Grand prix dressage rider and coach Pammy Hutton FBHS on why horse sport must get its sparkle again
Following my critique of British Dressage’s (BD) nationwide championships, I observe that the showjumpers’ equal (Graham Fletcher remark, 8 November) equally lacks sparkle and spectator attraction.
We will’t count on the large broadcasters and mass media to heat to us except we get our personal home so as and show how enthralling equestrian sport might be.
I’m nonetheless awaiting the decision from Jeremy Clarkson… however, critically, we want an X Issue-type operation, maybe at 4 or 5 massive centres across the nation, with every little thing from liberty horses to scurry driving on the programme.
We’d like leisure and enjoyable introduced again to our reveals. There are many home-grown heroes with plenty of persona, humour and charisma inside our sport. But the general public hardly ever will get to see them.
There shall be a packed home for the London Worldwide Horse Present, the place Britain’s greatest riders shall be on present. Maybe they might be persuaded to look extra usually, say to placed on demos for studying and enjoyable, at different reveals?
Sure, in fact, all of it prices cash. However absolutely this is able to be an funding for the way forward for the broader equestrian trade – for the sake of jobs, companies and the horses.
Speaking of funding, I ponder what else might have been achieved with the cash spent on the British Horse Society’s newest rebrand and new emblem. It doesn’t do something for me…
Pammy Hutton says: the horses know greatest
How will we resolve which horsey merchandise to purchase? Is it what we see marketed, promoted on social media, or as beneficial by mates?
In my expertise, it’s usually our horses who know greatest. So maybe we should always hearken to them as a substitute of telling them what they’ll like after shopping for it.
As a rider and coach, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to profit from working with numerous saddle manufacturers over time.
One firm specifically has offered me with the perfect dressage saddles ever. I rode in the identical one for greater than 25 years – so lengthy that I even obtained my leg pulled about it mid-test. In order that’s the corporate I remained with for 3 many years.
Then, just lately, I used to be supplied a unbelievable take care of one other make of saddles. They sounded fabulous – and one mannequin was related to a high Olympian.
Properly, lengthy story quick… one horse hates the unique saddles and lets me know with ears again and tail swishing, but loves the one with the well-known title.
My different horse received’t journey straight or pleased within the “well-known title” saddle, however loves my loyal, older saddles. It makes no distinction what number of occasions they’re fitted completely, the horses resolve.
Pammy Hutton on new guidelines
I’ve at all times used my voice when competing, however have solely as soon as been heard! Sure, I’m one of many ventriloquists who’re welcoming BD’s and British Driving Golf equipment’ (BRC) new rule to permit “discreet” voice aids in competitors. Perhaps now I’ll name out “seven” in a “Strictly” voice each time I move the judges…
In one other transfer, which represents a major cultural shift, nosebands are now not to be obligatory when competing with BRC.
Sweden made nosebands elective in 2025, Denmark adopted quickly after, and lots of listed here are questioning their necessity. However BD and the FEI stay centered on measuring noseband tightness with gauges.
Maybe the reply is to let riders resolve how their horses go greatest and are happiest? Though if tack guidelines go to extremes, security should be thought of.
Importantly, no new rule is a panacea. Eradicating the noseband received’t repair heavy fingers, unhealthy driving or poor saddle match. And utilizing the voice isn’t a shortcut for really feel or timing.
The necessity for us all to be taught and enhance as riders by no means adjustments.
Signing off from 2025
Lastly, I want all my readers and their horses a merry Christmas and an amazing 2026.
● How do you assume equestrian sport might deliver again extra enjoyable and ambiance with out dropping its roots? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your title, nearest city and county, for the possibility in your ideas to look in a forthcoming problem of the journal
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Charlotte Dujardin shall be returning to the London Worldwide Horse Present, the place she final received in 2023 driving Imhotep (pictured).
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Library picture.
Credit score: EMMA HERROD PHOTOGRAPHY
We have to present the general public the true magnificence and concord of dressage – when it’s carried out appropriately – says Laura Tomlinson.
Credit score: Kevin Sparrow Images
Credit score: Future
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