Laura Tomlinson shares her ideas on proposed rule modifications in FEI dressage and appears forward to an thrilling summer season of sport
First, I wish to congratulate Becky Moody on her incredible performances in Aachen. I used to be so impressed with Jagerbomb’s progress since final season. His athleticism and talent to be so off the ground within the trot and canter work, whereas remaining in a wonderful body, had been actually worthy of their excessive scores.
Although the stress initially of the take a look at could have price them at instances, it was clear that Jagerbomb was not carrying unfavourable stress. He was simply excited to be getting on with the job – a noteworthy distinction.
It makes for thrilling stuff, with the European Dressage Championships forward. Our three highest-scoring pairs might properly make for a gold medal-winning group if all ship on the day – and possibly even acquire a couple of particular person medal.
Carl Hester has loved a constant season with Fame; Lottie Fry and Glamourdale have had some breathtaking performances and might ship when it counts; and Becky, with Jagerbomb, is gathering momentum and confidence with every step.
There are different sturdy groups. Germany, regardless of lacking Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, has high-scorers. The Belgians can’t be discounted with their new champions of Aachen – Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus – and Denmark is also harmful, assuming Mount St John Freestyle is again on her A recreation with Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour.
It’s all to play for, however our group might completely do it.
Double bridle debate
In the meantime, the FEI is again on the case, making an attempt to usher in extra rule modifications because it grapples with social licence. The double bridle debate returns.
One proposed change is to permit the usage of snaffle bridles as much as CDI3* (information, 17 July). It’s a double-edged sword, as many individuals will argue that it places strain on riders to compete in a snaffle as a result of it’s deemed kinder. Plenty of our follow reveals – notably home ones – are at CDI3*, and my concern as a competitor is that we find yourself needing to make use of a snaffle at that stage to please the critics.
Meaning when stepping as much as CDI4* and CDI5*, the place the double bridle would nonetheless be necessary, the horses usually are not as ready. I really feel it ought to both be a alternative throughout all grand prix ranges or at none.
Paperless judging
The FEI additionally appears eager to trial paperless judging, the place the entire take a look at sheet is open to be seen by anybody on-line. At present, every mark is seen, however not the feedback. This might be to assist transparency, and though a rider might request that their sheet keep personal beneath the proposed change, that would appear suspect.
Certainly it will affect what and the way a lot judges say, as they know that each phrase will likely be scrutinised? It might put them off giving constructive suggestions, on condition that they’ve solely seconds to remark; it’s excessive strain figuring out every phrase will likely be dissected publicly reasonably than simply by the rider.
The upside is that it will develop into more durable to reward well-known riders with excessive marks when there are apparent points within the neck or mouth. It might assist focus consideration on fairer marking, reasonably than being extra forgiving of some riders than others for a similar faults.
Marks can differ for a number of causes, as they replicate each particular person components and the general image – but when a horse visibly opens its mouth, a remark is anticipated. Critics could then ask: if the remark is there, why does the rating nonetheless stay excessive in some circumstances and never in others?
This leads into one other proposed rule change: including actions to evaluate suppleness and proper coaching. However who the “group of specialists” that decides on this ought to be, and the way they are going to select which actions to incorporate and methods to rating them, stays to be seen.
A well-qualified decide ought to already be capable of recognise these items from how the horse goes via the grand prix.
For instance, does the horse calm down in stroll, and halt and rein-back in a straight line in diagonal pairs? Is the horse snug and relaxed within the body, exhibiting right paces, a swinging again and the opposite components within the judges’ handbook?
Are we overcomplicating issues, or would some actions that spotlight “correctness” assist to deliver coaching and judging again on observe? Time will inform.
● Do you assume new rule modifications will enhance judging? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and county, for the prospect to your letter to look in a forthcoming concern of the journal
You may additionally be serious about:
Credit score: Peter Nixon
Credit score: Kevin Sparrow
Credit score: Alamy Inventory Photograph
Credit score: Future
