Competition

As I start to make plans to enter Lou in shows, I naturally think to the differences in my approach since I last competed a horse in the ring. In my last season on Pilot, I was trying out the McLean approach and trying to change things - but in hindsight there was much more going on in the dynamic with that horse, so there wasn't the same opportunity to really build the balance and connection that I already have with Lou.

I also think to the comparisons between a 'classical/ethical' approach to riding and the 'modern' approach. Although the following article is specific to competitive dressage, it is thought provoking and there are many similarities. It is written by the wonderfully knowledgeable and articulate Dr Thomas Ritter.

http://www.artisticdressage.com/articles/competition.html

"In the past, the divide between classical dressage and the competitive establishment was not as wide as it seems to be today, because the content of the teaching as well as the competition rules and judging guidelines were largely controlled, or at least heavily influenced by, the military"

I like the term 'competitive establishment' - it is more accurate than 'modern dressage' because in some ways, just using the term 'classical dressage' reinforces the perception that it is outdated, superseded by 'better' modern methods. People tend to think newer is better, changes must be improvements... it is a cultural antithesis to think that something was better BEFORE, that someone in the past got it right.

"An issue that has become all too obvious in the last 15 years is that mainstream dressage is always subject to fads, new 'discoveries' of questionable value and unproven novel methods".

While the show-ring seems luckily immune to horrors such as rollkur you do see a veritable smorgasbord of gear being used by people with little idea of why they are using it, what they hope to achieve with it, and what consequences they may produce with it! Running reins are an obvious favourite, more often you are seeing tight running martingales. And of course double bridles in the hands of riders who have little concern for the intricacies of their action - because it is 'the look'. Yes a refined look, and elegant look - EXCEPT when an uncomfortable horse has their gob open, they are on the forehand, or they are mincing behind a horizontal curb!

And I couldn't put this better myself - in terms of judges, or more inexperienced riders and producers -

"a current widespread problem is that many judges seem to be so used to seeing horses that are on the forehand, with short, curled up necks and high croups, that they think this is correct..."

But just as one starts feeling despondent, he closes his article with -

"In the big scheme of things, it is not so important that the classical trained horse/rider combination always wins. It is far more important for the classically educated rider to represent his teachers and the classical heritage with dignity and integrity by riding well and placing the horse's well-being above all other considerations."

It brings me back to mindfulness - if you can't feel proud of what you have done - what joy is in that achievement??