Global Dressage Forum: Training the Happy Horse
Judges, riders, scientists, trainers, breeders, sponsors and horse owners from over 20 countries have developed the October habit of assembling at The Academy in Hooge Mierde, the Netherlands. The sport of dressage honors tradition and history perhaps more than any other, but if changes do occur, they will begin at this gathering.
The fourth Global Dressage Forum, held October 25-26, 2004, focused its attention on developing the sport globally and training the "happy athlete" at all levels. Joep Bartels, director of The Academy, and his team organize this yearly gathering, and moderator Richard Davison, with his talk-show-host capabilities, keeps the dialogue lively and friendly.
The forum begins with David Hunt, president of the International Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC). "The forum is about all parts of the sport coming together and moving in the direction that we want to go," he says.
Mariette Withages, chair of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Dressage Committee, says, "We want fairness, especially to the horse. We want 'transparency' so spectators and the media understand our sport. To that end, at major competitions we have made the judges' scores immediately available. Many shows have earphones and commentary, and the judges are present at press conferences. A handbook in CD form is in its eighth draft and will be available soon."
Since some think our competition attire is old-fashioned, Withages announces that "A fashion show is planned for the end of 2005 to consider a different uniform." A wild idea? That's what the Global Forum is all about--far-reaching ideas.
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Day One: The FEI World Dressage Challenge to Develop the Sport
The FEI World Dressage Challenge started in 1997 in response to International Olympic Committee (IOC) concern for the globalization, universality and media interest in each Olympic sport. The FEI wants to be sure that our sport meets the IOC's requirements. So, the program begins with FEI Sports Director Michael Stone. He is on a mission to raise the standard in "non-European" countries, making dressage a truly global sport.
The FEI determined that throughout the world there were too many judges and officials and not enough competitions and well-trained horses. Therefore, the FEI set out to train horses and riders, develop more regional competitions and increase the number of National Federations (NFs). Today, there are nine FEI regions, and NFs have increased by 17 percent in the past five years. To help with worldwide standardizing, the FEI has also provided developing nations with clinics for horses and riders and accredited coaches for their competitions.
Developing Young Dressage Horses
Ullrich Kasselmann founded Performance Sales International (PSI) with Paul Schockemoehle 25 years ago. Since then, they have sold 1,100 horses for a total of 128 million euro (about $169 million). His company, Hof Kasselmann, owns 180 horses and employs 45 people. Kasselmann selects horses based on gaits, soundness and development of a hind leg that comes under and carries weight naturally.
Kasselmann's horses are kept busy building trust in people. First, the horses start as 3-year-olds on the single longe. Then, they work under saddle and in the double longe, learning to work from behind and search for the bit. Balance, he says, is the key to their success.
He shows us a 3-year-old and some 4-year-olds. They are supple, active and rhythmic. They are active without getting short in the neck. The riders demonstrate überstreichen by giving the reins often. Horses are asked to lengthen the stride without becoming fast, and then they stretch, doing many centerlines and halts. Finally, they stand quietly and are rewarded.
A 5-year-old who qualified for the German Championships and is winning L classes shows us shoulder-in, voltes and counter canter. He is forward, energetic and elastic in the back. He stretches in canter and shows correct flexion and clear bend with an inside open rein. The canter is balanced so they show flying changes, then some half steps with help from the ground. They praise him, and then he does a centerline and halts for the audience.
During discussions at the end of the day, a rider at the World Championship for Young Horses says that the judges want to see a high neck. Withages expresses concern. She says a 6-year-old can do Prix St. Georges, so a Prix St. Georges frame should be acceptable--but what about a Grand Prix frame? She says some of them were in a Grand Prix frame. The rider is quick. He asks, "Where did they place?" No one really knows the answer, and it's time for lunch. The question is never resolved, but Withages' point is well understood.
Day Two: "Happy Athlete"
Scientists, riders, trainers, breeders and judges seek to define the "happy athlete," which is the goal as stated in the FEI Rule Book.
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