Region 1 USDF Dressage Forum for Trainers, Riders and Judges
Forum Leaders: FEI “O” Dressage Judges Linda Zang (USA) and Steven Clarke (GB
Morven Park, Leesburg, VA 7-8 April '06
Jilba Dressage was excited to have three riders and four horses chosen for demonstration at this Region 1 Forum. Jules Anderson on two horses demonstrated PSG and Intermediare 11, Heidi Storm Graham demonstrated the Intermediare 1 and Young Rider Amy Chipman was the Fourth level demo. All four horses went well and Linda and Steven gave concrete tips to improve the presentation and smoothness of their rides.
Auditors booked up in large numbers and a special area was assigned to Dressage Judges, so that they could ask questions regarding the Judging segments of this Dressage Forum. The bleachers at Morven Park were crammed to overflowing which turned out to be cozy for the auditors as it turned out to be a very cold two days in April.
The Forum was designed to introduce the new 2007 USEF and USDF Dressage tests at all the levels. The tests would be discussed and the reasons for introducing certain movements and deleting some of the movements from the earlier tests were debated.
Linda and Steven critiqued, giving tips and encouragement to the participants as well as to the auditors and judges. They explained clearly and succinctly the basic principles of correct dressage at all the levels.
"We require a “happy” horse that is round, supple and flexible working through the back and from behind. The rider must also be supple and able to place their weight correctly and not balance on the reins for support and be able to keep their point of balance over the horse’s center of gravity. This combo of classical and correct riding together with a willing and happy horse leads to a good performance at any dressage level."
Linda and Steven were clear that when a horse reaches FEI, he must still be happy, be able to collect and expand their frame in an instant plus show self carriage and balance in all the movements.
Thank you to all who were involved in this wonderful service for the dressage community for Region 1.
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