Two of the Grand Prix Freestyle competitors at Devon really gave a moving performance-- Jacqueline Brooks was one, and I have blogged about her in the past. A chestnut mare, Elfenfeur, and her rider Alice Tarjan, also had a memorable ride. In my own mind D-Niro and Elfenfeur would have placed at the top. I love to watch powerful horses moving balls-to-the-walls as much as the next person ;-), but the overall picture is not just energy, but tension. I don't always get a sense that the horse is loving it. The most special rides show a harmonious partnership, with both horse and rider bringing a sense of joy and sympatico. Jacqueline and De-Niro actually made me tear up.
I found this footage of AT and Elfenfeur at the U.S. dressage finals. Do you see what I mean? There is power, but also lightness, softness, balance, fluidity in equal parts.
.jpg)
I agree. Sometimes it seems like the tests that win at GP are full of power and brilliance but also a lot of tension. You're right, the horses don't always seem super happy in their work. I personally prefer a little less power/brilliance and more lightness and harmony. Helen Langehanenberg, Laura Graves, or Uta Graff come to mind...
ReplyDeleteNeither of these are relaxed or hormonious. I think you have been blinded by competitive dressage and either forgot or never knew what classic dressage, real dressage, looks like. True collection with light hands, a horse rocked over his hocks and reaching under himself with each stride, a horse who is using his abdominals and back with every stride. This horse is stiff, behind the vertical and never once activates his abdominals. He s athletic sure, but this is false collection. And what's with the leg swinging with the lead changes, thought the AIDS were to be invisible. Ohh and the leg to the flank during the backup was horribly ugly. If you need that to do a rein back its time to go back to basics.
ReplyDeleteHuh. Because you are anonymous I don't know your credentials, but I'm betting you have not ridden at the level we're talking about, and in my book, Kathy Connelly is a good gauge for what constitutes good work (she narrates the Elfenfeur ride). I'm not in a position to criticize riders at this level, I"m just pointing out rides that are most beautiful and inspiring to me. If I had to guess, I'd say you are an armchair critic without much basis for your opinions.
ReplyDeleteI watched both videos and I can feel how riding these horses would wear me out. I agree with Anon. and I ask the question would these horses move like this at liberty?
ReplyDeleteIf you mean, is it work for the horse and rider? Yes, riding and being ridden are hard work, classical riding does not mean without effort. I doubt horses would do all the grand prix movements in a typical turn around the pasture. But would they show this type of movement IMHO? Absolutely, at least I think so.
ReplyDeleteAny level rider with a good eye can spot what is wrong with this type of riding. No matter the credentials. Look at the horses noses in both videos. Are they on or infront of the vertical? Nope consistently behind the vertical.
ReplyDeleteCompare their riding to what is described in the FEI rules and regulations. I can guarantee its not what you are seeing here.
I have ridden true collection and it's beautiful and wonderful. The horse is light on his forehand (and light on the but mind you) and is driving and lifting from behind. It's a horse that can turn and move in an instant. My aim is to have a horse that moves off the shift of weight, I shouldn't have to swing my legs to his flank to get a cue. I can ask a rein back with a lightening of the seat and a feather touch on the rein.
And since you didn't touch on the topics I posted I'm assuming you have no clue what your talking about. Blindly following someone because they have "credientals" is lazy. Your only argument is "you must not have credentials so you must know nothing". Why don't you leave the show ring for a bit and go work with a trainer who doesn't show, that cares about the horses body and mind more than a ribbon. You will be amazed. Go find a classical trainer who refuses to show because of the horrors it promotes, maybe then you'll see what's wrong with these videos
Acknowledging an expert when you are not an expert yourself is not lazy, it is reasonable. I guess you feel pretty strongly that a lot of Grand Prix riders, and international judges like Linda Zang, are not up to your standards. You must be ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Any videos online?
ReplyDelete