Profitable British grand prix rider and coach Anna Ross shares her views on rebuilding public belief and attainable competitors modifications
Current Horse & Hound columns from Carl Hester and William Funnell mentioned social licence and highlighted the necessity to rebuild public belief.
In excellent news, an article in The Instances by their chief sports activities author Owen Slot – following his journey to the Nationwide Dressage Championships – concluded that there’s clearly an incredible love for horses in our sport. It’s a begin, however now we have to again it with actions and cultural modifications which can be seen to the skin world.
Motion is being taken following the assorted conferences worldwide, with new initiatives trialled, a few of which is able to inevitably trickle right down to nationwide sport and have an effect on all. For instance, on the latest Hanoverian stallion licensing I noticed handlers being advised to let aspect reins out so the horses had been working in a extra pure body.
The danger of unintended penalties
The FEI dressage technical committee will assist trials of particular grand prix lessons as much as CDI3* for individuals who want to use a snaffle bridle. Some stakeholders at latest conferences raised considerations, with one saying: “Each one who has ridden in a double bridle is aware of that used correctly it will probably in truth be one of many mildest bits…
“Should you put in an elective rule simply because the general public calls for it, you’ll unintentionally create a unique battle. To the general public, there’ll in futurebe two teams in dressage – the ‘unhealthy’ riders who proceed to make use of the double bridle and the ‘good’ ones utilizing the snaffle.”
The problem with this method is that it may give the impression that horses are considered by a one-size-fits-all lens reasonably than as much-loved people – and that the committee is extra dedicated to wanting good reasonably than doing the fitting factor.
Let’s face it, any bit or bridle will be gentle or harsh – all of it comes right down to who’s holding the reins.
The general public has misplaced religion in what occurs when it’s left to the professionals so our methods want to face as much as scrutiny and have a scientific foundation that’s logical and comprehensible to all.
As an illustration, the brand new noseband tightness gauges will take away all ambiguity, which is an efficient factor. The present system of utilizing two fingers is an unscientific method – in spite of everything, whose fingers are getting used?
Suggesting it is going to be upsetting for the horses seems like a weak argument. If we are able to prepare horses to enter arenas and carry out the grand prix or bounce a 1.60m and settle for sporting a bridle within the first place then it may be achieved.
Sensible subsequent steps
In fact, there are methods to create a extra horse-friendly setting on the tack test. Small modifications, comparable to these we noticed at Aachen CDIO5* this 12 months, like transferring the steward’s tent away from the gathering ring, created a way more relaxed setting for the horses.
A few of our extra skilled grand prix riders have additionally been discussing new concepts. Two-time Olympian Emile Faurie is pondering of a extra joined-up method, suggesting stewards ought to spend time with high-level dressage trainers alongside their technical steward coaching, to have a clearer and extra detailed understanding of their strategies.
This might additionally consequence within the trainers having a clearer thought of what the stewards are searching for, leading to extra concord all-round.
Worldwide grand prix dressage rider Dan Watson has instructed transferring younger horse class necessities again a 12 months – so the five-year-olds would do the four-year-old assessments and so forth. The younger horse season spans solely half the 12 months, with championships concluding by September, which suggests coaching wants to start out even earlier within the 12 months. The UK already has a seven-year-old check at superior medium stage, however the FEI’s check for this age group is at prix st georges stage, which is a bit far when held in March.
A really totally different perspective
The latest launch of the Disney+ sequence Rivals definitely offers the general public one other perspective on the equestrian world. Making love, not battle appears applicable going into the festive season.
● What modifications would you prioritise to rebuild public belief whereas making certain horse welfare stays central? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and nation, for the possibility on your letter to look in a forthcoming concern of the journal
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Carl Hester stars on the panel at a latest occasion, alongside fellow Olympian Tom McEwen, discussing Olympic experiences.
Credit score: Daydream Equine Artwork and Images
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