USDF Nationals and the coverage by USEF Network (Clipmyhorse)

[gailbyrd]

Was watching the live feed from Nationals in Lexington, Ky this weekend. Enjoyed being able to see the classes that were held in the Alltech Arena.

However, I had an absolute meltdown during the GP freestyle finals when the commentator just would not stay quiet while the test was ongoing. Talking to the point where there was no way to hear the music. And she continued to do so for the 4th level freestyle class this afternoon. I finally had enough and stopped watching the live feed.

I sent an email to USDF and to the show secretary but apparently no one heard my pleas to get the commentator to stop talking while the freestyle tests were ongoing.

Does anyone know of an email address where I can make my complaints heard?

[dr5627]

I also think they should at least have a camera on the rest of the championship classes, no need for commentary. It’s a national championships and only 1 ring gets broadcast? Ridiculous.

Edit to add: As far as the music vs commentary volume, I think the music feed could be louder vs the talking, regardless of how much she’s saying. I’ve watched a few freestyle streams at European indoor shows and the commentator talks throughout but the acoustics seem much better and you can hear the music clearly. Not related but the stands at those shows are packed and here in America it was practically empty for the GP freestyle…

[gailbyrd]

The running commentary for Heather Mason’s GP freestyle ride totally ruined the experience. Who would be able to fix this for future events?

@dr5627

I also think they should at least have a camera on the rest of the championship classes, no need for commentary. It’s a national championships and only 1 ring gets broadcast? Ridiculous.

Agreed, it would have been nice to see all the championship rides.

[dr5627]

For the European shows it almost sound like they feed the music directly to the live stream instead of as ambient noise, maybe they should try that next year?

Now THAT'S what we call Wandres-ful! 🤩 | FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2023/24 Lyon

[Manni01]

Agree! And just saying Thank you for posting this video!!
I know I am biased because he is also German but IMO his rides were very nice!!

[Bogey2]

What a lovely rider Heather is, and she won the class! She’s retiring her partner after this win.

[Mander]

Oddly, when I was watching the freestyles last Friday, the commentator said “I won’t be saying much during these tests and will make a few remarks at the end.” I wonder if it was someone else who commentated the GP tests? Or someone else complained she wasn’t saying enough?? Lol

[gailbyrd]

@Mander

Oddly, when I was watching the freestyles last Friday, the commentator said “I won’t be saying much during these tests and will make a few remarks at the end.” I wonder if it was someone else who commentated the GP tests? Or someone else complained she wasn’t saying enough?? Lol

I heard the same (“I won’t be saying much during these tests and will make a few remarks at the end.” ) It was the same commentator for the entire show.

[Knubbsy]

FYI the commentator this year (and for previous years) was Kathy Connelly.

[Cowgirl]

Can you watch it on your laptop and just mute your device?

My request is that they show the champion and reserve champion of every level, and not just the upper level tests in the Alltech. At least then you might get a flavor for the competition, the atmosphere, etc. Yes, I know that lower level dressage can be boring, but I somehow don’t think the champion/reserve rides would be boring at all. I would bet that all the championship level tests have a videographer available.

[gailbyrd]

@Cowgirl

Can you watch it on your laptop and just mute your device?

Having the commentary during the regular rides was not the problem. The problem was all the commentary during the freestyles. The point of the freestyles is to watch the movements as they relate to the music. If the music can’t been heard because of the commentary, the enjoyment of the entirety of the ride is lost (at least it is for me). Muting during freestyles does the same thing as the commentary, no music can be heard.

[Cowgirl]

Duh, I get it. You are right–it can be really annoying when you cannot hear the music.

[iconoclast]

A couple of people wanted to see videos of Finals Championship rides from outside the Alltech. I happened to find a few on youtube, all involving the same AA rider.

First Level - https://youtu.be/hKs53k9tQhY
Second Level - https://youtu.be/MSG_dAjgc_s
Fourth Level - https://youtu.be/1jiuYeBgqek

USDF and yourdressage.org used to post good videos of Finals winners, but they have stopped doing that. That is a shame because it is hard to find any good videos of good rides at the USDF levels.