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February 7, 2010

The Spirit of the Message is Important

By: Catherine Haddad
Photo by Ruechel
 
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Dear Rita,

At least one person read my blog! I am thrilled to get a comment with a question about the "Playing the Accordion" video. Being a new blogger, I am in a panic about where to answer this question, so I’ve submitted a whole new post.

Dear Catherine, there is discussion of your video going on, and some have said that perhaps you didn't have a chance to fully warm up before shooting this video? I am curious, since you make the comment that this is not an example of a normal work session, if you feel that you displayed the accordian as well as you wanted? I know sometimes we can't get the photos we want and settle for something that has imperfections. Is this true of this ride? Just curious, so that I can fully digest what the video demonstrates. Thank you, Monica

Monica, unfortunately, there is no such thing as "warming up" during this winter in Germany! It is the coldest and snowiest winter reported in this region in 30 years! So for several months now, I have had the feeling that my horses never really get warmed up.

(Do I hate this feeling? Yes! Is it affecting my work? Yes! Can I change it? No!)

Before the “Accordion Video” begins, I had walked for 10 minutes with my horse making occasional attempts to buck me off when snow slid off the roof. Then I trotted for two minutes before we turned the video camera on and started filming.

This video is filmed at the beginning of my ride. That is why I am not demonstrating a great deal of engagement in this clip, nor was it my purpose. I simply wanted to demonstrate the range of frames that I might use in a normal days work on a variety of horses—not necessarily this particular horse.

This is not a "normal" training session because I never run through the change of frames that quickly and without purpose. Normally, I position my horse for a reason and keep him there until I have achieved my goal. This clip is simply a demonstration of the variety of frames available to us without going to extremes.

Clearly, this is not a professional video, nor is it perfect. Am I satisfied with it? Yes. While I would like my work to be perfect, I would never get anything posted on this blog site if I edited everything until I thought it was flawless! 

Blogging is not like writing a book or filming for a collection of DVDs where perfection is certainly sought. My posts will open for you the reality of my daily life where I assure you perfection exists only if you choose to see it that way!

It is what it is. I do hope that my message will not be lost because of the imperfections in this video.

I believe that it is possible to train Grand Prix horses without putting them into extreme frames. I believe that abuse is more clearly related to aggression and insensitive riding than the position of the frame. I believe that riders should be allowed to use the range of frames that I have shown on this short clip under the protection of clear FEI rules. 

(Perhaps it would behoove the FEI to professionally produce such a video in combination with an updated set of guidelines for dressage. Dressage is a developing sport and like others—skating, skiing, sailing, swimming—new rules and guidelines are needed to keep up with the development of the sport.)

tagged in:
Blogger Catherine Haddad
EchoandT
12 weeks 3 days ago
Hyperflexion
I know this is a sensitive point but I would like to offer my opinion. Do those that practice hyperflexion do so with the training scale in mind?  We see the extremes in the pictures that have... Read More
Catherine Haddad
29 weeks 2 days ago
Consensus
Marion,  I absolutely agree on this point!  You hit the nail on the head. Read More
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Comments

mbm
29 weeks 3 days ago

Thanks!

Dear Catherine - 

I am really enjoying your blog posts and really wanted to thank you - both for the cool blog posts, but also for clearly caring and taking the time to answer questions and address current issues in the  dressage world. 

I admit to being a bit confused regarding your video and your comments related to it - but this current blog entry addresses the questions I had  - so THANK YOU!  

I hope you continue to post as it is very informative and fun :) 

Happy riding!  

Mary
equipoize
29 weeks 3 days ago

Thank you for the clarification

Thank you Catherine - this reply Does help me understand what you were trying to show in the video.  I have to admit, I don't exactly follow the concept of 'putting the neck where you want it' - but if that was what you intended to show, then indeed you did exactly that.  I had always felt that 'playing the accordian' exercise was more the overall frame of the horse, and not just the neck posture.  But of course, many people call similar things different names, and sometimes the same name is applied to different things.  I personally do not position my horses' necks - instead, I seek to change their overall posture, mostly by increasing the flexion of their hind legs, and the balance of their shoulders, and I allow the position of the neck and head be a reflection of those things.  All I ask of a horse in terms of his neck and head is that he carry it in a manner that allows me to maintain the circle of aids - and I find that as the horse engages behind, the neck will round up more, and the shoulders will rise.  To me that would be changing the frame of the horse, playing the accordian.  But if that wasn't your aim, then who cares what it is called. 

I greatly appreciate the skill and tact that it takes to produce such a lovely horse - and the fact that he was coping with the SHUSSSHH BAM of sliding snow makes his obedient work on the video even more impressive. 

I agree that dressage is at a cross roads.  I think everyone who is involved in the sport, at Every Level, needs to clearly choose what they support and what is acceptable riding in the name of dressage.  While I appreciate tact in riding, I think in politics it is even more necessary.  But like riding, so is decisiveness.  And We all need to speak out Against riding that is over the limit, and no longer respects the nature of the horse. 

I am sorry that some people feel I was being unkind in my questions, or in initiating the discussion on the UDBB.  It was actually another poster who brought your blog up in a different thread.  I just gave it a place of its own, because I felt it offered a great chance to learn and discuss what was shown. 

I also know that perfection only exists in the minds of arm chair riders.  Horses are horses, people are people, and reality is a part of life.  Thank you for such a detailed response to my question.  Monica
egp
29 weeks 3 days ago

Fabulous post, Ms. Haddad!

What an eloquent entrance to the blogosphere!  I've enjoyed reading your first few posts, and look forward to many more thoughtful observations from you.  Our sport can use more clear-headed, gifted riders/teachers/ambassadors like you.

 

Again, thank you.
chisamba
29 weeks 2 days ago

your video, your intention, your name

Hello Catherine.

I also come to your blog from a thread where we discussed your "accordion" video. You mention in your blog that you focus on throughness, and forward. ( May i digress to express my distaste of the word throughness. Throughness a terrible translation for Durchlässigkeit, which really means permeability.)

My thoughts on seeing the video was that you were demonstrating how high, or how low you are prepared to work when schooling a horse.  I enjoyed the demonstration.  I am also exceptionally pleased that you clarified this. You ride better, and more successfully then I ever will, and I admire that.  As such, however, you are more influential, and more noticeable.   An open mind will  in fact explore ALL points of view, not only those with political impact.

Here is the comment I am talking about,

Catherine HADDAD - 7th in finals World Cup Las Vegas - USA - here with Danish Warmblod, Maximus.

Do like Catherine HADDAD... join this group, and show that using the technics LOW DEEP AND ROUND is OK !from Pia Munchs LDR facebook.  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=mf&gid=285476607441#!/photo.php?pid=30513003&id=1116986895&fbid=1209803641366along with photos like thishttp://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?page=2&oid=285476607441&aid=-1&auser=&view=all#!/photo.php?pid=30505592&op=9&o=all&view=all&subj=285476607441&aid=-1&oid=285476607441&id=1116986895and thishttp://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?page=2&oid=285476607441&aid=-1&auser=&view=all#!/photo.php?pid=30505545&op=9&o=all&view=all&subj=285476607441&aid=-1&oid=285476607441&id=1116986895&fbid=1206172950601so this is what we were talking about.  If you give your name to a cause, and post a video on a public blog, then you indeed putting yourself out there to be discussed.  I apologise that you were offended by my question, but perhaps now you see why the questions came about.thank you ( i have edited this several times in attempt to be clear)

 
Catherine Haddad
29 weeks 2 days ago

Semantics

Chisamba, I would appreciate it if we could use our real identities here.  I am not a secretive person.  Nor am I offended by your questions.  Or was it you that said I signed a pro-hyperflexion petition?!?  I am not offended by people who have valid questions but I cannot abide by purposeful disinformation.I  signed neither a pro-Hyperflexion petition nor an anti-hyperflexion petition.I joined a group on facebook.  I've explained my reasons for that. I stand by what I wrote and here it is again:   Dear Readers: I also belong to "1 Million Strong For Same-Sex Marriage Throughout The Entire United States" and "International Young Riders' Festival"--both groups on Facebook. I have no interest in being a partner in a same sex marriage--nor am I a young rider. Many of my friends, however, belong to these various groups. I like to network with them. And because I am American and the last time I looked it was a free country, I feel at liberty to join whatever group I choose.

Furthermore, while I do not support hyperflexion, I also do not equate it with low, down and round. I resent the misuse of labels. That is why I (with a clear mind and in total confidence about my training methods) joined this group. My training method is a very public thing. I have never supported hyperflexion and I don't even know which "petition" is being referred to on this forum so it is interesting that posters are saying I have signed it.

Go to http://www.dressagetrainingonline.com if you aren't familiar with my training system and wish to become so.
This is not a facetious answer, Chisamba, nor an offended one.  This is what I believe.. Thanks for your input.  I think it is nice that you are concerned about my understanding of the situation.  But don't forget, please, I live in the middle of it!  All the best to you, Catherine
Catherine Haddad
29 weeks 2 days ago

...and I can't get this text

...and I can't get this text to format properly on computer!  Sorry for the jumbled text.  C.
chisamba
29 weeks 2 days ago

This is exactly what i wrote wrt your video

wrt the video: i believe her intention was perhaps to show the lowest and highest she will go in placing the neck, in response to the LDR thing, and as such she was content to show it. I do not think there was anything in the video I would consider abusive, or even uncomfortable for the horse. Finally I feel the horse was being ridden and adjusted in its forward gaits, as it were, and was not asked to bend and lower its hind end for the more collected gaits. that is what i saw anyway.

 

I simply asked if you really did support the LDR facebook.  I was not certain, as anyone can put down a name.  Apparently you do, with clear conscience.

I am much better known by my pseudonym then my "real name", and so I choose to stick with it, thank you.  I notice others on you blog has done so too.

By way of discussion. Do you perhaps understand that I  find it problematic to consider where does LDR end, and hyper flexion begin?  When does hyper flexion become abusive?  When does hyper elevation become abusive.  How can these things be regulated so as not to allow the abusive level to be considered acceptable. As you have expressed very nicely, the sport of dressage is at a crucial stage of its development.  All people who enjoy horses and the sport as very concerned as to how this development impacts the horses.  Those organizations that do not effectively govern themselves are unfortunately exposing themselves to advocates far more rabid and extreme than regular horse folks. Since you are "in it" perhaps you can help me understand as it is obvious that you are both smart and well spoken and indeed courageous enough to address we, in the grass roots of the sport, directly.

 

 Sincerely

Marion 

, or Murph to my friends


 
Catherine Haddad
29 weeks 2 days ago

Consensus

Marion,  The definition of where LDR ends and Hyperflexion begins is of course the main point of controversy in our sport today--that is IF you define LDR as I do.  Seems that some people do not distinguish a difference between the two terms.

I've already made it clear what  my opinion is and where I stand on the issue.  Now it is time for the FEI to do the same.  That organization must find a way to set clear boundaries for acceptable riding, whether through written explanation or video presentation. 

I think it is fabulous that so many people are concerned.  But like in WWII, the battle lines are clearly drawn while friendships reach across the conflict zone.  Together with friends on both sides of this conflict, I am talking about forming a consensus that defines good riding and protects the welfare of our horses.  On systems of training, we continue for the moment to agree to disagree.  Please understand that there is no other way to proceed.  If the antis cut off communication with the pros and/or vice versa, no consensus can be achieved.

That is the reality of living within this world. I do not have the luxery of observing it from a distance.

Best regards, Catherine

 

 

 

 
chisamba
29 weeks 2 days ago

Post script

I am enjoying your blog
chisamba
29 weeks 2 days ago

civilized

Dear Catherine,

 

it is so hard, is it not, to have a civl conversation on the topic, even amoung friends, never mind amoungs those already so polarized in opinion.  And yet somehow we must.

 

sincerely

Marion
Catherine Haddad
29 weeks 2 days ago

Consensus

Marion,  I absolutely agree on this point!  You hit the nail on the head.
EchoandT
12 weeks 3 days ago

Hyperflexion

I know this is a sensitive point but I would like to offer my opinion.

Do those that practice hyperflexion do so with the training scale in mind?  We see the extremes in the pictures that have been put out on the internet with people bracing with there feet and pulling the horse into a "frame".  Clearly the relaxation part of training scale has been thrown out the window. The horse does not have a "swinging" back and is not pushing equally from both hind legs.  With thier feet braced in the stirrups, the riders seat is definately not in the saddle and is not influencing the horse in any way.

In my limited experience this seems to happen when people are not riding with empathy for their horses or with the proper knowledge at hand.  With the first step in the training scale totally ignored, we can then come to the conclusion that this person has no clue what it is.

I watched your video Catherine and I learned  a lot.  Your horse was relaxed (as relaxed as you could get him in that chilly environment with the snow falling off the roof) and pushing from behind equally with both hind legs.  His attention was on you and he was forward accepting the contact and exhibiting impulsion, straightness, collection, and self carriage.  As far as I (a rank amatuer next to someone like you) was concerned this was a perfect work out.  I once read that "perfection is the enemy of good"  when we become obsessed with perfection nothing is good enough.

Where am I going with this?  Are those that use "hyperflexion" using doing so with the training scale in mind?  Clearly there are those that are and their horses are exhibiting all the other characteristics set forth in this scale.  Those that aren't clearly need to go back to "school" and study this more in depth.  There are, unfortunately, sheissty (is that even a word?) "trainers" out there that promise their students that they will move them "up the levels quickly".  I shudder when I hear that.  These so called trainers promote the use of artificial training aids to "get the head down".  In my opinion draw reins should never be given to anyone under the age of 40 or anyone with less than 30 years experience in the saddle. (Or maybe they should just be burned in a big huge bonfire) Yes Virginia (my hypothetical "Rita" if you will) you can show your horse without doping them up with depo privera! (yes geldings on depo can you believe it?)  Just take them to shows and ride them around the grounds without competing.  When I ask the students of trainers like these about the training scale I get the deer in the headlights look.  Their horses are ridden constantly cramped up with their chins just about jammed into their chest and their rider thinking that their horse is "on the bit" (another phrase that makes me want to cringe). I just shake my head and walk away.

I was lucky to find and instructor that taught me these things along with empathy for my horse.  She taught me to use exercises like leg-yield, shoulder-in and haunches-in as tools to supple your horse not just movements to perform in front of a judge.

To me dressage is dressage.  There is no such thing as "eventing dressage" or "training dressage" (redundant I know since the word means training) or "competition dressage"  If it isn't performed with the training scale in mind or with empathy for our equine partners then you have no business riding in front of a judge or marketing yourself as a "trainer".

OK I'll get down of my soapbox now.  Thanks for letting me post this on your blog. And my name is Cheryl.

Hope to see you at the WEG Catherine!  You deserve it.

Signed A Rank Amatuer with a great horse that was Classicaly Trained.
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