This message is from: "Kelly Gage" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Steve-
The judges that I ride in front of are L-R's I have only met one FEI judge
(scribing). They are all trained the same, by the same USDF university, and
undergo the same very rigorous tests. I do know the difference between
competitive and classic. I can also tell you from the judges that I've met,
none of them will stake their reputation
simply because they like one breed over another. Lots and lots to be lost.
Trust me there is very little bias, and this is coming from an east coast
person (where there SHOULD be a lot of bias) who rides with an r judge.
What good is a horse that can extend naturally but can't do it properly?
What good is a horse that can collect but cannot sit on its haunches
properly? If the horse doesn't do it properly it will not get the scores.
Natural exention and collection doesn't mean a thing, so the horse has
spectacular gaits, but no where on a USAE test is there a mark for
individual gaits(w/t/c).
For a short coupled breeds, such as arabians do remarkably well, so do
connemaras, drafts (and quite a few draft crosses) and welshs, these breeds
have short coupled backs, but still get the scores. Again its how you
perform the test.
It all boils down to this, if the horse is trained properly and thoroughly,
the scores reflect it. I have seen fjords in the US score 10's on
movements(under very tough, and respectable judges), I've also seen
warmbloods score twos(big movers, from nice lines).
I would say that the US is a melting pot for all breeds. Not all of us can
afford a warmblood. Many people still want to compete in dressage so they
look for alternitives. Many breeds came onto the scene. Thoroughbreds,
ponies, arabians, and even though they were not the norm, they still managed
to get the scores.
The thing about GP, not all horses (warmbloods included) are destined to do
the GP. Its still a very paticular horse.
Kelly
Dagrun-this guy sounds like something up my ally, could you email me? I have
a tough time translating Norse.
"... do not feel overwhelmed by the length of this journey. All you ever
need to do is focus on one thing, what you are doing. Stay on the path and
put one foot in front of the other - that is all. There is joy in the
struggle."
-P.T.Sudo
_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
