‘Techniques want to face as much as public scrutiny’

Profitable British grand prix rider and coach Anna Ross shares her views on rebuilding public belief and potential 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 Occasions by their chief sports activities author Owen Slot – following his journey to the Nationwide Dressage Championships – concluded that there’s clearly an awesome love for horses in our sport. It’s a begin, however now we have to again it with actions and cultural modifications which might be seen to the surface world.

Motion is being taken following the assorted conferences worldwide, with new initiatives trialled, a few of which can inevitably trickle all the way down to nationwide sport and have an effect on all. For instance, on the latest Hanoverian stallion licensing I noticed handlers being informed to let facet reins out so the horses had been working in a extra pure body.

The chance of unintended penalties

The FEI dressage technical committee will assist trials of particular grand prix courses as much as CDI3* for individuals who want to use a snaffle bridle. Some stakeholders at latest conferences raised issues, with one saying: “Each one who has ridden in a double bridle is aware of that used correctly it will possibly the truth is be one of many mildest bits…

“In the event you put in an non-compulsory rule simply because the general public calls for it, you’ll unintentionally create a special battle. To the general public, there’ll in future
be two teams in dressage – the ‘dangerous’ 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 seen 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 proper factor.

Let’s face it, any bit or bridle might be delicate or harsh – all of it comes all the way 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 new noseband tightness gauges will take away all ambiguity, which is an effective factor. The present system of utilizing two fingers is an unscientific method – in spite of everything, whose fingers are getting used?

Suggesting it will likely be upsetting for the horses appears like a weak argument. If we will prepare horses to enter arenas and carry out the grand prix or bounce a 1.60m and settle for carrying a bridle within the first place then it may be achieved.

Sensible subsequent steps

After all, there are methods to create a extra horse-friendly atmosphere on the tack verify. Small modifications, reminiscent of these we noticed at Aachen CDIO5* this yr, like transferring the steward’s tent away from the gathering ring, created a way more relaxed atmosphere for the horses.

A few of our extra skilled grand prix riders have additionally been discussing new concepts. Two-time Olympian Emile Faurie is considering 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 concept of what the stewards are searching for, leading to extra concord all-round.

Worldwide grand prix dressage rider Dan Watson has advised transferring younger horse class necessities again a yr – so the five-year-olds would do the four-year-old checks and so forth. The younger horse season spans solely half the yr, with championships concluding by September, which suggests coaching wants to start out even earlier within the yr. The UK already has a seven-year-old take a look at at superior medium degree, however the FEI’s take a look at for this age group is at prix st georges degree, which is a bit far when held in March.

A really completely different perspective

The latest launch of the Disney+ collection Rivals actually provides the general public one other perspective on the equestrian world. Making love, not struggle appears acceptable going into the festive season.

● What modifications would you prioritise to rebuild public belief whereas guaranteeing horse welfare stays central? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your title, nearest city and nation, for the possibility to your letter to seem in a forthcoming problem of the journal

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