I was not able to take a 'judges eye
look' at the Elementary horses as the ring was situated quite a
distance from my judging post. Most of the horses took advantage of
the entire area for warm up and familiarisation - so I got to see a few
combinations.
Janice Usherwood must be
warmly congratulated for a
70.50% score - both judges agreed that her test was 'fairly good' as their marks were just one apart - a
great judging effort and, of course, a wonderful result for one of our
most talented riders.
Another rider who deserves a special mention
is Daniella Vasella on her 'home bred' Summerzar Al Tempest who came
second to Janice with another fantastic 69% score. I had the feeling that
some of the horses presented at this level were not really up to the job
and it seemed as if perhaps the riders may not have been fully conversant
with the requirements of the test. What is the correct degree of
collection for this level? Is my horse correctly on the bit? Is he
forward enough? These, and more questions are always at the root of
the riders training program, and all competitors must ensure that they
make time to carefully read the judges remarks and reflect these comments
and marks against the test requirements which are printed on the sheet.
Ideally the rider should discuss their competition experiences and results
with an experienced instructor or Dressage trainer who understands
what the judges are looking for and where the marks may have been lost.
This is really the only way to learn. I felt that some riders did
not completely understand the requirement of the test that they were
riding. Many seemed to 'throw the reins' when the tests pecifically
asked for the horse to stretch down whilst MAINTAINING CONTACT! Of
course, you cannot give a mark above 5 when this happens as it is not
correct.
It is said, by some, that Elementary
level is where 'real dressage' begins ... as ... 'real dressage' should
contain a degree of collection, the ability to correctly perform
some lateral movements and a simple or flying
change. This 'school of thought advocates that earlier work than
this should be considered training or preparatory level!
In considering the
movements and structure which make up an
Elementary test, it is clear to the experienced trainer, that the horse much
have a very good basic education established, with all of the elements of the
German Training Scale securely in place. RHYTHM, SUPPLENESS, CONTACT
... IMPULSION, STRAIGHTNESS and COLLECTION - for without the secure
interaction of
these qualities, the horse will not be able to competently perform a
collected trot from which he can show the shoulder in, medium trot.
Correct
canter for a simple change along with the balance and self carriage to
move through the movements with ease, all depends on how well the horses
has adapted to ... and learned the lessons of, collection!
I felt that
some horses were not trained up to this level and therefore the Elementary
test was asking too much of them. It is important that riders seek
to learn more of the theory of Dressage and not just ride a test to a
'floor plan'!
Again I must apologise that I missed
the tests of many of the higher placed riders- this was due to me being
first and foremost a judge ... and not a 'roving reporter' who could see a nice
test and chase up an equally nice picture. I hope I have managed to
provide a record of the event which you will find interesting.
