British Dressage News

Clear Talk from Zang and Clarke at 2006 British Judges Seminar

April 4, 2006

Linda Zang and Stephen Clarke were keynote speakers at the 2006 British National Judges Seminar held at Keysoe The College Equestrian center in Bedfordshire, April 3, 2006.

It was a fun day of observations and discussion between Clarke and Zang, to a full arena of fascinated judges and BD Supporters. Both judges commented on the established and correctness of all the horses at each level. Linda joked that the US had better watch out!

FEI judges Linda Zang (USA) and Stephen Clarke (GB) gave their theories on training and judging using a wonderful selection of UK riders.

Elementary
Daniel Greenwood and Destination
Roland Tong and Nadonna

Medium
Lizzie Murray and Caramasow
Georgina Roberts and DHI Dumas

Ad Medium
Damian Hallam and Wolke Sieben
Gareth Hughes and Sandman

PSG/Inter1
Andrew Gould and Numero Uno
Carl Hester and Pro-Set

Grand Prix
Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris
Emile Faurie and Racit

Linda also pursued the importance of straightness and impulsion with Lizzie's mount, and with Georgina both Stephen and Linda discussed the true expression between the working/medium and collected paces.

Damian and Gareth gave polished displays while the Judges marked before and after tests (as they did all day) and discussed the importance of forward impulsion... driven by the leg and seat, whilst allowing expansion into the contact, beautifully shown and emphasied especially into the downwards transition.

Andrew Gould was selected to display the complex half pass / flying change in canter and an interesting debate was shared by the Audience and Judges alike as to what was expected! All good fun.

Both Carl and Emile fresh from their trip on the Spanish Sunshine Tour gave dazzling displays on their mounts who have obviously benefited from the early seasons training! Carl demonstrating dynamic Pirouettes and Emile controlled an expressive passage. Laura nailed an impressive display of Piaffe on the talented Mistral Hojris, to end what was a thoroughly informative spring day!

Text and Photos by Jan Milne

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