Co-Chairs Gundi Younger and Victoria Von Arx had the pleasure of attending the “Let’s Ride Symposium” presented by the California Dressage Society on January 14th held at LAEC in Burbank. Here’s their synopsis:
The Symposium was developed to review both the revised purpose of each level, and the individual changes to the 2023-2026 dressage tests. A superstar panel of Mike Osinski and Janet Curtis, both “S” judges with vast experience in judging, riding and teaching at the highest levels provided real-time scoring and “purpose” commentary while the riders (all trainers) rode each of the new tests. After the rides, Melissa Creswick and Hilda Gurney, also both “S” judges with extraordinary experience at the highest levels gave their overall commentary on the rides and also worked with the riders to further improve the areas that gave them difficulty.
*All changes to the “Purpose of the Level” and the “Changes to the Tests by Level” are available on the USDF website. Knowing the purpose of the level is just as important as knowing the test movements before getting in the ring.
Overall it was very helpful to see the new tests ridden, but it was especially helpful to get the perspective on each test, and listen to the training and riding tips given by these accomplished judges to help create more harmony, balance, throughness and engagement for that higher score. Of utmost importance to the judges was the partnership with the horse, taking things slowly to create a better learning opportunity, and creating harmony with the horse. The panel also commented on how, when they are judging, they do take into consideration the individual breeds, and the different biomechanics and conformation that affects the way of going for each horse.
As we know, each of the levels have their own purpose/directives, but there were several key elements that were repeated and insisted upon from Training level thru Grand Prix, each based on the Training Pyramid. All of these specifics we as riders know are foundational, we hear and read them on a regular basis, and work hard to accomplish them on our horses. They are essential to our success and always worth reviewing and integrating in our daily rides. So, here are their reminders:
– “Carrying/Throughness/Engagement” per the requirement of the specific level, must be accomplished with pushing from the hind into a free shoulder.
– Balance with elasticity in all gaits and transitions
– Prompt reactions to the aids
– Clear transitions within the gaits
– Accuracy of movements: not just the geometry, but the straightness of the horse, correctness of bend, and suppleness/throughness
– Quality and tempo of the gait = Cadence. Cadence in all gaits is essential. According to the USDF Glossary of Dressage Judging Terms, cadence is defined as: “The marked accentuation of the rhythm and (musical) beat that is a result of a steady and suitable tempo harmonizing with a springy impulsion.”
– In medium/extended gaits, the tempo must remain the same with a lengthening of the stride,
not additional speed.
-Keep the forward flow/momentum and reach through the shoulders in the movements. Forward flow doesn’t mean added speed, it means slowing down, creating engagement to create cadence while keeping forward thinking flow.
-Remember that “speed kills cadence and is the enemy of collection”
-Don’t forget to have fun and show the harmony with your horse 🙂
We want to send a big Thank You to board members Kristine DiTano and Amanda Pera McDonell for putting this beautiful basket for the silent auction together! Jackie Eckhaus had the winning bid on our great silent auction basket.
During the CDS Annual Meeting our Chapter was awarded with “Best Chapter Newsletter.” Congratulations to Rachel Masen for putting this informative, beautiful and now award winning newsletter together for our Chapter!