You may have seen the recent video entitled "blue tongue world cup" which exposes the horror of Rollkur (hyperflexion). I warn you, it’s tough to watch. However, hopefully the outrage expressed from this will lead to changes in dressage competitions which are long overdue. If you want to take action I suggest subscribing to eponatv to reward these two women for their bravery in challenging the establishment. Also, there’s a petition to sign to ask the FEI to ban hyperflexion in competitions. Epona TV also have a good discussion on this in their editorial.
For myself, I’m completely at the other end of the scale although I have the usual goal of perfect horse/human connection; I’m just taking the slow route to get there. So in a couple of weeks I’ll be entering my second dressage test in my life. Walk/trot and I hope to beat those little nippers on lead rein!! But will I be able to? I want to enter in a bitless bridle…is this allowed? Do I have to do rising trot in the test? My sitting trot is better connected and I get better collection so isn’t that the prime goal? I’m even hoping I’ll be brave enough to ride in a Baretek pad as James Shaw has banned me from using stirrups this winter (nice man) but is that allowed? Rules, rules, rules.
I draw inspiration from Marthe Kiley-
Rachel






