Just to let you know that this rule DID PASS starting with show year 2010 and for National tests.
Exciting change! For all national level FEI classes, not just PSG (although not including High Performance, Junior, or YR classes).
http://www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/2010/BOD11809effective12109.pdf
I may get crucified for this… but here goes:
I don’t understand why this would be an allotted option at the FEI level. If one moves up the levels, then the ability to maneuver and use the horse also moves up. If someone cannot use the double bridle, which is the higher level headgear for the animal, then I don’t believe they are at the level where they, or the horse, should be handling the FEI classes.
If you can’t handle the equipment, then you’re (or your horse) does not seem to be prepared to move on.
[QUOTE=Quest52;4166484]
I may get crucified for this… but here goes:
I don’t understand why this would be an allotted option at the FEI level. If one moves up the levels, then the ability to maneuver and use the horse also moves up. If someone cannot use the double bridle, which is the higher level headgear for the animal, then I don’t believe they are at the level where they, or the horse, should be handling the FEI classes.
If you can’t handle the equipment, then you’re (or your horse) does not seem to be prepared to move on.[/QUOTE]
I’m sure there will be a lot of discussion about this - but there ARE horses who simply are not comfortable in a double bridle. Some horses have small mouths that can’t comfortably accomodate a double. There are riders who have excellent seats and great comprehension, but are not as adept with their hand coordination. For the good of the horse, I’m relieved for this rule change.
[QUOTE=FriesianX;4166494]
Some horses have small mouths that can’t comfortably accomodate a double. There are riders who have excellent seats and great comprehension, but are not as adept with their hand coordination. [/QUOTE]
there are many options out there for properly sized bits to fit in mouths, even the smaller cob sized horses.
If the rider has it all but one point… like the hand coordination… then that is the thing that is keeping them for moving up that level. Once they obtain that, then they should be able to move up… its one of the reasons for the separation of levels, the increased difficulty for both horse and rider.
Its like me saying, I want to do PSG, but I don’t have any tempi changes, so I’d like to replace that portion of my test with extended canter. Doesn’t make sense to make it easier, does it?
[QUOTE=Quest52;4166510]
Its like me saying, I want to do PSG, but I don’t have any tempi changes, so I’d like to replace that portion of my test with extended canter. Doesn’t make sense to make it easier, does it?[/QUOTE]
Total training-level smurf here, but the bit a horse wears is not a required movement in a test. If horse and rider get the results in a snaffle, a perfectly legal bit at all lower levels, doesn’t that say something positive about them?
Though I agree anyone riding at FEI levels should have the ability to properly use a double bridle, I wouldn’t mind seeing horses in the snaffle at those levels. If the horse can do all of the FEI movements in a snaffle just as well or better than he can in the double, why not use that instead? You can say the horse should be trained to the point he can accept the double, but I tend to think of the curb bit as a refined tool that may not be necessary for every horse to perform at those levels.
In general, I think most horses do better in a double at those levels because the two bits add precision to the hand to mouth communication. But, if you can accomplish the same thing in a snaffle, why not?
Again, I think any rider in the FEI levels really should be very accomplished and have the hands to use a double. So let’s assume and hope the riders can use a double but have chosen to use a snaffle because the horse prefers and works better in it.
I’m pretty sure one of the old masters (cannot for the life of me remember which one right now) said that he always preferred a snaffle and that he felt a curb had no place in dressage due to the type of contact that is required in dressage. He said he only used a double bridle because it was mandatory for competition but did not think it was necessary or the best tool for the job. Just some food for thought. I’ll look around and see if I can find where I saw that quote = )
Did just the USEF/USDF adopt this rule, or did the FEI also adopt this rule? I’m betting not.
I don’t think it’s a good idea. IMO, if you’re showing FEI, you show in a double - period. If you’re not good enough to use it, or your horse doesn’t go well in it, you’re not ready to show FEI and should wait and school in a double until you are.
Also, those riders currently showing FEI that want to show ** classes will, I’m sure, have to stick to a double for those. So why change the rule to “dumb down” for those who aren’t? Doesn’t make sense. I figured the rules committee had better things to do with their time and energy. :no:
Just USEF, hence the clarifications above for “national level” competition. i.e., this would not apply at CDIs.
That’s what I thought. Thank you.
Stupid idea.
Well, I would agree it’s a silly idea if a bunch of people who aren’t ready to show at those levels start doing so because a snaffle is now allowed. However, didn’t a lot of people start throwing all of their horses into doubles when it was made legal at 3rd level? Even people that maybe weren’t ready for them. So I’d guess there will be very few people dropping their horses into a snaffle because of the rule change.
Anyway, if it’s just a USEF thing, it might be a little silly. But it’s probably not going to be the end of the world, and it may help out some horses with weird mouths = )
Just want to say again that I absolutely agree that riders showing at the FEI levels should really have the skills to ride in a double. Absolutely. Horses should also be trained to the point that they should be able to accept a double. There are always exceptions, though, so perhaps this will help some riders and horses. (And, honestly, I’ve seen a lot of people riding in doubles that shouldn’t be let anywhere near a curb, so perhaps this will give some trainers another option for hard-headed ammies…)
I doubt it will really change anything all that much. It is pretty interesting that they’ve decided on this rule change though…
I think it’s great. Horses and riders should be able to perform the tests in a snaffle.
I also think it’s great as not all horses mouths can accomodate a double comfortably period. Bit size isn’t the only factor to accomodating two bits. I think it is sillier to require a piece of equipment that a horse may not need.
I have been lobbying for this change for nearly decades in my country. I wonder if Canada will also allow it next year? It comes a year too late for my PSG horse, whom I think I retired this year. I understand the use of the double and can ride in it, but this particular horse prefers the snaffle (probably because his favourite joke, even at 20 years old, is to snatch the reins out of my hand after a test and nearly pull me over his head. nearly. Then he laughs. I swear. He told me so)
I think it is a far better idea to allow snaffle at PSG than to allow doubles at 3rd. Having a horse work well at PSG in a snaffle to me demonstrates an excellent level of training and being through. Using a double at 3rd is frequently a crutch.
FWIW-Some UL riders ride and train mostly in a snaffle. :winkgrin:
Agreed = )
I think it is great.
If you don’t NEED the equipment - why use it ??
Oh, maybe because it’s a rule that tests the training of both the horse and rider?
JeeeZUS, what next? Not requiring spurs at FEI? :rolleyes:
What does that have to do with large lumps of metal in a horse’s mouth or being jabbed in his sides !