Sunday, Sept 10, 2006

On the Scene at the 2006 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage National Championships

Judge's Commentary - An Issue?

In the Young Horse classes, judges give a commentary to the rider and audience over the PA system immediately following each ride. Yesterday there was some concern from competitors that the judges focused more on riding style than on the horses, and in too critical a way, leaving some riders feeling defeated. Scott Hassler said that the judges had a discussion yesterday and today the judging reflected a more sympathetic style. “Knowing both judges as I do, I know they have tremendous respect for the riders,” he said. “We used the situation as a constructive discussion and will make improvements, whether through judges’ forums or other means. The program is meant to be positive and I know they didn’t mean to come off the way they did.

Hassler has conducted two workshops this year on riding Young Horses and is optimistic about the future of the program. “The quality here is tremendous and it’s growing. The depth of riders competing is fantastic, too. There are about 14 Grand Prix riders just at this show and horses from 21 states; what a contribution they are making to the sport.”

HorsesDaily "On the Scene" at the 2006 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage National Championship