Grand Prix Special In Class 2 Of WEG Dressage Selection Trials (Page 3)

The Judges' Contibution

The judges discussed two of the 'resistances' seen in the Special - tail wringing and short necks. In regard to tail wringing, Knipp said judges have to decide what is resistance and what is just a habit of the horse citing Steiner's ride on Rainier in which the horse never stopped wringing his tail. Apart from the tail, judges watch for ears, eyes, teeth grinding and other signs to determine whether there is true resistance (which lowers the score) or as in Rainier's case, it is merely habit and does not affect the score. Steiner and Rainier placed fifth in the Special, scoring 67.80%. When it came to 'short necks' the judges concurred that over-bent is marked down because the horse is refusing or fighting the rider's hands.

Overall, compared to last year, there has been constant improvement in horses and riders in this country, according to Knipp. He gave a point of advice to the riders: read the judge's marks on the tests; if the horse gets a good score on a movement such as piaffe or passage, don't practice that but instead work on the things the horse can't do. With the horses that are on top now, if they stay sound he feels that the US has a good chance at the WEG.

Judge Valentin quipped that in Denmark, they are "scared of your team" because "we are fighting for the Bronze."

Knipp and Valentin pointed out that they maintain the same standard of judging whether they are in the US or in Europe. "[The country] doesn't matter for us," said Knipp. "I speak for all judges." Valentin seconded the opinion, "It will always be the same basic standard; always the same. What we give you here will be the same as in Europe." Knipp agreed, concluding, "It makes no sense to change the standard."

Top Horses Off to Aachen After Trials

Spectator attendance this weekend was light compared to previous years when the Trials were held in conjunction with the Festival of Champions. The USET changed the dates for the Selection Trials in order to accommodate the riders going to Aachen to compete. "That was a decision our coach, Klaus Balkenhol made," said Blinks.

Seidel said that it was important for the riders to compete in Europe whether it was Aachen or another show; they needed the experience and exposure. McDonald said that because she has a mare, she does not plan to go to Aachen if she makes the team because of the 60-day rule quarantine restrictions. "The time frame won't allow it," she said, pointing out that it was too close to the WEG.

Seidel said that the lack of spectators was disappointing, not so much for the riders but for the sponsors supporting the sport; he added that it was great to have a crowd. Plans are in the works to publicize the final weekend, according to Classic Communications, the USET Public Relations firm.

Competition continues next weekend (June 8-9) with the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle to determine the six riders who will continue to vie for the four-member final team to represent the U.S. at the WEG in Spain in September.

Mary Hilton for DressageDaily.com