In order to participate in the forums and post comments, you need to be registered on Horse Hero. Please make sure you are Registered and Login to get involved!
|
|
|
Alfie
03 Feb 2009 09:19
|
This is just an observation and not meant to offend but I notice that one person has alot of influence over the sport. He has a big input into the FEI judges manual which I have and in which I've noticed the new gait requirements (collected trot now should track-up and working over-track for instance) for horses competing which can only fit naturally big ground covering types of horse (which I think might have influenced the decline of the Iberians and such like at the top of the sport); he has, of course, a big influence over the training of judges which judges presumably must strive to adhere to the guidlines set by him and others in the FEI judges manual; and of course he judges at top level himself. My worry is that his preference for type of horse and natural exuberant way of going as being the required ingredient to win at top level might not be totally beneficial for the sport and appreciation of training and showmanship long term. I personally loved seeing the likes of Invasor strutting his stuff but nowadays all the horses look the same - even down to their colour which I think is sad - for me not many stand out.
|
Fiona Price
03 Feb 2009 12:48
|
I'm not really qualified to comment on most of what you have said as I am really eventing not dressage! But regards the last comment, I also think it's a great shame that, for whatever reason, indigenous horses like Invasor are not regarded as orthodox at the top of the dressage tree! I watched him win team silver at Athens Olympics and his was the most memorable performance of the competition! When he came in, there was the odd grunt of disapproval and snigger from classical dressage specatators, but as his test progressed he captured the imagination of the crowed with his showmanship, athleticism and sheer presence and the spectators went mad on his final halt. It is etched on my memory for ever!
|
Alfie
03 Feb 2009 13:51
|
I think you are perfectly qualified to comment as you have hit the nail on the head - I saw Invasor in Verden in 2001 and the whole test sent shivers down my spine and nothing else compared not even Ulla and Rusty a combination I also loved. Invasor never tracked up in collected but so what!
|
|
|
|