Trish Braithwaite at the EFA 2010 Dressage Forum
Written by Trish Braithwaite Monday, 08 February 2010 21:11
Trish Braithwaite reports from the Equestrian Federation of Australia's 2010 Dressage Forum. This is the first part of her two part report.
Last weekend I attended the 2010 Dressage Forum in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, hosted by the Dressage Queensland Judges Sub-Committee. The two days combined both theory and practical sessions.
We gathered at the very modern RSL Club early on Saturday morning. First off was the least of the equestrians, but clearly a leader in his field: Mr Jonah Oliver, Sports Psychologist. (Jonah Oliver is pictured right with Panel Chair Lesley Sullivan)
Now, my experience of sports psychologists over the years has been that of educated scientists who have shown no empathy or understanding of our chosen sport. Ours is the only sport involving two individuals working together to a common goal and one which is subjectively judged. Jonah however, has clients from the opposite side of the fence from us dressage judges: competitive dressage riders, and showed he knew well the highs and lows of the emotional rollercoaster they experience. So it was with empathy and in-depth industry knowledge that he counselled us on the pitfalls and management of anxiety and the decision-making process involved with judging dressage.
From explaining where fear and anxiety is physically manifested in our brains, he described how it takes over our frontal lobe and draws us away from making clear, accurate decisions. Anxiety influences our thought processes, our behaviour, feelings/emotions and affects us also on a physical/biological level. This causes our thinking to become disjointed and “busy”- to feel nervous or doubtful of our abilities, imagine “what if” scenarios, becoming reactive, indecisive and withdrawn as we internalise our fears. How many of us find ourselves rushing to the bathroom?! In addition to all of this, we need to realise that as human beings we ARE biased! We see those “big names” in the draw, recall previous unpleasant encounters with some competitors… maybe feel intimidated at finding ourselves judging together with more experienced people and it is impossible not be influenced by such things. In fact, the more we try to suppress, distract and replace these anxious thoughts, the more frequently such undesired thoughts will occur!
However, we know from our own life experience that we CAN focus when we CHOOSE to! We CAN separate the emotional component from our decision making. The more often we succeed in doing so, the more our confidence will grow.
Thoughts are just “thoughts”
Feelings are just “feelings”
WE ARE DEFINED BY WHAT WE DO!
I think everyone who was there would agree that Jonah’s presentation was the highlight of the day. But it was only the beginning:
Who actually has any idea of what is involved with running one of the most happening clubs in South East Queensland? Trish Sellars, President of the Samford Equestrian Club gave an overview of their exciting strategic plan for 2010 and beyond; including how they spent a large part of last year putting it all together.
Sue Bright, A Level Dressage Judge and member of Dressage Queensland Judges Sub-committee, described her first experience judging a Riding for Disabled class in Darwin some years ago. Since then she has become an advocate for Para-equestrians now coming under the banner of Equestrian Australia. We will see more of the “PE” riders mingling in classes along with EQ/EA riders. So, is judging PE any different from judging EA? Well, yes… and no… There are issues we as judges must be aware of; but these riders are judged with the same ideal we hold in mind for ‘able-bodied’ riders with no “sympathy” marks.
Jenny Carol gave a refreshing and common-sense approach to the subject of Safety and Risk Management. Again, looking at things from a judges’ perspective: what should we include in OUR risk management program and what areas are we responsible for? Not everything falls on the shoulders of the Organising Committee…
Mary Seefried, Queensland’s only FEI O level judge (pic right), brought us up to date with proposals for changes in judging processes from FEI. They have agreed that 2010 is the Year of Pilot Projects. The following recommendations will be put into place:
1. Half marks will be implemented.
2. Technical and artistic judging of Freestyles will be split between judges. Not so that judges specialise, but judges will be allocated to either the technical or artistic aspect for the day or class.
3. Changes in Collective Marks with no coefficients. A separate mark for each pace in collective marks 1-3. Then a mark given for 4 in Impulsion/ Engagement/ Collection. Then Submission, 5. And finally Rider, 6.
4. At major championships, there will now be seven (7) judges. This is to help reduce the influence of any one judge over the result. It is suggested that the extra two judges will be placed either side of A.
5. Qualifications criteria for major championships as of 2011 will come from the full panel of judges, providing the average score is 64%+ and at least one of the 5* judges gives at least 64%.
6. Defining the difference between Penalties (anything occurring outside the arena and non-cumulative) and Errors (anything occurring inside the arena and cumulative).
7. A Judges Supervisory Panel (JSP) is to be formed. This has been suggested as most modern sports have a JSP; particularly those that are subjective like Dressage, gymnastics, ice-skating etc. The JSP is to be comprised of three to four judging experts who would supervise all judges at high-level competitions. Tasks would include:
- Oversee marks of the Ground Jury, with the authority to make a mark lower (not higher) on a numerical or technical mistake e.g. a flying change late behind not seen and scored as such by one judge.
- Reviewing all FEI judges’ performance based on results and also the quality factor (statistical analysis). This is considered vital for the justification of the sport!
- Recommending where reassessment of a judge is necessary.
8. Choices of judges for Championships: a long list of ten to twelve judges to be chosen about fifteen months before the competition, then random selection of the final seven approximately nine months before.
9. Categorisation of Events: currently events are categorised according to the level of prize money. It is suggested that other criteria is used such as quality of footing, competition arena, etc.
So, it seems like there is plenty to take in from the FEI! After Mary concluded, the Dressage QLD Judges Sub-Committee panel came together and asked for general questions from the floor. This signalled the end of the day and we were all excited about meeting again the next day at the Caboolture Showgrounds indoor arena to see some beautiful horses perform with the intriguing German trainer Ms Leonie Bramal.
Other articles by Trish Braithwaite:
Trish Braithwaite's clinic with George Morris
Trish Braithwaite is a name most equestrians in South East Asia recognise instantly. Residing in Kuala Lumpur from 1998, Trish qualified for her MEM/EFA NCAS Level 1 (General) certification. Trish now resides in Brisbane, Australia where she is building a clientele of students and training horses in the three Olympic disciplines. During her time in Malaysia and Indonesia, Trish imported quality horses from Australia on instruction from clients and employers, to their satisfaction. As part of her expanding equestrian profile in Australia, Trish is offering her services to acquire horses on behalf of equestrians throughout South East Asia. Whether you wish a full service of accommodation, transport, appointments with horse owners and trial assistance, or simply would like Trish to trial prospective purchases personally and send videos for your consideration, all scenarios can be catered for. International transportation arrangements are also part of the service, be it for a single competition horse or several mounts for a trekking or riding school centre. Trish is well located to access potential purchases from South East Queensland and the Sydney region and connects regularly with the big names in the equestrian business: from competitors, coaches and trainers, to veterinarians, farriers, livery centres and transport companies.
A website for this purpose will soon be available for viewing. Until then, please contact Trish via email
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or +6142 7134033 for any queries.
