Discrimination

" Dusty"

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m probably not ever going to show in dressage at high levels and I have no desire to.  The main reason being that even though an old hunter/equitation dog can learn new tricks, from what I’ve seen I don’t really want to be a part of the dressage showing world.  At this point I have no respect for most of the judges who reward bad riding, the trainers who train what they think the judges want to see, or the riders who only get by because they buy the “right” horses to get them ahead. 

I don’t want to single out anyone in particular from the above grouping but some of the blame should ultimately be put on riders for not questioning the practices that are being taught for reward in the ring. Once you realize that most of us are not going to attract sponsors, the accepted philosophy of showing, in my opinion, comes down to torturing a horse for a ribbon that we may or may not get rewarded with.  How sick is that? Our horses are supposed to be our partners in a relationship forged with mutual trust.  How then can we reward ourselves with a ribbon for totally abusing an animal who started out trusting us?

Another reason why I probably wouldn’t show is I know that Dusty (a lowly quarter horse) would be discriminated against and she doesn’t deserve that sort of treatment.  She’s trying hard to learn what I ask of her and does many movements right, but because she’s a palomino quarter horse the judge probably wouldn’t even give her a second glance, so I won’t waste my time or hers.  Unless she gets fantastically good, then I might just take her to annoy others and show that indeed a quarter horse can look light and correctly do what’s asked with proper training. I’m considering a musical freestyle performance to either Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” or the song “Brickhouse” by the Commodores.  (Is there an instrumental version out there somewhere?)  Which do you think would be more “Dusty”?

Lest you think I don’t like warmbloods, you couldn’t be more wrong. I have nothing against warmbloods; the love of my life was a fancy 17.2 hand grey Dutch Warmblood from Holland who I had for 15 years and lost a few years back. What I rebel against is the discrimination of any horse.  The whole meaning and definition of dressage means “training” so any horse that’s trained properly and performing to the best of their natural abilities should be accepted.

What I’d like to see, if and when the dressage community seeks reform, is an acceptance of greater diversity, both in training schools/philosophies and in breed/type.  There is such a cookie-cutter mentality out there now that any deviation from this very narrow definition isn’t considered worthy of the term “dressage.”  Unfortunately, this new school of dressage has proven itself false and inferior to more traditional methods in many ways.  It has also proven itself less tolerant of those who don’t conform to its particular brand of dressage.  If we’re ever to rescue the disciplines from this downward spiral, I’d like to see more representatives of different schools and breeds not only taking part but given equal consideration; I’d like to see them judged on their individual merits rather than their degree of conformity to some new fad.  Let’s welcome them all, side by side, and let the performances speak for themselves.

Until next time

Quote for Today

If you only see the beauty of their markings and limbs then their true beauty is hidden from you.

 

Time for Change

Nuno Oliveira

Phillipe Karl

Dressage:Equilibrium Through Horses Blog

“starts a revolution”

I’ve recently become aware of the lthorse blog through another blog, Transition To Harmony. Lthorse left this comment on my FEI presidency post:

“I know that Rolkur has been the hot topic of late, but in general, the whole picture of dressage has changed. We have strayed so far from the classical ideals that many folks out there are not really sure what that means anymore. I am doing a series of posts on my blog on this very subject.

I am developing a mailing list of like-minded rider/trainers/competitors who are passionate about preserving the principles of classical dressage. Check out my posts, and if you like what you read, I hope you will help me to promote it. My goal is 100 subscribers initially: http://www.lighthorsefarm.com/LHFBlog/talkin-bout-a-revolution.

I’m happy to help lthorse promote her newsletter and her principles of classical dressage.  Perhaps if we get a ground-swell movement going we can make a difference. The art of classical dressage is in jeopardy today and most importantly the horses need to get back to being treated humanely and ridden correctly.  If you think you might be interested check out her blog today. 

Until next time

Quote for Today

(Copied from lthorse blog post today)

 “Modern training methods too easily ignore the horse’s natural way of moving not without undesirable results (The Walk-The Most Difficult Gait, Dressage and CT, July 1991 by Egon Von Neindorff).”

A Matter of Trust - Volume I - DVD Review

DVD Review

A Matter of Trust - Volume I

Introduction of DVD

v  Walter A. Zettl is a life-long equestrian with over 57 years experience in riding and coaching some of the world’s finest horses and students.  Walters’ many successes include international level competitions at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the North American Young Riders.  Walter is the author of Dressage in Harmony and countless articles published in the U.S. and Europe. His knowledge of Classical Dressage is unsurpassed. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1929 and now a resident of Canada, he travels all over the world teaching his life’s work to equine enthusiasts everywhere.

v  A Matter of Trust, Volume I, is the first of a four part series that will cover classical dressage techniques from Training level through Grand Prix.  Including basic guidelines for equine behavior, movement, gaits, physical and mental characteristics of the horse as well as a training plan for the first year.  The first half of the video gives an intricate look at the horse, the rider, timing of the aids, movement and correct use of seat and aids. The second half delivers an extraordinary lesson plan for establishing a solid foundation.

v  Walter elaborates on the theory which the classical masters have used for centuries. His classic approach re-defines the correct training methods, proper movements and carriage of the horse.  In this video, Walter sets the standards of what true classical dressage was meant to be.

Some of the special features of this DVD include interviews with Walter that are candid, informative and full of heart.

There are also two lessons in their entirety.

This video is 230 minutes of pure enjoyment for anyone who loves horses and it showcases Walter  Zettl as  one of the true masters of classical dressage instruction, the way it is meant to be.  I found this DVD to be informative and easy to follow.  Listening to this man and his quiet way of teaching and learning from his years of experience, I could only wish I had found an instructor of this caliber and heart somewhere along the way with my horses. Anyone who is interested in riding correctly and treating the horse with respect should definitely invest in this set.  So far, I have only watched this first video but I was so impressed that I would recommend the entire four-volume set without even seeing the rest of it.  Rest assured when I get the time to watch the remainder of the set I will give you an update. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s hard to be a grown-up with responsibilities and not enough time to do what you want when the mood strikes. If you would rather not purchase the set without seeing the contents first, you can rent it at www.giddyupflix.com. I’m sure that once you view A Matter of Trust you’ll want to keep a set on hand to refer back to again and again.

On closing one more thing I’ve got to comment on was the man himself, I’m not easily impressed by people (especially instructors) but this man is the genuine article.  One thing he said that stayed with me: “The horse’s eyes are his soul”. When was the last time you heard an instructor say something like that!

Until next time

Quote for Today

“I attempt to educate riders to make their horses happy, confident and proud to work for them. Force and battling have no place in my training method. I speak with absolute certainty on this point because I have witnessed its success for 50 years and have sadly watched the effects of rough, insensitive, and impatient methods on these patient animals. I believe in dressage as art, and I have practiced that art throughout my professional life.”
-Walter A. Zettl

Help Ban Rollkur

Help Ban Rollkur Now

We may finally have the chance to make our voices heard and ban Rollkur/hyperflexion for good. The furor over this particular video has been the spark igniting the controversy about Rollkur. Billie at camera-obscura, has done a wonderful and thorough job of researching all the links and petitions for us to sign. She has also written many thoughtful posts on the subject. Please visit her blog for more information about this disgusting and abusive practice that needs to be condemned and stopped now. We need to get back to the classical and humane way of interacting with our riding partners.

Until next time

Quote for Today

What the horse does under compulsion...is done without understanding...and there is no beauty in it.
    - Xenophon

A Change of Venue

A Change of Venue

I came upon this petition put out by Philippe Karl and anyone interested in stopping the abusive practices that are happening around the world in dressage and other disciplines may want to look it up and sign it. In my opinion, this is a start and one way to let the judges and sponsors know that the grading they are currently giving the "stars" is not okay with everyone. Most of these "stars" use abusive training methods to make up a horse quickly and get them out there exhibiting the flash and dash that some uneducated audiences want to see. Most of these poor horses are thrown out by the time they are eight or nine years old. That’s right. Can you believe that? It’s disgusting what some people will do for their egos and money.


It might also be a good idea to write to the sponsors of these "stars" and let them know that we will no longer buy their products if they are endorsed by riders and trainers who employ rollkur - or as the judges so conveniently call it now "hyper-flexion." No matter what name it goes by, it is still abuse. We have to start somewhere to let them know that what dressage has become is no longer acceptable and must be brought back to the original classical style. The horses need someone to speak for them and make this nonsense stop.

JME has also posted this particular link on her blog with a well written post, titled Dressage Detox, check it out and the comments as well.


Click on this link to sign the petition:

http://philippe-karl.com/703

Until next time

Quote for Today

" In order to serve its purpose, a vision has to be a shared vision."

Warren Bennis

Book Review - Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage

‘Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage’

By

Philippe Karl

A search for a classical alternative

The following statements are reproduced directly from the back cover of this book:

A critical and revolutionary book about dressage and what it has become today.

Philippe Karl, one of the most outspoken critics of the modern dressage world which aims purely at competing a horse as early as possible in well-paid high-level competitions, reveals some disturbing facts in this book. The author analyses the physical, anatomical and mental condition of a horse with regard to the official dressage guideline issued by the German Equestrian Federation (FN). By comparing theses with the doctrines of such masters of classical riding as La Gueriniere or Baucher, he illustrates beliefs and mistakes and shows us solutions to the dire situation of modern competitive dressage.

From the content:

· Key problems of dressage” physical aspects, straightness, balance, exercises

· The hand, leg and seat

· A system and its effects: dressage, breeding and business

· Suggestion of a “ classical” alternative” the philosophy of “legerete”

About the author

Philippe Karl, a breeder and rider, is involved in all areas of equine sport. He was an active member of the Cadre Noir, the French elite riding school in Saumur, for thirteen years.

Karl lives in Southern France and teaches riding students all over Europe. His previous publications “Hohe Schule der Doppellonge” and “Reitkunst”” have been translated into several languages and achieved international recognition.

Philippe Karl is also a talented artist whose detailed and often satirical drawings complement this book.

***

Philippe Karl is one of the few truly classical voices still out there in the dressage world, so I have been looking forward to reading this book for a long time. I really enjoyed this informative and well written book and think everyone interested in dressage and good horsemanship in general should read it more than once. It’s not a ponderous tome, but is an easy read with many clear and precise illustrations. What I liked most about it is the author’s sarcastic wit; he is not afraid to apply it to what is clearly wrong with modern training practices that are so popular nowadays, such as rollkur. Are you listening Anky?

He also recognizes that not all riders have expensive horses with perfect conformation and shows the average person how to deal effectively with the horse they have, and not just some hypothetical ideal horse. For instance, he provides insights on how best to work with a ewe-necked horse with a hollow back or an over-bent horse, etc.. Some are lucky enough to have the horse of their dreams with perfect conformation and manners; however, most of us have ordinary horses and must train the horse we have. Mr. Karl assures us that all horses can do dressage and explains in detail how to work with different types of horses to achieve balance and correct way of going through illustrations and clear descriptions.

There are many points in this book that are helpful in starting the young horse or working with any horse correctly. I especially liked the sections on proper use of the double bridle and use of hands. Truthfully, it is just too hard to pick any one section of the book because they are all informative, witty and clear to understand, even for a novice. Some of the highlights are the author’s own drawings, illustrations and caricatures which are very amusing.

This book is obviously geared more toward the dressage rider; however, I think there is information here that is universal and would be helpful to riders in all disciplines, english and western. If you want to do yourself and your horse a favor, I would suggest trying this book. I read the book first before I watched the four videos that complement it. Again, in my opinion, I think reading the book first and then viewing the videos gave me more of a feel for what was happening.

The videos are absolutely wonderful and easy to learn the correct way of doing things. I bet if you watched them, you would be surprised to see how much you can learn and simplify the training of your horse. There is even a section where he has the horses longeing and ridden over jumps, explaining that one of the best ways to stretch the horse’s topline is over a jump. I know, I know, some dressage queen’s head just imploded when I mentioned jumping!

The videos are:

Classical Dressage – Philippe Karl

· # 1 – The School of Aids

· # 2 - The School of Gymnastics

· # 3 - The School of Dance

· # 4 - Training Progress “one year later”

As you can see, I wholeheartedly recommend this book and these videos. We never stop learning in our journeys with our horses and this book and videos are a wonderful way to make the journey more rewarding for both horse and rider.

Until next time

Quote for Today

If one induces the horse to assume that carriage which it would adopt of its own accord when displaying its beauty, then one directs the horse to appear joyous and magnificent, proud and remarkable for having been ridden.
- Xenophon