Enlightenment

The Brits are ruling the dressage world at the moment! What amazing coverage via the internet, of the Verden young horse championship. Michael Eilberg, yes I know its a German name his father is German by birth, has won the 5 year old championship and Gold medal with an amazing chestnut mare called Woodlander Farouche. I have judged her in the past and was very pleased to see that the international judges awarded as many marks as I did. Kind of reassures me that I am alright at my job.
After each horse the master judge commented on the performances,whilst the rider remained in the arena! Phew! I can't imagine what would happen if that became the norm over here! Reading the BD forum if Jemima doesn't get the score she wants she can rant and rave about poor judging. Imagine if the judge were to suddenly announce that the reason Jemima didn't get high scores was because the horse was not on ze bit. Goodness there would be so many slander cases, solicitors would have a field day! Interestingly the Jemimas of this world complain frequently not only about low scores but also terminology used by judges. For instance should the judge be using terms like uphill, engagement, self carriage and cadence? Well yes actually they should at all levels! The tests are designed to show the scales of training, rhythm, suppleness, contact,straightness,impulsion and collection. They are not designed for Jemima to win a rosette simply for entering!
You have to love the Germans though. The prize givings are relished by the public and the officials. Actually the same applies in Holland and other countries who have great numbers of equestrian followers. Over here darts, snooker and football take precidence and rarely a word about equestrian medals. Makes you wonder really about the population at large, after all, we are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers. What is really annoying is when journalists insist on calling everyone showjumpers! Really guys, do your homework! That is lazy investigation and not at all accurate reporting. News on facebook, there is an equestrian film being made. Now these guys seem to have done their homework! They are using Hartpury college in Gloucestershire home of the Para riders and dressage CDI. They have a dressage rider giving advice, several others doing the riding and a lovely dressage stallion playing the lead. Of course the handsome hero is played by male actor Layke Anderson, (unusual name), he plays Freddie in the film, watch out though Layke, Sandro Dancer is up for an Oscar and will fight dirty to get one! Watch out for the film. The title? Why The Equestrian of course! Im hoping it makes the world more aware of the talent and dedication that goes into these partnerships and that its not all about money. Who knows, maybe British TV will at last broadcast something other than brain dead men kicking a ball about!