсуждать технические вопро­ сы и вносить предложения по их решениям. Также продолжилось обсуждение введение системы контроля и оценки работы судей. Положительный эф­ фект имело введение открытого судейства, когда все оценки выводятся на табло прямо во время выступления спортсмена. Такого нет ни в одном виде спорта. Одной из самых оживленных презентаций был доклад спортивного психолога доктора Рико Шёйерса. Он рассказал о психологи­ ческой подготовке спортсменам к стартам. Умение сконцентрироваться, правильная внутренняя мотивация и самоконтроль были названы ключами к успеху в любом виде спорта, в том числе и конном. Однако, психо­ логическая подготовка должна идти наравне с физической. Физиотерапевт Эндрю Томас рассказал о своей системе физических упраж­ нений, позволяющих спортсменам укрепить шлюсс и выработать прочную посадку. Последней по списку, но не значимости, в программе форума была открытая тренировка немецкого спортсмена, тренера и берейтора Хубертуса Шмидта. На примере работы с двумя лошадьми он показал важность пра­ вильной разминки, которая дает возможность лошади расслабиться и потянуться вперед и вниз. После такой подготовки для лошадей не составляет особого труда двигаться в сборе с хорошей каденцией и импульсом. На этом работа Форума была завершена, и в заключении хотелось бы добавить, что в его работе принимала участие большая группа российских судей, спортсменов и любителей выездки не только из Москвы, но и из регио­ нов. К сожалению, подобные Форумы пока не проводятся в России, но хорошо уже то, что все больше людей имеют возможность лично познакомиться с последними тенденциями современной выездки.

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global dressage forum

Van Zetten geeft voor HOOGE MIERDE - De jurering is en blijft onderwerp van discussie in de dressuur. Binnen een breed scala aan topics vormde de jurering dan ook een van de hoofdthema’s tijdens de achtste editie van het Global Dressage Forum.

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en mede door de matte inbreng vanuit de zaal ontbrandde er weinig, terwijl de jurering achter de schermen wel de gemoe­ deren weet bezig te houden.

Derhalve een gemiste kans op een podium waar de meest uiteenlopende partijen uit de dressuurscene waren ­vertegenwoordigd.

Subjectiviteit Dan maar de hoop op Hans van Zetten gezet bij het onderdeel met de veel­ belovende titel: ‘Olympische jurering, hoe zijn problemen op te lossen?’ Van Zetten is weliswaar een leek op het gebied van de dressuursport, maar is expert van andere jurysporten, zoals turnen en kunstschaatsen. De meeste mensen kennen hem als NOS

commentator, in welke hoedanigheid hij sinds 1988 (Seoul) bij de Zomerspelen is betrokken en vanaf 1998 (Nagano) bij de Winter­ equivalent.

Van Zetten, die zijn verhaal niet voor het eerst deed, besprak allereerst zijn ‘sport­ bijbel’ de zogenaamde Code of Points (CoP). Geen enkele jurysport kan volgens de bevlogen TV commentator zonder een eigen CoP. Hierin staat van alle uit te voeren figuren van die sport hoe deze uitgevoerd moeten worden, wat de maximaal te verdienen punten zijn, hoe het zit met bonuspunten, etc., etc. In zijn algemeenheid geldt dat het jurysysteem moet functioneren in over­ eenstemming met de CoP. Een groot manco van een

jurysport blijft echter de subjectiviteit. Om deze te mini­ maliseren zijn er volgens Van Zetten vier uitgangspunten: 1. De scores moeten gedetail­ leerd en gespecificeerd worden. Oftewel, bij elke gegeven score moet zichtbaar zijn hoe deze is opgebouwd.

2. De jurytaken moeten gesplitst worden. Zo zouden er in de Kür op muziek jury­ leden moeten zijn die zich op het technische aspect richten en anderen die dit doen voor het artistieke.

3. Er moeten meer juryleden die dezelfde taak uitvoeren komen en extreme punten moeten worden wegge­ streept. Bij het olympische turnen zijn bijvoorbeeld maar liefst 63 juryleden inzetbaar voor de mannen en 43 voor de vrouwen.

Foto’s: Kevin Sparrow

Er was aandacht voor het fysieke aspect van zowel paard als ruiter, de psyche van deze laatste werd onder de loep genomen, er stond een uitgebreide demonstratie over de achtergronden van de Nederlandse dressuur op het programma en er werden clinics verzorgd, waaronder deze van de Duitse meester Hubertus Smidt, die voor een uitsmijter zorgde na twee dagen Global Dressage Forum (GDF) op Academy Bartels.

Natuurlijk was er ook plaats ingeruimd voor het altijd hete onderwerp ‘de jurering’.

Veel werd verwacht van het topic ‘De uitleg van de Olym­ pische Spelen’. In eerste instantie zouden verschil­ lende proeven van de olympi­ sche top tien ondermeer door Mariëtte Withages van commentaar worden voor­ zien. Sjef Janssen, die in onmin leeft met de Belgische, sprak echter een veto uit over het uitzenden van beelden van zijn Anky. Zelf bleef de Nederlandse dressuurtrainer met echtgenote afwezig in Hooge Mierde en verzandde de uitgeklede uitleg van de Spelen in het beoordelen van weinig interessante details uit de proeven van de Ameri­ kaan Steffen Peters en de Russische Alexandra Kora­ leva. Withages had sowieso weinig zin in het oprakelen van de ‘Hongkong discussie’

De bevlogen Hans van Zetten gaf oplossingen voor niet functionerende jurysystemen in de sport.

global dressage forum 4. Er moet een effectief evaluatiesysteem gecreëerd worden. Zo kan er indien nodig tijdens de Spelen worden ingegrepen.

Debacles Bij het turnen, maar vooral bij het kunstschaatsen zijn derge­ lijke punten doorgevoerd na ontstane debacles tijdens de Olympische Spelen. Bij het kunstschaatsen gebeurde dit ‘dankzij’ het paarrijden op de Spelen van Salt Lake City in 2002. Tot die wedstrijd was het bij het kunstrijden zo dat er negen juryleden waren, van wie alle scores telden. Er was geen splitsing van taken en geen evalutatiesysteem. De Russen wonnen toentertijd het goud voor de Canadezen omdat ze van vijf van de negen juryleden een eerste plaats kregen toebedeeld.

Kort daarna bleek het Franse jurylid onder invloed van de Russen te hebben gestaan. Na een enorme commotie werd haar resultaat geschrapt en kregen beide paren het goud omgehangen. Om iets derge­ lijks in de toekomst te voor­ komen werd het systeem flink op de schop gegooid. In plaats van één eindscore werd elk technisch element beoor­ deeld en werden er aftrek- en bonuspunten gegeven. De taken werden gesplitst. Er kwam een toename van het aantal juryleden van negen naar twaalf, waarvan een computer er bij elke score willekeurig drie wegstreept en van de overgebleven negen het hoogste en laagste resultaat wegvalt. Tevens werd er een reactief evaluatie­ systeem ingevoerd zodat er tijdens de wedstrijd inge­ grepen kan worden.

Bij het turnen bleek een gestolen medaille op de Spelen van Athene in 2004 nodig om het een en ander te veranderen in de jurering. De uitgangswaarde van de nummer drie van het indivi­ duele klassement bleek achteraf door de jury met een tiende te laag beoordeeld te zijn. Nu stond de gehele top drie binnen een tiende van een punt van elkaar waar­ door de gouden plak bij de verkeerde terecht was gekomen. Als oplossing kwam de turnbond met een nog beter evaluatiesysteem, dat proactief werkt, zodat er tijdens een oefening zelf ingegrepen kan worden door een zogenaamde superior Judge. Pas als deze gezien heeft dat de gegeven punten correct zijn, worden deze openbaar gemaakt voor atleten en publiek.

Oerconservatief Bondstrainer Sjef Janssen pleit al langere tijd voor sommige wijzigingen in het systeem, zoals naar voren gebracht door Van Zetten.

Zijn wat onorthodoxe aanpak om dit erdoor te drukken, waarbij hij zich met momenten als een olifant door de porseleinkast, die Technische Dressuurcomité heet, begaf, zette echter geen zoden aan de dijk. Als het aan het Dr. Dieter Schüle ligt zal er voorlopig überhaupt niet veel veranderen. Het oer­conservatief overkomende Duitse O-jurylid wist na de uiteenzetting van Van Zetten met droge ogen te beweren dat de dressuurjurering in grote lijnen al overeenkomt met de door de Nederlander besproken jurysystemen.

De masterclinic van Hubertus Smidt een waardige afsluiter van twee dagen Global Dressage Forum.

Vervolgens toonde hij zich een slecht jurylid door zijn subjectieve mening te geven over de voorgestelde wijzi­ gingen. Schüle wimpelde ze weg alsof ze bij voorbaat al kansloos zijn en mogelijk niet in een ander vat te gieten en zo naar de dressuur te kopiëren. Een splitsing van jurytaken zag hij niet zitten en meer juryleden en dus meer juryhokjes zouden het publiek het zicht ontnemen.

Ingrijpen tijdens de wedstrijd in de beoordeling was helemaal uit den boze, anders zouden wedstrijden wel eens nachtwerk kunnen gaan worden.

Het aanwezige Nederlandse O-jurylid Wim Ernes leek meer te voelen voor enkele wijzigingen. Een verdeling van jurytaken tijdens de Kür ziet de Limburger wel zitten.

Meerdere juryleden rond de ring is ook een optie. Ernes: ‘Er zijn toch al zeven jury­ leden aanwezig op een

kampioenschap, waarvan er vijf per proef worden ingezet.

Als ze allemaal ingezet worden voorkom je de ­situatie zoals in Hongkong waar de Duitser juryvoor­ zitter Riexinger als enige alle proeven mocht beoordelen.’

Wel was Ernes het met Schüle eens dat wegstreep­ resultaten niet werken in de dressuur. Een jury, die vanuit zijn positie als enige kan waarnemen dat een paard bijvoorbeeld scheef is, en daardoor een lage beoordeling geeft, moet niet weggestreept worden.

Grote veranderingen in het huidige systeem zijn voor­ lopig echter niet te verwachten. Het lijkt er eerder op dat de dressuur rustig afwacht tot het zijn eigen olympische debacle meemaakt en het goud in de verkeerde handen terecht komt.

Peter van Pinxteren

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