Christoph Ges: on the Shortened Grand Prix

Experienced judge and dressage coach, Christoph Ges, considers the new shortened Grand Prix test ride a step in the wrong direction!

In an interview with a German journalist Dieter Ludwig, Ges expressed his opinion against test project, which, in his opinion, departs from such important dressage criteria as: rhythm, relaxation, harmony of the couple…

“Elements that allow estimate the basic degree of horse training never cannot be considered redundant.. Still, I think that in the future we have to create several different rides Big prize. Show jumping does not run the same routes every Sunday,” said Christophe.

Photo: knhs.nl

According to Christina Stückelberger, the judges overestimate the scores for piaffe and passage, interpreted in a circus style, on tightly restrained horses. Christina believes that horses with this problem should not be medaled at Championships.

Hess agreed from the Stückelberger point of view: “Stressed horses judges rate lower. Tension is clearly visible during performance reins, steps, as well as pirouettes, thanks to this, the judges can determine whether the pair develops in the right direction.

Dieter Ludwig asked Ges about the topic of equestrian development: “Has the improvement in the quality of dressage horses affected the decline in dressage and judging?”

Christoph answered this question in the following way: “I do not agree that refereeing has deteriorated. The horses have become much better, but they have become more difficult to work with than those that were before. In past years the horses were strong, not well trained and tight in the neck, but they worked hard in training. Today many horses are very mobile and flexible in the neck and nape, but the result is tightness in the ganache. And one who wants to succeed in working with such horsesshould be sitting relaxed and balanced. BUT it’s a real problemthat coaches face to this day.”

Photo: dehoefslag.nl

Based on the conversation about sports dressage horses and refereeing, the journalist managed to get Christophe’s opinion on how riders can defend themselves against allegations of horse abuse, formed from photos on the Internet from the warm-up at international tournaments. Ges answered this important question to Ludwig in detail, because the topic covered in it is relevant today, and any equestrian rider can find himself in such a situation: “Only good and correct work in accordance with the physiological data of the horse and correct posture can exclude such accusations. It is worth saying that it is difficult for riders to prevent this problem and close this issue, because there are many couch critics who are actively discussing on social networks. I advise athletes two things: do not leave communication if you are asked questions, but also do not make excuses in the case when you asked the horse to do this or that exercise. However, you must be self-criticalespecially when you’re asking a horse for a little more. We, riders, will always make mistakes, look for new approaches to our horses and choose the right training system not the first time. Nonetheless, we must progress, improve our skills, regardless of our level of training.

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Recall that the World Cup in Olympia will start on December 17, 2018. Official website of the tournament: https://www.olympiahorseshow.com/. Follow the results and news with us!