Anna Ross on being pleased with our British youth and senior riders, however recognising the necessity for dressage to evolve
Now we have a lot to be pleased with in these previous few weeks. We ought to be impressed by our youth riders’ implausible medals and excellent performances, in addition to the Paris Olympics, which have been a feast for the eyes – workforce and particular person bronze medals, eight to 18-year-old horses, and riders of their 20s to just about 70 years outdated.
Whereas nobody would have chosen the circumstances behind her choice, it was inspiring to see a brand new face in Becky Moody excel on the world’s largest stage. Carl Hester’s exemplary harmonious freestyle, the facility and majesty of Glamourdale in entrance of the palace, younger riders chasing Isabell Werth, new skills from Poland and Ecuador, and the drama of shut workforce competitors – with many believing Denmark deserved the gold – all showcased what we love concerning the sport.
Nevertheless, regardless of the Video games being a welcome distraction, there’s an elephant within the room that overshadowed us, and a way of unease now it’s over. British Dressage’s (BD) members and supporters have skilled a rollercoaster of feelings that may take time to course of. However as CEO Jason Brautigam stated in his e-mail to members – we’re all on this collectively.
The world is watching us and the following few years will probably be crucial to the way forward for the game. Those that underestimated the significance of social licence will now be “getting it”.
It’s as much as all of us to construct the picture of the game to outsiders, to welcome newcomers and to be genuine and assured in our strategy.
No quantity of bareback movies or using in headcollars on TikTok will persuade the general public that what we do is recreating actions pure to the horse until we’re clear. I’m positive we will all mirror and resolve to do higher for the horses and the way forward for the game.
Because the clever man Ernest Dillon FBHS wrote: “It’s as much as all of us – the woman or gentleman on the cob hacking at weekends or the showjumper, occasion rider, or dressage rider on the Olympics and everybody in between – to help our sport and make it clear to everyone who will pay attention how a lot love goes into proudly owning and using horses.”
As riders and trainers, we all know that energy with leisure is what the judges need, however a few of that comes from the horse’s innate means and character. As Olympic commentator Nicky Pasco famous, it’s vital to breed a world-class athlete if we need to do world-class sport.
Many individuals search a “forward-going however protected” horse however these “protected” horses are typically much less reactive – together with to the rider’s aids. As trainers, it’s as much as us to know when to push each events and when it’s sufficient. Dressage has impressed even Snoop Dogg – we will do that!
Pleasure and humility
Intentional cruelty is a transparent non-negotiable, however we should additionally have a look at points reminiscent of welfare in transporting horses and the emotive matter of riders being suitably mounted for his or her dimension.
Ought to first using classes be on a simulator, and on a dwell horse solely as soon as the rider finds their stability? Ought to BD request dental and saddle checks together with a document of vaccinations? Maybe we should always have permitted stewards and vets spot test with randomised trot-ups and mouth examinations at exhibits?
How a few constitution for FEI riders to permit spot checks into their premises, because the British Horse Society does for using colleges?
We additionally must prioritise fundamental secure administration. Maybe a system the place you’ll be able to’t go up a stage till you’ve demonstrated a fundamental understanding levelof administration required?
Schooling is essential – after we know higher, we should always do higher. And there are issues we will do, and BD may assist bear the expense as a part of their dedication to welfare and training.
We love horses for his or her bravery and the Aristocracy, and their means to forgive our shortcomings. We should always take our inspiration from them.
Allow us to open our hearts to the trendy world and transfer ahead with satisfaction in our previous and the humility to enhance our sport. We’ve been trapped in custom for too lengthy – let evolution, not ego, present the best way ahead.
● How can dressage retain its social licence? Share your ideas with us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your title, nearest city and nation, for the prospect to your letter to seem in a forthcoming subject of the journal
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Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Lottie Fry and Glamourdale win particular person bronze on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Peter Nixon
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