Comment

Comment by Elizabeth J. Chilcott on February 12, 2010 at 10:03am

I was chatting with an "I" judge at the annual USEA meeting and I asked how Anky could get even a 4 for the final halt/salute when the horse never once stood still. Answer: ......she saluted.

Comment by Elizabeth J. Chilcott on February 11, 2010 at 6:13pm

I also have to agree that the judging is a main source of the problem. You can use all kinds of tricks to create "leg movers". If the judge cannot (or will not) see that the movement is not coming from the use of the horse's back and rewards this false collection, then trainers will continue to do what wins.

Comment by Jackie Cochran on February 11, 2010 at 8:32am

I totally agree with slc2 about the judges.
In all equestrian competitions the judges act as a god, and the standard the judges reward become the ruling religion of the showing world. If the judges reward extravegant action, then the action just gets more and more extreme as people try to win. I saw it in the Arabs.
Besides, the paying audiences really like flashy action, listen to the applause, the gasps of astonishment. Much more exciting to watch than horses just going around the arena. Of course only an extremely small portion of the audience truly understands what is good movement in a dressage horse, so the audiences just show their appreciation of flashy movement. If both the judges and audiences reward the flashy movement, the flashy movement will be produced.

Comment by Ellin McGinley Daum on February 10, 2010 at 4:03pm

Hi Jan,

I think your comments are right on and to the point. Over 20 years ago I began riding with Jean-Claude Racinet who was new to the US after a career in the French military culminating with oversight of the Cadre Noir at Samur. Following his teaching throughout the years has enabled me to have some of the best, most harmonious, one-mind, one-body experiences I've ever had with horses even though I've been riding for 57 years! JCR was so ridiculed for his teaching based on Baucher that the verbiage became openly hostile in the now defunct Dressage and CT Magazine. Perhaps now with more science available, JCR will be vindicated. Too bad he didn't live long enough to enjoy it.

Comment by Jan Jollymour on February 10, 2010 at 3:21pm

Hi, Ellin:

As much as I hate to say it, what makes you thnk that surgical tubing's not already being used? Some of the trainers are using pulleys, and electric shock (buzzers)...

While I would have preferred that the FEI take a stronger stand against hyperflexion/rollkur, they've just been bitten internationally by their initial acceptance of the new drug protocol, so we can't exactly blame them for being gun-shy.

While I personally believe that rollkur is bad training, there are occasions during which riders must be prepared to be aggressive, and there are also occasions when everyone's safety is best served by LDR. I am a wholehearted believer in the practice of classical dressage, but I had the opportunity to audit a clinic last weekend with a renowned North American "classical trainer", who is well thought of in many circles and who writes beautifully. The lessons were without doubt the worst I have ever seen, with stiff, stilted horses and absolutely rigid riders, and no connection between reality and the advice given. The work was nothing short of appalling, and I'd have to say that if that's "classical" dressage then I'd prefer to emulate Steffen Peters' "competition" dressage, as it's beautiful, harmonic, correct, and inspiring.

Thankfully the German Federation has lead the way with its very strong statement (check it out on "www.eurodressage.com", and I have no doubt that gradually other nations will follow that lead. In the meantime, the rest of us need to work on furthering our understanding of equine mechanics and training, so as to better influence those around us.

Comment by Sit_the_Trot on February 10, 2010 at 11:49am

In my quest to see dressage riders improve their seat and awareness and be able to thereby ride better and advance their dressage horses I've posted blogs on essentials for riding with a balanced supple seat. Yesterday a new one came out on the secret to quiet hands--it goes well with the one before on breathing. Please take a look and if you're interested sign up for my newsletter--each month I give a lesson that will help you ride with more fluency and easy balance. You can sign up via my website SitTheTrot.com Cheers! Michele

Comment by Ellin McGinley Daum on February 10, 2010 at 10:36am

For a definition of Rollkur and its effects on the horse read or view the material by Dr. Gerd Hueschmann. As a German veterinarian and a licensed instructor he is totally against it for reasons of cruelty and ruination of the horse.

Full bridle are now permitted at Third Level, a travesty! I applaud the movement to allow snaffle bridles through Grand Prix!

Our next goal, in my opinion, should be to get rid of the artificial show trot and extreme elevation (absolute elevation) both of which cause the horse to drop its back and lose the throughness of the hind legs. No real lightness or softness can be accomplished with either. Next we'll be seeing surgical tubing to get those front legs up, that's when I quit all together!!

Comment by Elizabeth J. Chilcott on February 10, 2010 at 8:52am

Interestingly enough what Rollkur does physically to the horse has already been defined. Check Jean Luc Cornille's blog.

Comment by Mandy on February 9, 2010 at 10:17pm

seems like everyone is one the same page here- I must admit, although I've heard of the great Rollkur controversy for years, I have definitely heard far more AGAINST then FOR.
Go you dressage people!

Comment by SUSIE-SOLOMON-MABE on February 9, 2010 at 9:55pm

will overzelous stewards be looking for something in a rider they do not like?
Will fruit to one be assumed to be specifically an apple? The wording is both ambitious and it is double talk- and there is not one concise exact way to say what exactly is rolkur- and even the silly practice of driving into long and low will this now be the new happy medium.
Unlike a specific drug not being tolerated- I have to wonder how indeed this will stop the practice- except not do it in the warm up yard with others watching before your classes.
Once - in my not ever so humble opinion full bridles were allowed in 4th level- or is it lower now?... the work to educate the rider and horse for the advanced work was simplified- for the rider who could not do it with a snaffle,
and more horses became the scape goat of hard hands and the quick fix, by way of their mouth.
Don't ask , don't tell...... must be a virus or something.........:(

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