Carl Hester shares his views on the significance of the give-and-retake in dressage and the necessity for collective marks
Some 18 months in the past, I wrote about introducing give-and-retake of the reins at small tour and grand prix stage – an concept that got here out of a dialog with Kyra Kyrklund.
That initiative gained nice help on the FEI Normal Meeting final yr, tabled below “modifications within the guidelines that can’t await due to their impression on the welfare of the horses or the security of the athletes”.
I suggested anybody who doesn’t already incorporate give-and-retake of their coaching to begin practising – it ought to be a part of everybody’s routine.
On the current FEI Sports activities Discussion board in Lausanne on the finish of March – the place it was reported that stretching on an extended rein was not too long ago trialled at a take a look at occasion at Warendorf, Germany – it was mentioned once more as “being labored on”.
What I hope is achievable is a suggestion as to what quantity of stretch is anticipated and acceptable. My opinion is that horses stretch loads higher in rising trot, so I hope that whether or not to take a seat or rise might be left to riders.
After all, these issues need to be trialled and labored out correctly, however all I can say at this stage is that the FEI appears to be transferring at a collected stroll somewhat than an prolonged canter on issues that “can’t wait”!
Collective marks
The 2017 FEI Normal Meeting voted in favour of the Dressage Judging Working Group’s proposal to take away the collective marks for paces, impulsion and submission and substitute them with a single collective mark for the rider’s place, seat, correctness and impact of the aids.
There was an outcry, with German group coach Monica Theodorescu and German five-star choose Dr Dietrich Plewa specifically producing very legitimate reasoning in opposition.
As Monica mentioned on the time: “The collectives are important to spotlight the worth of the ideas of dressage. The choose will get the chance to weigh the rider’s focus positively or negatively, the readability of gaits, throughness, connection, exercise from behind and rather more.
“I hope that due to this variation we gained’t return to seeing horses who should not unfastened, nor relaxed and lack pure expression.”
Dr Dietrich Plewa – who retired in 2019 – admitted on the time that judges had used collectives to affect the general rating however made some pertinent factors, significantly concerning the marks for paces and for submission.
On the paces mark, he mentioned: “When a horse reveals errors within the rhythm within the take a look at, which aren’t sufficient to get rid of the horse, then we may have expressed our remarks on stability and readability in that collective mark.” Is smart to me.
Whereas some argued that the collective qualities ought to be addressed within the mark for every motion, collectives for paces and submission – however let’s name that one thing else, please – play a precious position, it’s hoped they are going to be reinstated after session.
In any case, if a rider sits completely for a 9 but the horse has its mouth open or tongue out, that doesn’t make sense and does nothing to advertise concord in our sport.
Sunshine time
With the current change to respectable climate and a little bit of sunshine, it’s incredible that each one the horses are in a position to get rather more turnout. The distinction of their our bodies after a number of months of restricted turnout is unbelievable to really feel. It simply validates the reasoning for turning out. I can really feel the distinction in them nearly instantly, not simply bodily, however mentally, too.
Lastly, whereas it was unhappy to see so few high-class entries on the World Cup Ultimate in Texas – it appears individuals don’t need to journey these distances within the present local weather – our Becky Moody took the plunge, and what a choice it proved to be, together with her and Jagerbomb taking the title. Congratulations to them each – it’s totally deserved.
● How do you suppose the reintroduction of collective marks would change dressage judging – for higher or worse? We’d love to listen to from you at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your title, nearest city and county, for the prospect to have your ideas revealed in a future situation of Horse & Hound journal
You may additionally take pleasure in studying:
Modifications will be instructed to the FEI, however do these for horse welfare occur quick sufficient?
Credit score: Jason Chan/FEI
The give and retake of the reins are launched from the earliest ranges however can nonetheless trigger confusion.
Credit score: Future
Keep in contact with all of the information within the run-up to and all through the main reveals and occasions throughout 2026 and past with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe right now for all that you must know forward of those main occasions, plus on-line studies on the motion because it occurs from our knowledgeable group of reporters and in-depth evaluation in our particular commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Arrange your limitless web site entry now
