I've been following this story all week but haven't posted anything about it. But HERE'S A LINK to a site that has really followed the various press releases, interviews, etc. and presents them in sequence.
Worth a read.
My latest feeling is that there should be some legal action put into play against the FEI. For both not protecting horses when it should AND for targeting riders and horses inappropriately.
Disgusting.
billie hinton’s camera-obscura:
life and lessons on November Hill Farm
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
light and shadow
Another of my daughter's photographs - until she gets her own site up and running, I will continue to post her work and enjoy the fact that I'm off the hook for taking my own!!
I love this one because of the contrast between the light and shadow, and the quality of the light coming through the leaves shaped by the dark trunk and branches of the trees.
I have many, many negatives of photographs I took simply exploring the way light falls onto different surfaces, and the patterns it makes coming through various objects and filters. It's so much fun seeing her explore some of those same things.
Today is a gray day, and I notice as I look out the window that with gray you lose both the brightness and the shadows. Gray brings everything to the middle.
Interesting because it works that way psychologically as well. We all need some gray for balance, but the highs and lows we experience are like light and shadow - they seem to go together, the contrast being part of what defines them.
All my novels explore light and shadow in the lives of the characters, most of whom have to learn about their shadows in order to find the light. It's a fascinating journey, navigating the shadows, following a path through darkness into something lighter, and being able to enjoy the light because of the shadows that surrounded it.
Yesterday evening I mowed the weeds, mostly buttercups, in the front field, while all the equines grazed the front yard. Because of the way we have the front enclosed, as a temporary grazing area, we monitor things closely when the horses and donkeys are up there. A dark grey was beginning to roll in anyway, but as evening approached the front began to get murky, and the young, round evergreens that seem to sprout up everywhere looked like figures looming beneath the trees. The horses are more alert when in the front yard, attuned to the same sights and sounds, but in a different way because of the smaller space they're in.
Between the buzz of the mower and the overall dimming of the day around me, my biggest connection to the world at large was the movement of the horses and donkeys. I discovered that even when I was mowing away from where they grazed, I could sense their movement behind me. I'm not sure how - it was not by sight or sound, but a distinct change in the air around me that caused me to turn and look, and I'd catch sight then of the shifting herd.
It was nearing dark when I finished up, and drove through the gate at the top of the field and on through the darkened barn aisle, the headlights of the mower cutting a vague path as I passed through. The horses were happy enough to be driven up as a herd by my husband, back to the security of their regular areas.
In the barnyard, the feel was different. We all let our guards back down, and let the night and the possibility of rain take us over.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
a cat and a quarter horse
My daughter captured this photo of Mystical Kit and Cody the other day. It offers an up-close glimpse of the feline-equine connection here, and I love the perspective she chose.
Each day when the horses get their grass time the cats seem to cluster up front - on the porch, in the grass, in the front beds where they can hide and watch. The horses are slightly less interested in the cats when they're grazing, but they are aware of them and often choose to interact.
We're having a lovely week weather-wise. The temps are near-perfect, and the pollen is gone. We could do with some rain, but otherwise, it's glorious weather.
Sometime around 5 p.m. every evening, the chorus begins. The geldings begin to stroll up and down the paddock, awaiting the moment when the gate opens and they can get to the good stuff. Keil Bay issues his most musical, inviting whinny, over and over again - his version of a siren song - hoping that I'll not be able to resist and will let them down early.
Yesterday Cody went into a full gallop between the dry paddock and the green stuff. But as he neared the gateway to the green, Salina flagged her head and told him NO.
Cody went from flat out gallop to dead halt in about 3 feet of space. I realized a few moments before he stopped that he was going to, and I held my breath a little because with his PSSM issues, this is a move that would completely test his ability to use his hind end muscles.
I half expected him to dig in with his front legs and stop in the unbalanced, uncoordinated way you sometimes see horses do, or to wheel around instead of stopping - but he didn't. He came underneath himself and sat into the halt as nicely and as controlled as I've ever seen. This isn't a move we do under saddle here - gallop to halt - so I've not really seen him do this quite so clearly. In the open field he's more likely to dodge than halt. Seeing him do this made me happy - there's no doubt his PSSM is in good control if he can stop that way.
It also lets me know that he's ready to step up in his work under saddle. I think a few jumps are in his future!
Monday, April 19, 2010
does anyone know who sponsors Michael Morrissey??
I haven't seen the video and am not sure I want to watch, but he apparently has charges being brought against him following a temper tantrum in competition during which he beat his horse 13 times when the horse had issues with a water jump.
This is the kind of thing that makes me want to take a whip to the rider.
However, the least I can do is write to his sponsors and alert them to the fact that they are giving money to the wrong rider.
I can't find any info in my brief Google search - if anyone knows more, let me know via comments.
This is the kind of thing that makes me want to take a whip to the rider.
However, the least I can do is write to his sponsors and alert them to the fact that they are giving money to the wrong rider.
I can't find any info in my brief Google search - if anyone knows more, let me know via comments.
The FEI, extreme flexion, and the ongoing battle
The FEI recently published the new guidelines for stewards, without fanfare or any announcement I could find on any of the sites they previously used for communicating with those of us who have been watching and waiting for this information.
According to Horses For Life, late on Friday an additional link was added which led to the following. Please go directly to paragraph number 3 and note that they have now inserted a rule allowing up to ten minutes of what they are calling "extreme flexion." As far as I can tell, this is the new term for rollkur.
As usual, you are welcome to leave comments; however, I would actually prefer if you used the energy to write, not to the FEI, but to the sponsors of riders who use rollkur in their training and riding.
I recently bought a Thinline saddle pad, and I know they sponsor Eliza Sydnor, a classically trained rider/trainer who does not use these techniques in her work with horses. I plan to write Thinline and let them know that I bought the pad because they sponsor her, and that I am adamantly opposed to the use of rollkur, hyperflexion, and extreme flexion, and hope they will choose carefully the riders they support.
Although I am disappointed and frustrated, this is not really a surprise. As I have written many times here, this is not a one-time issue but an ongoing battle. It doesn't only have to do with the abusive bending of a horse's head and neck, but with international competition and its perspective on winning, on the horse as vehicle to fame and fortune, and probably most of all to human ego.
It's important to get angry, once again, and use that anger to fuel some action. Boycott, videotape, flood the FEI with reports of rule infractions, and most of all, every single time you buy an item for your barn, yourself, or your horse, take the extra few minutes to research the companies. Reward those that are not sponsoring riders who use the items you need. Contact those who are, and let them know why you cannot support their company with your purchase.
I also suggest a quick email to the above address, from the FEI's own website, FEI CLEAN SPORT. Let them know you are concerned with an integrity issue - THEIR integrity in inserting a paragraph on extreme flexion into the stewards' manual, and allowing even 10 minutes of an abusive practice.
BUREAU MEETING ANNEX Pt 8.2.2.1
15 April 2010, Geneva (SUI)
1
FEI Stewards Manual
Dressage
NEW ANNEX XIII
Pre and Post Competition training techniques – position of the horse’s head -
stretching
1. Background
The use of correctly executed stretching techniques, both before and after training and
competition, is recognised as an important and long-established practice in almost every
physical sport. In equestrian sport it is used for the on-going suppleness and health of the
equine athletes.
2. Permitted stretches
Stretching principally involves the lengthening of the horse’s ligaments and muscles (soft
tissue) and can be done at the halt (statically) or in motion (dynamically).
Athletes should aim to stretch all the relevant groups of muscles within the horse’s body,
especially the muscles involved in hind leg locomotion, but the part that will be most
visual to both stewards and the public will most likely be the horse’s neck.
Neck stretches may take several different forms. ‘Long, deep and round’ (see diagram i)
and ‘low, deep and round’(see diagram ii) and ‘long and low’ (see diagram iii) are just
three commonly used examples but there are other variations involving both longitudinal
and lateral flexion which result in different neck positions.
3. Extreme flexion
In assessing the position of the head carriage the Steward will be mindful of each horse’s
natural conformation, especially in relation to native breeds or ponies, and will therefore
use discretion in determining this.
Deliberate extreme flexions of the neck involving either high, low or lateral head carriages,
should only be performed for very short periods. If performed for longer periods the
steward will intervene (refer to diagram and photos for examples of extreme head and
neck positions).
Movements which involve having the horse’s head and neck carriage in a sustained or
fixed position should only be performed for periods not exceeding approximately ten
minutes without change. Change may constitute a period of relaxation and lengthening or
a movement which involves stretching the head and the neck of the horse (refer to
diagrams and photos for examples of sustained fixed head and neck position).
It is the steward’s responsibility to ensure that riders respect the above procedure and
intervene if required.
4. Variation of stretches & neck positions.
Stretches of the horse’s neck maybe specific and appropriate to each horse and equestrian
discipline, but no single neck position should be maintained which may lead to tiredness or
stress.
5. Method of achieving stretches
It is imperative that stretching should be executed by unforced and non aggressive means.
By unforced’ is meant that the rider is not permitted to use rough, or abrupt aids or apply
constant unyielding pressure on the horse’s mouth through a fixed arm and hand position.
It is the responsibility of the steward to intervene if these requirements are not respected.
6. Action by the Steward in the case of incorrect behaviour of athlete in
relation to flexion of the head and neck
Ref. Annex XII, Guidelines to the FEI Dressage Stewarding Manual
The steward will intervene should he observe;
Neck stretching achieved through forced, or aggressive riding
The use of extreme flexion if it does not comply with the above
A rider deliberately maintaining a sustained fixed head and neck carriage longer
than approximately ten minutes
In cases when the horse is in a state of general stress and/or fatigue
The steward may also ask the rider to walk for a certain period in situations where the
rider’s stress may cause undesired riding.
7. Maximum duration of pre-competition warm-up and post-competition
cooldown periods
Only in exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Chief Steward, may a
training session exceed one hour. The training session must include a number of
relaxation periods. Riding the horse at the walk whether prior to, or following the training
session, is not considered to be part of the one hour training session. There should be at
least one hour break between any training/warm-up periods.
Repetition movements carried out in the practice arena, following a rider’s performance in
the competition arena, may not exceed a period of ten minutes.
8. Exercise / Training arena
All training sessions, including pre-competition warm-up, may only be performed in the
official training arena while under the supervision of stewards. Use of a training arena
outside the official training period, and/or in an unsupervised arena, may at the discretion
of the Ground Jury lead to the rider’s disqualification.
During competition preparation periods, and the duration of the competition itself, the
Chief Steward must be present in the training arena, or be in a position to observe the
training arena at events where numerous training arenas are in use.
If the Chief Steward is unable to be present himself, it is his responsibility to ensure that a
steward with the required experience and knowledge is appointed to supervise the training
arena.
9. Appointment of Chief Stewards
The Chief Steward at CDI-4* and higher level events and above must be of three-star
level. He is appointed by the FEI on the recommendation of the Organizing Committee.
10. Revision
These directives may be subject to review and Stewards are advised to check for periodic
updates.
8 April 2010
According to Horses For Life, late on Friday an additional link was added which led to the following. Please go directly to paragraph number 3 and note that they have now inserted a rule allowing up to ten minutes of what they are calling "extreme flexion." As far as I can tell, this is the new term for rollkur.
As usual, you are welcome to leave comments; however, I would actually prefer if you used the energy to write, not to the FEI, but to the sponsors of riders who use rollkur in their training and riding.
I recently bought a Thinline saddle pad, and I know they sponsor Eliza Sydnor, a classically trained rider/trainer who does not use these techniques in her work with horses. I plan to write Thinline and let them know that I bought the pad because they sponsor her, and that I am adamantly opposed to the use of rollkur, hyperflexion, and extreme flexion, and hope they will choose carefully the riders they support.
Although I am disappointed and frustrated, this is not really a surprise. As I have written many times here, this is not a one-time issue but an ongoing battle. It doesn't only have to do with the abusive bending of a horse's head and neck, but with international competition and its perspective on winning, on the horse as vehicle to fame and fortune, and probably most of all to human ego.
It's important to get angry, once again, and use that anger to fuel some action. Boycott, videotape, flood the FEI with reports of rule infractions, and most of all, every single time you buy an item for your barn, yourself, or your horse, take the extra few minutes to research the companies. Reward those that are not sponsoring riders who use the items you need. Contact those who are, and let them know why you cannot support their company with your purchase.
BUREAU MEETING ANNEX Pt 8.2.2.1
15 April 2010, Geneva (SUI)
1
FEI Stewards Manual
Dressage
NEW ANNEX XIII
Pre and Post Competition training techniques – position of the horse’s head -
stretching
1. Background
The use of correctly executed stretching techniques, both before and after training and
competition, is recognised as an important and long-established practice in almost every
physical sport. In equestrian sport it is used for the on-going suppleness and health of the
equine athletes.
2. Permitted stretches
Stretching principally involves the lengthening of the horse’s ligaments and muscles (soft
tissue) and can be done at the halt (statically) or in motion (dynamically).
Athletes should aim to stretch all the relevant groups of muscles within the horse’s body,
especially the muscles involved in hind leg locomotion, but the part that will be most
visual to both stewards and the public will most likely be the horse’s neck.
Neck stretches may take several different forms. ‘Long, deep and round’ (see diagram i)
and ‘low, deep and round’(see diagram ii) and ‘long and low’ (see diagram iii) are just
three commonly used examples but there are other variations involving both longitudinal
and lateral flexion which result in different neck positions.
3. Extreme flexion
In assessing the position of the head carriage the Steward will be mindful of each horse’s
natural conformation, especially in relation to native breeds or ponies, and will therefore
use discretion in determining this.
Deliberate extreme flexions of the neck involving either high, low or lateral head carriages,
should only be performed for very short periods. If performed for longer periods the
steward will intervene (refer to diagram and photos for examples of extreme head and
neck positions).
Movements which involve having the horse’s head and neck carriage in a sustained or
fixed position should only be performed for periods not exceeding approximately ten
minutes without change. Change may constitute a period of relaxation and lengthening or
a movement which involves stretching the head and the neck of the horse (refer to
diagrams and photos for examples of sustained fixed head and neck position).
It is the steward’s responsibility to ensure that riders respect the above procedure and
intervene if required.
4. Variation of stretches & neck positions.
Stretches of the horse’s neck maybe specific and appropriate to each horse and equestrian
discipline, but no single neck position should be maintained which may lead to tiredness or
stress.
5. Method of achieving stretches
It is imperative that stretching should be executed by unforced and non aggressive means.
By unforced’ is meant that the rider is not permitted to use rough, or abrupt aids or apply
constant unyielding pressure on the horse’s mouth through a fixed arm and hand position.
It is the responsibility of the steward to intervene if these requirements are not respected.
6. Action by the Steward in the case of incorrect behaviour of athlete in
relation to flexion of the head and neck
Ref. Annex XII, Guidelines to the FEI Dressage Stewarding Manual
The steward will intervene should he observe;
Neck stretching achieved through forced, or aggressive riding
The use of extreme flexion if it does not comply with the above
A rider deliberately maintaining a sustained fixed head and neck carriage longer
than approximately ten minutes
In cases when the horse is in a state of general stress and/or fatigue
The steward may also ask the rider to walk for a certain period in situations where the
rider’s stress may cause undesired riding.
7. Maximum duration of pre-competition warm-up and post-competition
cooldown periods
Only in exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Chief Steward, may a
training session exceed one hour. The training session must include a number of
relaxation periods. Riding the horse at the walk whether prior to, or following the training
session, is not considered to be part of the one hour training session. There should be at
least one hour break between any training/warm-up periods.
Repetition movements carried out in the practice arena, following a rider’s performance in
the competition arena, may not exceed a period of ten minutes.
8. Exercise / Training arena
All training sessions, including pre-competition warm-up, may only be performed in the
official training arena while under the supervision of stewards. Use of a training arena
outside the official training period, and/or in an unsupervised arena, may at the discretion
of the Ground Jury lead to the rider’s disqualification.
During competition preparation periods, and the duration of the competition itself, the
Chief Steward must be present in the training arena, or be in a position to observe the
training arena at events where numerous training arenas are in use.
If the Chief Steward is unable to be present himself, it is his responsibility to ensure that a
steward with the required experience and knowledge is appointed to supervise the training
arena.
9. Appointment of Chief Stewards
The Chief Steward at CDI-4* and higher level events and above must be of three-star
level. He is appointed by the FEI on the recommendation of the Organizing Committee.
10. Revision
These directives may be subject to review and Stewards are advised to check for periodic
updates.
8 April 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)