Memo from Dressage Commitee

PiaffePony0412 · 01-09-2008, 01:25 PM

Yeah, I've been following this as well, and I'm a bit mixed on it truthfully. I can certainly see pro's and con's to both sides, and while I'm all for improvement of the sport and tightening the standards so American dressage can be taken a bit more seriously... American dressage will NEVER be what it is in Europe... at least not in our lifetime- and the US can't just look overseas and have the 'what's good for the goose, is good for the gander!' mentality.

Dressage is a very different thing over there than it is here. Equestrian sports alone are very different. For one- NO one in America gives any thought to the olympic equestrian sports unless they are horse people. In Europe- Showjumping and Dressage are in the TOP TEN spectator sports- SJ taking the #4 spot!!!
I think before the USDF makes a move on it's own people, they need to make a move to bring the sport out to others. Get non-hosey corporate sponsers involved, Gatorade, Car Companies, etc., not just Cosequin and Legend.

I don't disagree with the idea, but I think it's unfortunately the wrong move to make this soon and is going to disrupt quite a bit for your average American dressage rider. I read a statistic recently about horses owners in America- there are more than 2 million, and like, over a third of that don't make more than 50k a year..... not everyone can afford to show so many times in the same level in order to work their way up- and it's completely unfair to think that they are any less serious or determined of riders.

This situation works in Europe because Dressage training is A) far less expensive (comparitively with their lifestyle), it's like sending your kid to piano lessons. B) much easier to acquire from a REPUTABLE trainer. There are standards over there- not nearly as many 'backyard' trainers. C) again, its huge with people who don't ride or own horses as well. Anky is as much as a celebrity in Holland as Tiger Woods is in the US- people know him no matter if they golf or not! and finally D) It is supported by the corporations through sponsorship. Audi, Rolex, VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Deutsche Bank, Rabobank, business, etc. etc. the list goes on.

So, that's my take, and as much as I would like to see America come round to Dressage- they are going to have to come round to Fußball first and I don't see that happening...

-Piaffepony0412

Kissitgoodbye · 01-09-2008, 03:31 PM

Good points P.P

I have the same feeling with it, but making the rule 3rd level and above is no problem for me and thats where it NEEDS the help at.

JKetsche · 01-09-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kissitgoodbye

I have the same feeling with it, but making the rule 3rd level and above is no problem for me and thats where it NEEDS the help at.

I'm sorry, call me addled, but I'm confused--are you saying that you think it's good that they only require it for 3rd and up? If so, I guess we agree there--if they're going to do anything, it should not be at the lower levels, where access is critical (I personally still don't like it, but I won't go there again). So just to clarify--you're glad they're making the rule at least at the "upper" levels, since that's where the problems start becoming more evident (and presumably riders that reach that point are a bit more committed to showing/making things happen to get to their goals). Did I read that right?

Kissitgoodbye · 01-09-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKetsche

I'm sorry, call me addled, but I'm confused--are you saying that you think it's good that they only require it for 3rd and up? If so, I guess we agree there--if they're going to do anything, it should not be at the lower levels, where access is critical (I personally still don't like it, but I won't go there again). So just to clarify--you're glad they're making the rule at least at the "upper" levels, since that's where the problems start becoming more evident (and presumably riders that reach that point are a bit more committed to showing/making things happen to get to their goals). Did I read that right?

Well if you want me to be more specific I would like it to be on all levels, but to save myself from having another heated debate, I kept my wording just to 3rd level.

And it wasn't that I didn't want it, which I do want it, but I think they are going to have to continue to adjust the system til everyone is somewhat happy.

horseyfrk145 · 01-09-2008, 04:48 PM

^^^
Unfortunatley, I don't think that will ever happen. Even if people are happy, they will find some flaw - because face it, if you're a dressage rider (I am as well, though no where near as good as you - nor as experienced), you're (usually, IMO) a perfectionist. everything has to be right, and it has to be your way (you being a general statement - just to be clear)

i'm interested to see how this all ends...thanks for keeping us updated

Kissitgoodbye · 01-09-2008, 04:52 PM

Good points, but the USDF will come to a conclusion if members like it or do not like it.

It is going to be interesting. As it effects lower level riders, it will do the same for top riders as well.

horseyfrk145 · 01-09-2008, 04:58 PM

def, I agree 100%

eventually, they will make a disicion - and people will like it, or they won't. I'm sure there will be tons of both...and I'm sure it will affect everyone to some degree - I'm glad that they're reading peoples' responses and such, and I'm anxious to see what they decide, and what people think.

Fox Glove · 01-09-2008, 05:01 PM

Interesting points PiaffePony0412, and I am sure exactly why one of my favorite trainers is now living in Germany, even at the very top of their game BNT and BNR's can do better in Europe at various stages of their careers. They do seem to embrace the sport in a far more commerical way.

*Sigh* just a disadvantage of living in a "young" Country.

Paula

PiaffePony0412 · 01-09-2008, 05:03 PM

It will certainly need lots of adjustment, but they 'supposedly' haven't even begun to think about criteria/the amount of points you'll need/the entire point system yet, they are still in the talks of if they are going to DO IT and go that far or not.

I will agree that I think after 2nd is where we need to seperate the men from the boys. Once you start using a double and getting your horse in the kind of fitness required for 3rd and above- in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing- it could be detremental to the horse, (really as with ANY horse of ANY level in the hands of some ignorant person, but I think you get where I'm coming from...)

Not only that, but another pro I see from that angle is weeding out the politics! Which is what I miss and envy most about the European arena. Rich people who can't ride are always going to be around, and politics are truly in everything, everywhere- but the politics here in the USA, UGH, I blame it on the hunters..... (hehehe nobody attack me! :P)
It totally turned me off from pursuing the sport professionally here.
So, I think that this new system could greatly help the US out in that area... as it will set some sort of 'bar standard' that is equal for everyone regardless of their name/sponsor/spouse/etc.
But, we'll see.

-Piaffepony0412

PiaffePony0412 · 01-09-2008, 05:05 PM

Where in Germany Paula?

01-09-2008, 03:31 PM	#12
Kissitgoodbye Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 7,892 Images: 71 Blog Entries: 4	Good points P.P I have the same feeling with it, but making the rule 3rd level and above is no problem for me and thats where it NEEDS the help at. __________________ i am only one; but still i am one. i cannot do everything, but still i can do something; i will not refuse to do the something i can do

01-09-2008, 04:52 PM	#16
Kissitgoodbye Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 7,892 Images: 71 Blog Entries: 4	Good points, but the USDF will come to a conclusion if members like it or do not like it. It is going to be interesting. As it effects lower level riders, it will do the same for top riders as well. __________________ i am only one; but still i am one. i cannot do everything, but still i can do something; i will not refuse to do the something i can do

01-09-2008, 05:01 PM	#18
Fox Glove Senior Member+ Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Horse Country Posts: 5,946 Images: 68 Blog Entries: 18	Interesting points PiaffePony0412, and I am sure exactly why one of my favorite trainers is now living in Germany, even at the very top of their game BNT and BNR's can do better in Europe at various stages of their careers. They do seem to embrace the sport in a far more commerical way. Sigh just a disadvantage of living in a "young" Country. Paula __________________ I have been snowballed

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01-09-2008, 01:25 PM	#11
PiaffePony0412 Senior Member+ Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: All over! But I'm in Florida for now! Posts: 364 Images: 68	Yeah, I've been following this as well, and I'm a bit mixed on it truthfully. I can certainly see pro's and con's to both sides, and while I'm all for improvement of the sport and tightening the standards so American dressage can be taken a bit more seriously... American dressage will NEVER be what it is in Europe... at least not in our lifetime- and the US can't just look overseas and have the 'what's good for the goose, is good for the gander!' mentality. Dressage is a very different thing over there than it is here. Equestrian sports alone are very different. For one- NO one in America gives any thought to the olympic equestrian sports unless they are horse people. In Europe- Showjumping and Dressage are in the TOP TEN spectator sports- SJ taking the #4 spot!!! I think before the USDF makes a move on it's own people, they need to make a move to bring the sport out to others. Get non-hosey corporate sponsers involved, Gatorade, Car Companies, etc., not just Cosequin and Legend. I don't disagree with the idea, but I think it's unfortunately the wrong move to make this soon and is going to disrupt quite a bit for your average American dressage rider. I read a statistic recently about horses owners in America- there are more than 2 million, and like, over a third of that don't make more than 50k a year..... not everyone can afford to show so many times in the same level in order to work their way up- and it's completely unfair to think that they are any less serious or determined of riders. This situation works in Europe because Dressage training is A) far less expensive (comparitively with their lifestyle), it's like sending your kid to piano lessons. B) much easier to acquire from a REPUTABLE trainer. There are standards over there- not nearly as many 'backyard' trainers. C) again, its huge with people who don't ride or own horses as well. Anky is as much as a celebrity in Holland as Tiger Woods is in the US- people know him no matter if they golf or not! and finally D) It is supported by the corporations through sponsorship. Audi, Rolex, VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Deutsche Bank, Rabobank, business, etc. etc. the list goes on. So, that's my take, and as much as I would like to see America come round to Dressage- they are going to have to come round to Fußball first and I don't see that happening... -Piaffepony0412

01-09-2008, 05:03 PM	#19
PiaffePony0412 Senior Member+ Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: All over! But I'm in Florida for now! Posts: 364 Images: 68	It will certainly need lots of adjustment, but they 'supposedly' haven't even begun to think about criteria/the amount of points you'll need/the entire point system yet, they are still in the talks of if they are going to DO IT and go that far or not. I will agree that I think after 2nd is where we need to seperate the men from the boys. Once you start using a double and getting your horse in the kind of fitness required for 3rd and above- in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing- it could be detremental to the horse, (really as with ANY horse of ANY level in the hands of some ignorant person, but I think you get where I'm coming from...) Not only that, but another pro I see from that angle is weeding out the politics! Which is what I miss and envy most about the European arena. Rich people who can't ride are always going to be around, and politics are truly in everything, everywhere- but the politics here in the USA, UGH, I blame it on the hunters..... (hehehe nobody attack me! :P) It totally turned me off from pursuing the sport professionally here. So, I think that this new system could greatly help the US out in that area... as it will set some sort of 'bar standard' that is equal for everyone regardless of their name/sponsor/spouse/etc. But, we'll see. -Piaffepony0412

01-09-2008, 05:05 PM	#20
PiaffePony0412 Senior Member+ Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: All over! But I'm in Florida for now! Posts: 364 Images: 68	Where in Germany Paula?