When East Meets West - Western Dressage Versus Dressage

 

It's sad to say it because so many would like to believe it to be true, but Western dressage simply does not equate to regular dressage.

The idea that you can take an regular dressage trainer's experience especially a classical trainer of today with an actual background of working with masters of the sport, that is well-versed in the art of the discipline, and anticipate that they can simply translate what they know to help the Western Dressage rider may work O.K.'ish' at the very basic levels. But once you get past the simplest of work, the most basic of basics, it simply is not the same method.

Yes there is training for similar principles of rhythm, bending through the entire horse on a circle, same size arenas and letters etc. But there are many differences too, not least the tack and equipment allowed and how it is utilized Here is a super article that explains the differences between English, Western and Cowboy Dressage.

 

The idea of marrying the two is not new and many riders have given demonstrations of Pas De Deux of English riding and Western riding (the latter sometimes being reiners versus Western Dressage which is of course different). Since the 1980's two time Olympian Lendon Gray was seen showcasing her dressage art alongside various Western cowboy riders, and such as Rocky Dare. The Cowboy Dressage rose to fame with Eitan Beth Helachmy in 1993. Other notable dressage riders such as Olympic Gold Medalist Anky Van Grusnven have switched to riding reining horses, though not sure if the idea of Western Dressage occurred in her world.

The Western Dressage arena is often opted into as a show place for the dressage rider who has determined for one reason or another that they would prefer to compete in this somewhat 'smaller' and less competitive pond. Reasons such as the horse's ability or temperament ( bearing in mind Western Dressage judges score based on very different values including the breed and innate movement of the horse), the rider's ability or temperament, or simply to try something different.

In Portugal and Spain the Gaucho - their version of a cowboy, has come to more prominence in equestrian competition in the U.S.A. but this is centered in recent decades, quite literally, around the bullfighting heritage more than herding cattle.

The seasoned Grand Prix dressage competitor/coach or clinician can likely turn their hand to offering some helpful instruction to the aspiring Western Dressage rider, but of course, having spent much of their careers specializing to such a high degree in the English version, they may be recalcitrant to play.

As a competitor it is possible to switch back and forth showing horses between both disciplines. But most proven advanced level clinicians in English dressage that spend many hours on the ground or in the saddle training horses and coaching students would likely argue that the ability to focus and switch out body movements, the way aids are applied (especially those from the seat), that have become innate through much hard work and diligence would become undone and cause negative results in terms of success on the winner's podium.

 

Specialization is likely to aid the aspiring student and the aspiring trainer. Of course you only want to train with people who know more than you do and equally importantly, don't just know how to ride it but also can convey their knowledge in an accessible manner in their teaching methods.

It is important to show humility in life and certainly in all things equestrian. We all have riding disciplines we excel at and/or prefer, but that is no reason to look down and frown on others or to set oneself on a pedestal. 

I firmly believe every horse person has something they can teach me. My mind is always open to new things and new methods that will benefit the horse and improve the communication and understanding between me and my equine partner. 

But it is also important to accept with equal humility the fact that you cannot do everything well. Focus is of critical importance when it comes to attaining advanced levels in any athletic endeavor. Accept that an English dressage trainer may not wish to work with gaited horses even though there is a USDF breed competition for dressage now, or an English dressage trainer may not wish to work with a Western Dressage rider or horse or train a horse that they consider is too small for them to ride due to weight percentages and fit. This is not a rejection, more a question of where the trainer feels they can best help.

Whether you choose to compete or whether you ride for your own satisfaction outside of the limelight, neither option is better or more valid than the other. Whether you ride in an English saddle or a Western saddle, a bit with two reins in hand or a bit with one rein in hand, or are simply constantly working with horses on the ground furthering knowledge on communicating with the equine mind from that perspective, all are to be equally respected.

But be cognizant that your choice of trainer and 'help' in reaching your goals needs to be a person driven to your goals. For many of us clinicians, the passion for dressage has been a lifetime of experiences all navigated with good heart, sharing our knowledge as we go. It is tiring, hard not to burn out over time but on good days, rewarding too. 

Earnest trainers will be honest and forthright about their talents. Earnest students will be honest and forthright about their talents too. 

Big pond or small pond, English or Western, as long as the horse's health and interest is always put first it will all work out at the end of the day. 

 

 

 

 

In The Summer Time ~ When The Weather is Fine

Horses love to play in the snow

 

It's easy to understand the pleasures of riding horses out and about the trails and working in the arena during warm summer months. Winter - not so much, unless you are blessed to live in an temperate climate where the sun shines and temperatures don't plummet to the negative numbers.

Horses being the wonderful creatures they are, are perfectly content to live outside 24/7 especially if provided with some form of shelter from driving wind/rain/snow. Randomly as their nature dictates, they rarely utilize the shelter of a run-in shed during the coldest of winter weather. But provision of the option to seek refuge from harsh weather makes the equine owner feel better. At least it's there if they want it!

 

An indoor arena is a boon

There is much discussion about whether it is prudent to force horses to exercise under the direction of a rider during very cold weather. The balance between respiratory damage that may be caused by forced exertion that opens up the airways of the horse and subjects the lung tissue to cold temperatures versus the need to keep the horse fit and exercised, joints moving etc., is a delicate topic.

The key to understanding the cause and effect of damage that could be caused, either temporarily or permanently to the lung tissue of the horse (and possibly also the rider), first requires an understanding of how the respiratory system in the horse is constructed and what Mother Nature has built into the system to warm cold air that is inhaled.

Cold weather riding doesn't just affect the respiratory system, it can also negatively impact the musculature, joints and tendons, feet and heart.

Here is a good summary of important factors to consider and how to determine your horse's individual risk based on not just the temperature, but the difference in temperature from what you horse is used to depending on the region in the U.S.A. where you live.

Dehydration, chill from sweat icing on the horse's coat and many other factors should be carefully evaluated before heading out to ride.

Sometimes a day off for the horse or a diminished work out that does not require as much exertion as the horse is used are better options than riding the horse for the sake of feeling guilty for pausing or halting the schedule of training.

Even pregnant mares love to play in the snow

 

For horse business owners that rely on income from lessons given at the barn, the likelihood is that very cold weather will result in cancellations of booked activities from clients. To counter this downturn in sales creative horse related activities can be substituted that still provide value for the client but involve less hardship on the horse.

For example, while it may be brutally cold outside with wind chill factors chiming in to deter even the hardiest of individuals from working outside (indeed frostbite might be a real risk), the interior of the barn is usually warm enough to offer a place to work with the horse. Kids can be taught handling and grooming lessons, office or tack room space can be utilized as an educational space for horse movies, games and Pony Club/4H style lessons on tack cleaning, leg wrapping and basic first aid techniques. 

If the facility offers and indoor arena obviously there are more options to ride available. If mounted sessions are not viable consider doing some ground work such as obstacle training and activities that are less taxing on the horse's metabolic system.

For both horse and human proper equipment to keep both warm and to avoid injury from slipping on frozen or wet slippery surfaces is essential for the well-being of both parties in extreme weather.

The transition from one place to another, such as a relatively warm stall to a cold metal indoor, requires careful warm up and cool down times. The length of both should be extended from the norm on cold weather days. This will help give the horse's joints and tendons time to warm up and as a result there will be less chance of sustaining an injury. Handwalking your horse both before and after riding is a good idea in any weather, but is especially important in cold weather.

Always put your horse's needs first

The age and fitness of the horse and rider should also be considered in the equation. Obviously an older horse will be stiffer and will likely suffer from arthritis, while a younger horse may exhibit excitement and exuberance from forced confinement and be hard to control. The work schedule and activities for the horse should be tailored to suit his individual needs.

All that being said, riding in the snow and keeping active during the cold weather is lots of fun and can be very productive.So don't be guilty about taking a day off, but don't overlook the benefits of getting off the couch and hitting the boarding barn, even if you are not a daily caregiver for the horse and required to be there!

 

 

When Equestrian Press Calls Out

The stand Eventing Nation {EN} recently took regarding their contention and action to have the name of the event Plantation Field removed from the competition due to its claimed offensive undertones, made the national news cycle including the NY Times. Contentious rhetoric and actions ensued. 

The owner of the property pulled the lease rather than change the name of the event, which has been on the calendar as a recognized competition for 20 years; Olympic rider Boyd Martin, requested publicly that his image and name be removed from any press at the publication; other publications brandished their swords alongside EN and the equestrian populace came out to voice either their support or boycott of EN and its owner brand and advertisers. 

So in theory September 2020 was the last time equestrians will be invited to gallop along at this fixture, at least as it is now called.

The pulling of media credentials from Eventing Nation's Editor by the competition's management, as a result of the publication's article, was not the first time access has been denied at an event to press as punishment for speaking out and certainly it will not be the last. 

 

I have personally experienced similar access issues to eventing competitions, although in my case for no apparent reason. The property owner that hosted a major cross-country event that cancelled recently after a good run in Dutchess County was extremely hesitant to allow me to cover the competition for this magazine, Catskill Horse. In that case the statement 'came down' to me that I would be allowed to cover the event provided I kept a low profile and did not publish anything negative about the sport of eventing or the competition. I did not attend.

I am not going to delve into the wrongs or rights or moral grounds for the Plantation Field controversy, except to say it could have been better handled better by all parties. The timing of the article and the way the conversation was approached was certainly designed for maximum impact.

I do believe that elitism in equestrian sport, whether perceived or actual, needs to go and that governing entities need to do a better job of developing an inclusive environment for everyone. 

In my opinion the boycott of a publication or company for its views is somewhat inevitable, as in my experience people like to read and hear thoughts and ideas they agree with better than those that challenge their mindsets. That is human nature I suppose. It is a sad reality though. How can we improve life for all when we are afraid to think no further than our own frame of reference and education.

Of course as a publisher and a writer I believe free press is critically important to society and that voicing an opinion or bringing to light options for improving life for all is an essential component of a media professional's job. It was the driving force that guided me to start writing professionally back in 1981, covering events for The Chronicle of The Horse and penning 'how to' articles for the now defunct, Dressage and CT. 

 

 

I also fervently believe that facts should be the guiding principle in all writing, not under researched or ill-informed and errant statements used to promote ignorance or create tensions or unrest.

Media professionals will always be the subject of retaliation. Sometimes petty instances and histrionics but sometimes severe consequences can follow publication of their works.

For event management press is usually highly sought and much desired. It boosts not just the entries and attendance at a competition, it also brings much needed numbers of 'eyes' on the valuable sponsors participation that most venues require to operate. Event planners, hosts and management work hard to bring equestrian competitions to the public eye and try endlessly to support the sport to keep it on the Olympic calendar. Their task is not an easy one by any means.

 

The expression, " All press is good press," is something to think about. I am a PR/Marketing Specialist and in my experience for smaller brands this is the case. For larger brands perhaps not so much. Glean.info covers this topic beautifully. For equestrian events, in particular the dangerous sport of combined training, press can cast an unwanted spotlight on issues with death and disasters on course. Reticence to allow open press access to events held on private property is understandable if the event management team is concerned about a journalist highlighting a negative aspect of the competition, even if it is factual and accurately illuminated.

The name of a venue is a challenging thing to adapt, not least because of the historical factor that may be inherent in the place name. Whether that name be perceived as a negative or positive attribute is a societal moral issue. 

One thing is certain, the freedom of the press to report and do their job is an essential part of the conversation. However, the author must be certain of their facts before they hit send and the topic could have easily been discussed as Boyd Martin's official press suggested, "over a cup of coffee," and after the event had concluded, not just in advance of its date.

Photo Credits: Nikki Alvin-Smith