Horses for Life

*FEI Nixes Relaxation

Has the FEI decided to ignore the classical training scale in the newest updated version? Add Your Voice - tell us what you think is going on. Did they forget? Or have they decided to simply follow in the direction that the competitors are leading them? If so, who is leading?

PRINTING ERROR OR DEPARTURE FROM THE PRINCIPLES OF CLASSICAL TRAINING ???

One Sunday afternoon in early October, my dear friend Walter Zettl and his wife Heidi came over for an afternoon tea . We were talking about various topics, of course "horse stuff“, when Walter gave me a copy of the latest edition of the FEI training rule book. As he handed me the book I noticed the new cover showing a rider's hands, holding a double bridle with covered hands.

Already before opening the booklet, I thought: What message is this picture sending to our judges, who are using this book as a guideline? I don’t need to elaborate on the correct hand position here. I suggest to read some of the publications by J.C.Racinet, Nuno Oliveira etc. Covered Hands certainly should not be advocated by the FEI. It is sad enough to see many "pros“ ride like this.

But it would get even more interesting!

I could not believe that in the new rule book, one of the most important steps of the training scale was missing --- RELAXATION !!! ---

Is this a printing error, or did the officials responsible for these modifications deliberately remove the part of relaxation from the training scale?

One must assume that the new rulebook has been corrected and reviewed over and over again before being printed and published.

In other words – the part of RELAXATION has officially been removed from the training scale.

After a shameful performance of the FEI at their conference in Lauzanne, Switzerland, where after discussions of over-bending the horse's neck during training, better known as ( A.v.Ziegner : Zwangsjackenreiterei), it was given a wonderful, almost scientific name: Hyperflexion!!

Every serious trainer and rider who obeys the classical principles of training had hoped for some leadership by the FEI, banning this kind of abusive training.

Unfortunately this never happened.

Now the deletion of "RELAXATION“ from the training scale seems to be the second step to systematically dismantle the principles of classical training.

I can only hope this will trigger a worldwide flood of protest to correct this terrible mistake, because it opens the door even more to all kinds of abusive training methods.

We really do not need to waste time and effort to explain that a horse under tension and fear does not learn! (We all have seen the results of a dressage horse without "RELAXATION’’ in Aachen, (Germany).

These are not the pictures that we would like to see at future high level dressage competitions.

If the art of classical dressage is to be modified like this, I suggest the FEI should re-consider the name and call it "Circus Riding“ – it certainly does not deserve the name Dressage!

I hope this article will draw enough attention to these subjects in the training of horses in the sport of dressage, and cause the FEI to correct these terrible mistakes. Particularly in the light of the fact that this rule book is a guideline for our judges, I hope sincerely the FEI officials will correct these oversights, as we do not need more insecurity and lack of leadership in this wonderful sport.

Hans Hollenbach Xenora Horse Empoverment
Institute for Classical Training
Acton / On.

PS Many asked what "covered hands" referred to.

"The term "covered hands" is used for a hand position, where the thumbs are not carried upright on top of a gently closed fist. Instead the hands are carried as if you ride a bicycle. In other words the hands are horizontal, leading to a crossing of the two bones of the lower arms, resulting in locking of the elbow joints. The elbows are stuck out, away from the body, giving the impression the rider is wrestling the horse.
I hope this explains it."

Love and light
Hans

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Comments

Written by claire hodgson on 2007-11-03 07:01:33

I can't find the rule book to which you refer on the FEI site, but did find a reference to "relaxation" in the english version of the dressage rule (relevant to walk). so can only say that i agree that relaxation should be in there if it isn't!

but - what are "covered hands"?

Buzzing
Written by mrsmoon on 2007-11-03 20:28:45

It is doubtful that a horse can be truly relaxed when at a competition. Strange place and potential enemies. In most situations like this he must not be afraid of his rider also; that is the most usual scenario. Although I have no ambitition to compete, I would not rule out a controled excitement to get that extra extravegance .However it is usually destroyed in the "warm up" arena. Iberian horse owners know the value of sharpness to get performance. If a horse is feeling fear then excitement is the last thing you want. Make sure he wants to look after you and all will be ok when he starts to really "buzz".

FEI
Written by judyandshan on 2007-11-04 07:34:44

I have not seen this new rule book either , so can only comment, that relaxation is such an intregal part of developing a horse, ....it should never be removed.

I have resigned myself to the fact though , that there are two ways of riding a horse...with collection and the other ... with hyperflexion.

I know which one I am using and its not the latter.

Kindest
judy

Unbelieveable
Written by globi on 2007-11-16 09:42:42

What a bad process, that happens in riding competition. It is possible, to get relaxation in a competition - I just saw it in an old video of Rainer Klimke with Alerich. But you get relaxation by trust, never by force.

picture of "covered hands"
Written by 1tempi on 2007-11-25 16:30:14

I think this is the book (and picture) being discussed:

http://www.paddocksaddlery.com/browse.cfm/4,1776.htm

I am afraid the classical standards are being driven underground, with what is presented in the show ring being a sad display bored, or worse, horses moving unnaturally.

Sincerely,
Jane

Written by mariska75 on 2007-12-07 12:10:35

I think this is a big step backwords for the horses all-over the world.
Because why should you put attention to that part when it is not mentioned in the rules of the FEI?!

Written by jksimmons on 2007-12-08 20:14:20

Unfortunately the "Sport" of dressage has gone the way of most sports in modern society: A money making venue disguised as entertainment which allows a select few to earn a living. That is why I make a distinction between the "Sport" of dressage and the "Art" of dressage. Like many who recognize the horse as another sentient being, I find it too painful to watch competive dressage. Those factions that put money above the horse's welfare do not deserve my dollars, time, or support. Discussion, even the presentation of scientific/medical facts has not made a difference. Witholding your support from these clinicians, event organizers, video producers, products (and dare I say the FEI?), WILL get their attention. There are plenty of sources for sane and sensitive dressage. This site and Allege-Ideal come immediately to mind. Search out "Racinet", "Anja Beran", "Dr. Heuschmann", "Loch", "Karl" . . . . the list goes on. Buy THEIR books and videos. Attend THEIR clinics. Notify those groups who condone an abusive sport and tell them why you and your friends are cancelling your memberships and donations.

New dressage is just wrong
Written by horsesnhounds on 2007-12-26 16:33:42

It is typical now to see covered hands, overbend necks and hollow backs in competition. This needs to stop or we need to be showing in two different events. "Classical dressage" and "new dressage". To me that is the only way to solve the problem.

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