Tuesday, May 2, 2006

2006 Kentucky Horse Park All-American Freestyle Symposium Delivers

It takes more than great gaits and perfect execution of movements to earn a trip to the winner’s circle in a musical freestyle. A big part of the final score is based on such elusive concepts as "choice of music," "cohesiveness," "degree of difficulty" and "use of the arena."

In an effort to demystify these concepts, successful dressage freestyle designers Marlene Whitaker and Terry Ciotti-Gallo joined forces with Olympic rider Robert Dover and FEI "O" judge Axel Steiner at the All-American Freestyle Symposium held at the Kentucky Horse Park April 22-23.

It’s the artistic marks that give pause for many riders – whether a freestyle novice or veteran – leaving them wondering what judges saw that they didn’t.

"That’s why the focus here is on the concepts found on the artistic score sheet of the freestyle," said Margee Koffler, co-organizer of the event. "It’s a bit of a ‘how-to’ symposium."

PhelpsPhoto®: Axel Steiner, Marlene Whiaker, Terri Ciotti-Gallo,Robert Dover