I posted this on another forum and I thought I should also get input here too.
Yes, we have discussed the 'on the bit' frame requirement.
However, I just reviewed the July issue of Dressage Today which contained some great articles, yet it is the images presented that concern me.
The Clinic by Axel Steiner, My Definition of a Half Halt by Courtney King-Dye [great article], Level Appropriate Balance by Pam Goodrich and The Hot Horse by Lauren Sprieser, all present images which are contradictions of the requirements.
Would it not be more appropriate for the images to contain horses that are generally more in the correct frame?
I ask this because even at the lower levels the 'on the bit' frame is required with the caveat of the poll being the highest point according to level of training.
Totally agree. And so did a friend (who is also an S judge) who resigned years ago because of that issue. The eye(s) of viewers are being so muddied. The words say one thing, the photos another. For what it is worth, the german magazines will sacrifice backgrounds (important to editors here) for quality of photo bearing photos (more especially true of sales horses as well). Just an off the top google: http://pferdebild.com/photos-2011/winter-auction-hanoverian-riding-horses-22-january-2011-33/ Presented up/open/active
I know as a photographer (I take pix while teaching as well to show the student) that it is #$**& hard to get good photos (just the right moment even with a motor driven camera let alone the average digital) to illustrate JUST what you want.....but it IS necessary if the tradition is to be sustained.
-- Edited by barnfrog on Wednesday 29th of June 2011 10:50:48 AM
Thanks Barnfrog. I agree that it is hard to get that 'perfect' image, however, to print what they do just enables bad riding. Glad you take photos of your students....I try and use video when possible. Visual aids sure help students see right from wrong.
I attended a Jane Savoie clinic recently. There were 3 demo riders in it. She went on about how the horse should be heavy and on the forehand before starting collected work and the demo horse was curled under. Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.
Horses should always be light as this is the goal. My coach repeatedly emphasizes this and teaches this lightness.