OCTOBER 2006 • VOLUME 14 • © Copyright HORSES For LIFE™ Publications

When watching the WEG's it was a very real pleasure to actually see a horse working ahead of the vertical.

At one time the FEI rules stated quite clearly that in piaffe the horse was to approach the vertical in piaffe. So seldom seen they have changed that to being on the bit, whatever that is supposed to mean.

So rarely seen, it was a joy to behold. To actually watch a rider who was not holding her horse's head in!

So often those who do not participate in competition wonder why "on" or "behind the vertical" is the rule rather than the exception. Especially when this clearly goes against the teachings of the classical masters and the rules of the FEI as well. If the rules say this is wrong but the all of the top contenders do it, then what is a beginner supposed to do? Go against those getting the top marks? Argue with the judges giving this high marks to those that are clearly flouting the FEI rules? Do the FEI rules mean anything? To anybody?

Well during this competition it was very clearly shown why those who want to win have chosen to completely ignore this standard. ...

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