End of the Year Questions and Answers 2009

Interviews

End of the Year Questions

Now that the end of the year is rapidly approaching, Eurodressage asked several international riders, judges and journalists to review their year briefly and highlight what they considered the most important evolutions and happenings in their personal and professional life.

Trond Asmyr Norway FEI Dressage Director
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	Taking up my present position at FEI. Exactly today I have my half year anniversary, and I had not any idea that the job should bring me so much joy!
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Unfortunately, I have to give a negative example here. Even though I had hoped for the world to take the responsibility for the future development of our globe during the Climate Conference in Copenhagen, I am not too surprised that the governments did not agree to any substantial obligations.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Sorry, I hardly ever watch TV or listen to the radio
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: My great hero, Dan Brown, came out with his new book. Just amazing. I could not stop reading until it was finished. Play: My biggest surprise on the stage was probably the Bejart Ballet here in Lausanne, which is just outstanding. I did not expect to find such a good group in such a small city.
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	We have the most fantastic starting point: Dressage has never been on such a high level, and we have never experienced so much interest from the media and the spectators. I hope we can use this positive position to work together for the future of our sport. Let us be happy about the amazing level we see today, and not try to tear it down due to details.
What do you wish for in 2010?	My previous answer

Eva Möller Germany Bronze medallist at the 2009 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. Gold Medallist at the 2009 Bundeschampionate: both aboard Silvia Rizzo's Blickpunkt.
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	My highlight was the winning the gold medal at the "Bundeschampionate" in Warendorf and the bronze at the World Championships for Young Horses in Verden with Blickpunkt
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	What happened at the Climate Conference in Copenhagen!! What do we need politicians for?
Best and worst tv and radio show	As a mother of four children I don´t have much time for TV and I´m not too unhappy about it!
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Best book: Frank Schätzings "Limit" Best CD: My dear friend Paul van Dyk's album "Volume" Concert: I loved "Coldplay" live in Hanover
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I would like to see less prophets in our sport, who are only negative! Live and let live. Especially German print media! Most of us act out of passion and respect for horses and do not mistreat our partners!!
What do you wish for in 2010?	As much health as possible and as much success as necessary!

Laura Bechtolsheimer Great Britain Team Silver and Individual Bronze medallist at the 2009 European Dressage Championships in Windsor
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The 2009 European Championships in Windsor
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Awareness of climate change and the importance of finding renewable energy sources.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best TV: Weeds Worst TV: all day time tv!
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: Gregory David Roberts' "Shantaram" Play: Mamma Mia Concert: Hey Negrita CD: Kings of Leon's "Only By the Night"
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	2010 will hopefully see a further increase in the popularity of the sport so that there is more coverage of it and an increase in sponsorship.
What do you wish for in 2010?	In 2010 I wish for my Grand Prix horses to stay sound and my youngsters to get closer to becoming stars! (Another team and individual medal would be very welcome too!!)

Catherine Haddad U.S.A. International Grand Prix rider, World Cup Finallist
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	1) CDIO Aachen. I often learn more from defeat than victory. 2) CDI Stuttgart. That was the first show where Cadillac let me ride him (in the Special) like I ride him at home.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Regime change in the USA. It’s really nice to have a US President who can speak English.
Best and worst tv and radio show	I was too busy in 2009 to watch television!
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: Yann Martel's "Life of Pi" Play: War Horse Concert: Pink! Movie: still "Gladiator" CD: Pink's "Funhouse"
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I would like to see the FEI form, finance and educate a professional corps of dressage judges out of the already competent volunteer corps that we have today. I believe that people should be paid for their work and held accountable for it. I am for mine. Dressage is a professional sport. We invest a lot of money in our horses, training, travel and competitions. Now it is time to invest in our judges.
What do you wish for in 2010?	A new sponsor. I am incredibly grateful to the JSS Trust for supporting me from 2004-2009. We accomplished a lot together! I’d like to keep competing at the international level but that is really difficult to do that without financial support.

Chris Hector Australia Editor in Chief of The Horse Magazine
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The European Dressage Championships in Windsor - Dressage is exciting again!
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Failure of world leaders to confront the issue of climate change at Copenhagen. Will polo become water polo?
Best and worst tv and radio show	Don't watch tv Best radio show: now that the Bob Dylan Radio Hour has finished - is the great Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keilor
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: Peter Matthiessen's "Shadow Country" Play: Streetcar named desire - Cate Blanchett and her Sydney Theatre Company Concert: Leonard Cohen London concert (alas on DVD not live, but it means i can keep playing it over and over and over) Movie: not a movie fan CD: Fred Astaire sings with Oscar Peterson (blue note)
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	More new faces, new horses and less recycling of the same old same old stars
What do you wish for in 2010?	To catch up with lots of my friends at the WEG in Kentucky

Patrik Kittel SWE Swedish Grand Prix Team rider and 2008 Swedish Olympic Team rider
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The most important event was the European Championships in Windsor: a great show, great riding and so many good performences. I was really happy to have been there and my horse Scandic did really well for his young age. My most important show was the CDI Falsterbo: to win in front of a home crowd is really amazing and with very good scores.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	That is a tough one.. Globally, the death of Michael Jackson. I think he was a convicted child and never had a chance in life. It was sad that he died even though I was not his biggest fan. He had a gift and to me he was abused utterly to the point of no return.... On a personal level, I think the most important happening was my engagment to Lyndal. Every day I am looking forward to the day i marry her.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Since I discoverd Itunes I don't listen much to radio but when it comes to tv-shows they need to scratch many reality shows. Shows with people getting killed all the time. It's not such a long time ago I was a kid and what I see on TV today shocks me: the more brutal and the more twisted shows are, the more people seem to like it.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: I love Dan Brown so his books are on my favourite list Moves: it's difficult because there are so many bad movies out there. I go for old classics like Notting Hill. (I freely admit I am a bit softy when it comes to movies) Concerts: no time for concerts CD: I download what I like. One of the good things of Internet.
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I think the dressage world is developing much: new combinations, top scoring, better breeding. I would choose people to focus more on the sport, the love for our horses and maybe for 1 minute think that we are not trying to get our horses down. Every dressage rider is trying to build his horse up to have a long, happy partnership with our horses. No other way can lead to long term success.
What do you wish for in 2010?	I wish myself, my family and all people health and happiness. When I go out in the morning and see the farm, the horses, or lyndal I sometimes have to pinch myself: what more can a man want?

Anne Gribbons U.S.A. FEI Dressage Committee member, U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	In August the USEF eligible athletes voted for me to become the US Technical Advisor of Dressage for a period of three years. Two weeks later I was appointed as Head of the Ground Jury for the World Equestrian Games. Obviously, the two tasks are in conflict. It was a difficult decision to walk away from WEG, but I had made a commitment to the riders, and that weighed heavily in the end. In November the FEI formed the new Dressage committee and, with impeccable timing, I was appointed to the committee. Time will tell if I will be able to fulfill both tasks, but I am going to give it a try.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The miracle of Totilas who I had the privilege of judging at Rotterdam and Windsor and watched perform at Stuttgart in November. This fairy tale horse and his rider, Edward Gal, has done more to highlight dressage and make people excited about our sport than anything else I have experienced.
Best and worst tv and radio show	I hardly ever watch TV except the news, and they are bad enough!
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	My two current favorite books are “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen and “Stone’s Fall 'by Iain Pears. Favorite CD: Planet Earth
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	The creation of a good definition and a way to regulate the issue of Hyperflexion, generated by the riders themselves in a way that is realistic to live by. And a more positive attitude towards the dressage judges who seem to be always under attack, even when their performance is beyond reproach.
What do you wish for in 2010?	The energy, health and luck to proceed in my work and a lot of emerging US dressage combinations which can make us proud at WEG!

Richard Davison Great Britain British Dressage Team Captain, British Olympic dresssage rider, Former FEI Task Force Member
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	Of course the European Championships in Windsor – our Team Silver and Individual bronze were a well deserved reward, not just for the riders, but also for their home teams and all British equestrian supporters.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Surely 2009 taught us (yet again) that we can’t rely on politicians but we have to take ownership and responsibility ourselves.
Best and worst tv and radio show	My lifestyle doesn't really allow much time for TV but generally there is not enough good quality fiction but far too many trashy ‘reality’ programs.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: John Francombe’s latest Deadly Finish Play: War Horse Concert: naturally I think my son’s band Dakota are the best ! CD: buy Dakota’s ‘Heart and Soul’ when its released in February, its great for all ages.
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	Well lets start with implementing the recommendations of the FEI Task Force.
What do you wish for in 2010?	I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and less time on my Blackberry or laptop!

Nathalie Zu Saeyn-Wittgenstein Denmark Olympic team bronze medallist. Danish Grand Prix team rider
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The 2009 CHIO Aachen. Rigoletto won CDI Grand Prix and Special. Digby beat Salinero and others in the Grand Prix and then we had personal best in the Special.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	That polititians did not come to a resolution at the climate conference in Copenhagen. That we have new world records in dressage, thanks to Parzival and Totilas. Our sport is getting exciting again!!
Best and worst tv and radio show	Worst TV show: All reallity shows Best TV show: 2 and a half men
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Best book: all the books by Jeffery Archer Best movies: old classic films Do not have the time to go to concerts.
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	That judging gets better, and that we find a good way to make our sport more popular!!!! I think Totilas has already made a good effort.
What do you wish for in 2010?	That my family, friends and all my horses stay healthy and sound.

Ellen Schulten-Baumer Germany German Team rider at the 2007 and 2009 European Dressage Championships. Team Silver Medallist at the 2007 E.C.
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The Europeans in Windsor, of course. It was a great experience and we all were really, really proud to win a super bronze medal.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The course of the climate conference in Copenhagen was very disappointing. I would like to see that more nations would be willing to look outside the box and beyond.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best TV: Lipstick Jungle!!! Worst TV: "Bauer sucht Frau,' a German series which is created for german farmers to find a wife......sooooo embarrassing!!! Radio: I prefer our regional station so I`m always up to date on my neighbourhood
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: I have only just read the third and last book by Stieg Larsson and I enjoyed these books very much Play: Mamma Mia Concert: I´m looking forward to Depeche Mode in concert in February Movie: Pride and Prejudice (so romantic) CD: I download what I like to hear
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	We had a lot of "negative energy" and I hope we can turn it into co-operation and joint efforts to take our sport forward. Dressage Sport has never been on such a high level and I think it is a great motivation and pleasure to watch for everyone. The sport has in recent years evolved so greatly and I hope that in the next year the situation continues.
What do you wish for in 2010?	Good health for my family and friends – both human and equine! In riding I want to improve even more and get the best out of me and my super upcoming young horses and my lovely Donatha.

Stephen Clarke Great Britain O-judge
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The European Championships at Windsor where we saw the sport reach levels that had only been dreamed of before.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Obama, this poor guy has a lot resting on his shoulders!
Best and worst tv and radio show	"Who wants to be a Millionaire" Purely to see the reactions of the contestants, human nature is fascinating!
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: "The Mammoth Hunters" by Jean M Auel. Play: War Horse Concert: Andrea Bocelli. Movie: Dr. Zhivago CD: Andrea Bocelli
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	People's attitudes, both from the public and the press. Our sport has developed beyond our wildest dreams, the breeding, riding and judging is better than ever before. It's about time all the players pulled together and learned to treat each other with respect so that we can push on together to even greater heights.
What do you wish for in 2010?	As above...

Marlies van Baalen NED Dutch A-team Grand Prix rider
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	Winning the gold medal during the nations' test in Aachen with Hans-Peter Minderhoud, Anky van Grunsven and Sander Marijnissen. Also the fifth place on the Dutch Championships with BMC O’Jay. Besides that, I gave clinics in Vancouver and Rome which I enjoyed doing!
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	For me personally: the result of my mother’s first check-up after her illness was a great relief; everything ok!
Best and worst tv and radio show	If I have the time, which is not very often, I like to watch ‘De Wereld draait door’, a Dutch daily news program. Worst: Why bother watching?! Radio: radio538 is always okay to listen to in the car when going to training or competitions!
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: The Kite Runner from Khaled Hosseini Unfortunately, I had no time to see a play, concert or movie in 2009! CD: NW8 by Guus Meeuwis.
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I hope the new dressage committee will come up with great ideas. Frank Kemperman has proven to be a capable man; if you look at how he organises CHIO Aachen, that is fantastic. If some new ideas will be implemented to help our sport forward, I would very much like and encourage that. In addition, I hope that the dressage world (and all people working in it) continue to work together, as opposed to working against each other, in order to guide our sports through stormy weather!
What do you wish for in 2010?	Hope for good health and well-being for all my beloved, especially my parents, and my horses. Other than that: I hope for nice results in the competitions and also for my pupils!

Edward Gal The Netherlands European Team and individual gold medallist with Totilas
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The most beautiful moment to me was becoming Eurpean Champion in the Kur and riding my last World Record in London.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	I was most shocked by the attempted attack on the Dutch Queen during Queen's Day
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best TV: Animal Planet Worst: I don't watch bad telefion. Best Radio station: I only listed to 538
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: "Komt een Vrouw bij de Dokter" (by Kluun) Movie: "Komt een Vrouw bij de Dokter" Concert: Tina Turner in Antwerp
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I would love to see a stop to the perpetual discussion about training methods.
What do you wish for in 2010?	I wish everyone around me, my family, friends and horses (and dogs) to stay healthy.

Matthias Alexander Rath Germany Highest ranking German rider at the 2009 European Dressage Championships in Windsor.
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The European Championships and the German Championships in Balve
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The comeback of Michael Schumacher to the F1 circuit and higher marks in dressage than ever before.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best: Stern-TV, Wetten dass.. Worst: Bauer sucht Frau, Frauentausch
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: Illuminati, Diabolus, Symbol (Dan Brown) Movie: Sieben Leben, Hangover, The Curious Life of Benjamin Button CD: Xavier Naidoo, Clueso
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	More transparency in the scores of a freestyle
What do you wish for in 2010?	To reach the 2010 World Cup Final and the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky

David Stickland U.S.A. Score analyticus for the FEI
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	It's a close call between the euphoria of celebrating with the Dutch team after Windsor (I have never seen Champagne bottles move so fast or frequently across a bar!) and of watching my youngest daughter perform her first FEI Pony Freestyle at the Salon de Paris in December. I was very honored to have been invited to talk at the GDF. My analysis of randomized tests is perhaps (seriously!) hard to understand, but it clearly shows that our judges are able to do a spectacular job of better than 1% consistency, which is approaching the theoretical best possible with whole point scoring. Half-points could open the way for doing even better on average. This is a great base to build on, and I believe there are also ways to help more judges to reach this level and even to improve the precision of the final scores.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	A worldwide awakening to the fragility of our life on our planet, even if this is not yet shared by our politicians.
Best and worst tv and radio show	I only watch TeleMatin with William Leymergie on France 2 every morning. It's the best morning news journal in any language I have come across. (Though I did watch the DVD version of Grey's Anatomy series 5 this Christmas). Most other TV is just too uninteresting.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	"A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson. I really recommend it, it certainly reflects my view of the world and highlights the precariousness of our existence. We might as well enjoy life and, why not Dressage, to the full while we are still here.
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I believe 2009 has seen the "ownership" of Dressage growing to include and take account of all of the major stakeholders: riders, trainers, organizers, judges (and even horses, thanks to the Clean Sport movement) . I would like to see all of this community carefully moving forward to make this sport as objective as possible at all levels. I hope the new Dressage Committee has the strength to follow through on the Task Force recommendations and to come up with some new ideas of its own. One thing I can't imagine is the top of the field getting much better, 2009 was fantastic. But if we could move a few more up to the top?
What do you wish for in 2010?	Of course, good health and success for all my friends and loved ones and for their horses. I hope I get to see great Dressage as many times as possible, as the best performances uplift everyone's spirits. I hope the LHC has a great year of running and that we may even uncover some new secrets of the universe in 2010. I have met and worked with a great set of Dressage people these past few years, I learn so much from them all; I hope to continue to learn from them and to be able to feed a little back into the sport with my analyses. I have lots of ideas still to explore and I hope I get a chance to follow up some more of them in 2010. I believe it will be very hard, but that we really should try, to build a detailed code of points agreed by all the stakeholders. Finally, I am looking forward to an ecologically sound second Indoor Manege and Stable just for Dressage being built here at Belle Ferme in 2010!

Emma Hindle Great Britain Team silver medallist at the 2009 European Championships
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	Silver in Windsor and 4th in the Kür in Aachen
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Swine flu even in a recession there is still one thing more important than money “Health”
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best: Little Britain Worst: those fitness shows selling "get-thin" machines. They don’t mention that the people showing them haven’t eaten solid food for the last year.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: Dan Brown's „The lost Symbol" On the others I must get out more I have no idea
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	That people start to appreciate good horses and good riding and Stop all the jealous back chat
What do you wish for in 2010?	Good health and happiness for all my loved ones

Cees Slings The Netherlands Kur composer, arranger, producer
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	Working again with 5-star riders, horses and their trainers all over Europe, experiencing the focused mind of these riders; riding on top-level and still managing to make time for studying at University, doing special training exercises, and having a broad vision in what they do. I keeps an older man like me alert! The positive reactions about EQ-Musync from people who really understand freestyle dressage and music; and the recent new development of EQM-Choreography software program; this could be ready in April 2010 if we find some sponsors.... To see Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff riding very young fresh horses at the Schafhof stables; she's showing a lot of courage! The 'Klaus Balkenhol 70-years Anniversary Quadrille' we just 'did' in Frankfurt with 8 superb International riders; fun and joy with I-judge Eddy de Wolff van Westerrode and all these Young Guns.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The birth of our daughter Vera Anna Madiol Slings on the 12th of August. To see my wife Mirjam as 'super' model again (already 2 month's after the birth of Vera!!). Being a practising father again; I have to admit, it takes a bit of time to adjust it with my work. Finally getting my Grafton sax (searched for over 25 years to find a good one; I found a super one in April in the UK and finally got in December in Frankfurt!)
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best: Draadstaal (Dutch comedy show), De Oorlog, a documentary about Holland during World War II Worst: never watch (bad) television
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Books: The Stieg Larsson Trilogy, The Reader, and all the old Biggles pockets (a bit of youth sentiment) Movie: Up (Pixar), The Reader (with Kate Blanchet), Roxy Music - The Story of, Bryan Ferry - Bete Noir tour (re-released version) CD: Erik Satie - Gnossiennes by Reinbert de Leeuw, Mathilde Santing - Too Much (EP), Galaxy Linn - GL re-release, Eric Vloeimans - Summersault Play: no time to watch any this year unfortunately Concert: The Haque Residential Orchestra - June 2009 - The Saxophone in a 'hi-lite' concert (An American in Paris etc)
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	Improving the quality of adjudication of the freestyle by using objective measurements like the EQ-Musync soft and hardware system. Consultancy for the FEI and National Federations with professional freestyle composers and producers. Sufficient budget for the FEI in order to meet the requirements of the DTF report
What do you wish for in 2010?	A good health for everyone around me, seeing all my 'Young Gun's' client's riding and scoring in their freestyles; entertaining the audience on a high level and let the best one win! To have time to produce all things I have planned for 2010 and to drive my Caterham this summer (just finished an intensive rebuild and tuning session, didn't drive her in the last 2 years!)

Hans Peter Minderhoud The Netherlands Dutch A-team Grand Prix rider
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The 2009 CDIO Aachen: all three of my horses (Nadine, Escapado and Florencio) finished in the top three in all tests. I was named "Best rider" of the event. For our stable, the mega success of Edward and Totilas. Windsor was totally cool and I've never been so nervous. It's horrible to be a spectator.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The death of Michael Jackson and the attack on our queen during Queen's Day.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best: : X-factor Worst: all reality hospital programs. Brrr. Best radio: I only listen to Radio 538.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: "Komt een Vrouw bij de Dokter" (by Kluun) Movie: No idea, I've seen so many good movies Concert: Tina Turner in Antwerp. Fantastic!
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I hope dressage will become even more popular and that all the whining about training methods will stop.
What do you wish for in 2010?	I hope everyone around me (family, friends and horses) will stay healthy.

Imke Schellekens-Bartels The Netherlands European Team gold medallist with Sunrise
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	The European Championships in Windsor: Team Gold Plus two wins in the World Cup qualifiers in Frankfurt and Mechelen
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	Totilas
Best and worst tv and radio show	I almost never watch tv so I don’t know.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson Concert: Anouk CD: Adele
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	Negativity from spectators and media
What do you wish for in 2010?	Health for my family and a lot of joy in riding

George Williams U.S.A. U.S. Grand Prix rider, President of the United States Dressage Federation
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	There have been big changes for me in 2009. I have some stunning new horses to ride, I helped guide the US High Performance Committee through the appointment of the new Technical Advisor/Coach and of course, being elected to the USDF Presidency
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The election of Barack Obama, something I thought would never happen in my lifetime.
Best and worst tv and radio show	I don't often watch TV but what I do dislike intensely is the screaming political pundits. I do listen to the radio and National Public Radio (NPR) is what I turn on even though my wife and daughter have rock n' roll stations pre programmed into my car radio.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Most of my recreational reading is done on airplanes. This year I particularly enjoyed "Water For Elephants" by Sara Gruen, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Chris Bohjalian and "A Thousand Splendid Sons" by Kahled Hosseini. Best concert: I went to the Trans Siberian Orchestra and was blown away. Best CD: That is a question for Roberta and Noel Best Movie: "The Reader" was very good, but for sheer fun "Mamma Mia".
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I would like to see a civil exchange of ideas and discussion between all parties - not just the ones who are loudest and most adept at manipulating technology.
What do you wish for in 2010?	For the dressage world: I wish for a successful WEG. For myself: Good health for me, my loved ones and of course for my horses.

Wolfram Wittig Germany German Grand Prix rider, trainer of Olympic champion Isabell Werth
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	It's always the next show. I'm not into history
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	To me it looks that the trend to make everything bad is very up-to-date, especially in our sport
Best and worst tv and radio show	The best is what you like to watch, otherwise shut down the tv
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Xenophon and Dr. Heuschmann, don't you think so ?
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	The product of dressage is really very good, if horsmanship takes the lead
What do you wish for in 2010?	Just good health for everybody so that we can support and work with these lovely animals, our horses

Robert Dover U.S.A. Canadian chef d'equipe, multiple U.S. Olympic team rider
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	I was retired for most of 2009 and so I guess my most important event would have to be my being hired in October as Canadian Coach/Technical Advisor.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The internet is continuing to make the world a place in which people are able to show the truth about everything which is happening in their countries (like Iran and Sudan) and this will eventually lead to further uprising and the democratization of all nations. People want and deserve to live in freedom and they will not, once seeing what freedom looks like, allow for anything less, even if it costs them their lives to fight for it.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best TV program: Glee Best Radio Show: NPR
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell Play: Memphis Concert: Pink Movie: Avatar in 3D CD: Adam Lambert
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I hope to see that the advice returned to the FEI on the tasks given to and worked on by the Dressage Task Force will be enacted in 2010 for the betterment of the sport.
What do you wish for in 2010?	I hope that the promises made by President Obama on all issues will continue to be realized in America and that they will have a huge and positive effect at home and around the world. If that happens, we will be closer to becoming a world of peace, prosperity, freedom and equal rights for all.

John McEwen Great Britain Chair of the FEI Veterinary Committee
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	Team Great Britain winning the Silver team medal at the European Championships and if I am allowed a second event: Laura Becktolsheimer’s Individual performance on Alf and her winning Bronze.
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	In the Equestrian world the Clean Sport Commissions’ work and the many related benefits to the sport in the future. In the wider world the disharmony in the world much of it in the name of national interests or religious beliefs.
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best: Spooks Worst: there are so many, but probably Big Brother!
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	CD: Lily Allen "It’s Not Me It’s You"
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I would like to see the improved standard of judging seen this year at top level to be continued and extended to the lower levels. I would like the sport to do more to make competition more understandable to the interested outsider.
What do you wish for in 2010?	My wish for the Equestrian World is that the sport and not the politics take centre stage in 2010.

Kyra Kyrklund Finland Multiple Olympic Grand Prix rider and trainer
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	It must be the Europeans in Windsor, mostly as it was Max' last international Grand Prix. It was a hard decision to make but I'm pleased we did it. Riding him every day is the highlight of the day and he is fresh and happy. I still learn new things with him..
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	I think the most important happening is that the dressage judges have realised that a 10 is not PERFECT, "just" excellent. I'm very pleased they now dare to use it a bit more! Even Max and I got a 10 in Windsor (the second one I ever got)
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best: I was very touched by Michael Jackson's funural. Bad TV program I don't look at, I'm a channal "flicker": I can look at two programs at the same time. I don't listen to radio that much.
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: Hard to choose which one, I read quite a lot, but maybe "The shadow of the wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Play: War Horse Concert: I love the Strauss' New Year Concert and I hope to be able to buy tickets for it sometimes in the future (no luck in the ticket lottery so far). Movie: Nothing beats "The Sound of Music" CD: Susan Boyle's "I had a dream"
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	I would like the Hyperflexion discussions to be less black and white and emotional. It's not so much the question of what system you use, but more the question of how you use it. I'm against all rough or abusive riding.
What do you wish for in 2010?	Most importantly: health and happiness for family and friends. I myself will try, once again, to focus more on the positive things in life!

Anabel Balkenhol Germany German Grand Prix rider, Winner of the 2009 Medien Cup
Most important event in your equestrian life in 2009?	Winnig the Medien Cup with Dablino and getting the Mini Cooper as a prize ;-)
Most important happening, evolution or trend in the world in 2009?	The climate conference, the financial crisis. It is very sad that there were so many bad happenings in the world in 2009
Best and worst tv and radio show	Best: Lipstick Jungle Worst: reality TV
Best book, play, concert, movie and CD	Book: "Mit dem Herzen suchen" by Jens Uwe Martens, "Le Petit Prince" by Antoine de Saint Exupéry CD: Pink´s Funhouse, other than that I download what I like
What would you like to see changed in the dressage world in 2010?	My feeling is that the harmony in the dressage world really improved and I hope this will continue in the future. It is much more fun to ride in a relaxed and happy atmosphare with a healthy competitive thinking. I hope we get a 2010 with less bad headlines, so the equestrian sport will make a good impression to the whole public and sponsors feel that this wonderful sport is worth to be supported.
What do you wish for in 2010?	I wish that my whole family and my horses will stay healthy