In the beginning of September, we celebrate Labor Day, in honor of the worker; the common laborer that puts in a day’s work earnestly. Our country recognizes the value in being an average worker at an average job, putting in an honest day’s labor. Why is it that this is not the case in dressage? It is always bigger and better and more that gets our attention when it comes to dressage. But that isn’t what dressage is all about.
Dressage is a systematic training of the horse in order to develop any horse to its fullest potential. If done correctly, the horse, in a sense, becomes a creation of the trainer/rider. An average Joe/Josephine can create a horse that is the best that it can be and that should be a cause for respect and celebration.
The focus on dressage in the United States today needs to be more on the average, amateur rider. We probably make up at least 75% of the membership of USDF and there are many more who do not belong to any formal dressage organization. Yet the focus today seems to be on Young Riders and Professionals. They receive scholarships, clinics abound for them and articles are written about their experiences at the World Cup, Championships, etc. I don’t begrudge either of these groups the attention and assistance they are receiving. What I do ask is that what they receive should be proportional to their numbers. If 75% of the membership of dressage associations are middle age, amateur, lower level riders, then 75% of the programs should be geared toward them.
As far as media attention, I realize that it is much more interesting reading Sue Blinks views on the Olympic experience than Jane Doe’s diary of her last show. But more of the how-to articles should focus on help for the everyday rider. This has thankfully been the case in the magazine Dressage Today. The September issue contains an article by Kathy Connelly on strategies for riding First Level, Test 4 and the Ask the Experts Column is a good opportunity for the average rider to get expert advice.
But generally, there needs to be more focus on the average dressage rider. Some of the subjects of articles recently featured in dressage media have as much significance in my life as how Demi Moore applies her eye shadow. While it may be interesting (and something to strive for in the future), right now, I don’t need to know. I don’t need to know the secrets of the transition from tempi changes to a full canter pirouette, but I would like to see some focus on training breeds other than the traditional warmbloods and particular problems (and solutions) that can be encountered. I’d like to hear how average riders cope with the stress of showing or the cost of lessons. In other words, Help Me, Talk to Me.
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