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The Epitome
of Dressage |
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World Cup Photos
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The Epitome of Dressage
I am in awe of my own ignorance. I am not new to dressage. I have read countless books and watched many videos. I've taken lessons, ridden in clinics, and competed in shows. But, until the World Cup in Las Vegas, I did not fully understand the object and the goal of dressage. I could recite to you the words. The object of dressage is clearly defined as "the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. As a result it makes the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible but also confident, attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with his rider." Dressage is more than just the movements, although they are part of it. It is more than the athleticism of the horse and the skill of the rider. True dressage is a work of art, a thing of beauty, a dance so spectacular that when performed correctly it will take your very breath away. With tears streaming down my face, this came to life for me watching Steffen Peters ride Ravel to a historical victory in Las Vegas. I learned so much. While all the rides were fantastic, the epitome of harmonious understanding was found in the communication between Steffen and Ravel. With complete ease and confidence they mastered the Grand Prix test and Freestyle. With invisible aids, they flowed from movement to movement, in total relaxation and grace. That is the image I will picture when I visualize true dressage. That will be my benchmark. There were many other lessons to remember. Jan Eberling had a challenging Grand Prix test with Rafalca. Green at this level of competition, Rafalca demonstrated tension and resistance at the start. Jan had a difficult time getting her to focus on her rider, instead of the environment. After several difficult moments, Jan had no choice but to focus on damage repair. As Anne Gribbons counseled, in moments such as these, all you can do is ride forward and show what your horse can do; don't look behind. Even at this level of competition, horses will be horses, and you have to adapt accordingly. There was heartache. Adelinde Cornelissen was unable to compete when her horse, Parzival , was injured in a warm up session. After a brilliant ride on Wednesday, Leslie Morse was excused from competition on Thursday by the Grand Jury who found irregularity in Kingston's gaits. Minna Tilde withdrew her horse Don Charly ahead of the Saturday Freestyle class when she discovered unsoundness in his right foreleg. Our hearts were with Jan Brink as he rode Briar in Briar's very last international competition. And, there was not a dry eye in the arena when the saddle was removed from Brentina during that memorable retirement ceremony. There were mistakes. Heath Ryan had a memory lapse during his test and forgot the halt and rein back, newly added this competition season. Jan Brink and Anky both had errors in the changes, but showed that if something goes wrong, it only goes wrong for a moment. There were successes. Minna Telde's Don Charly scored a ten from one judge for her extended walk, the definition of ground covering, regular yet free. At the walk, you have to trust the horse to be with you, and Don Charly was with Minna all the way. Isabell Werth's Satchmo demonstrated flawless half passes, smoothly flowing from one direction to the other. Nadine redefined the extended canter, going for broke with energy and impulsion, and then coming back nicely into collection. A risk taker, Hans Peter was rewarded with nine's for the extended gaits. And, who will forget Guenter Seidel and Elizabeth Ball with the spectacular Pas de Deux, performed to the Phantom of the Opera? Other items of note… The goal of dressage training is to give the horse complete confidence in the rider. Memorable quote - A quitter never wins. When the horse is balanced under the rider, transitions are easy. The horse needs to carry the rider. Ashley Holzer describes her horse Pop Art as the little engine that could. What he lacks in size and power, he makes up with will to perform and a huge heart. A family pet, Ashley's children trail ride Poppie when she is not competing him. Jeannette Haazan, just a fraction over 5 feet tall, rides the 18 hand Nartan with elegance. Purchased as a 2 ½ year old, Jeannette is the only one who has ever ridden Nartan. Her husband, a successful Paralympics coach, found Nartan for Jeannette and assists her at shows behind the scenes. Isabell Werth describes Satchmo as a domineering, bossy horse. She has to work around him, making him think what she is asking of him is his idea. Now I understand what my trainer has been saying about needing a smaller control panel. These riders make the movements look effortless, yet you know they are working. But, the aids and corrections are barely perceptible. They ask, they receive, they reward, all with minimal effort. If it doesn't happen right the first time, no problem, they circle and try again. Lots of pats and praise when the horse gets it right. I will always be grateful to Kyra Beth Houston and Dressage.com for making this experience possible. My hope is their work can continue, making dressage accessible to all, no matter where you are. [How you can help keep Dressage on TV] I am starting my savings fund now for the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY in 2010. With any luck, I'll see you there! |
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