Top Olympic FEI Judges Ghislain Fouarge and Great Britain’s Stephen Clarke attracted over 500 judges, competitors and trainers to the annual BDSC Judges Convention at Hartpury Arena, 30 March.
Both judges have officiated at the very highest level of the sport and in February 2011, Ghislain was appointed as the FEI’s first ever Dressage Judge General.
The convention presented an equally high calibre of demonstrations riders, including Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin fresh from their grand prix victories at Vidauban CDI3* and World Class Development rider Nikki Crisp. Stephen Clarke thanked the riders for their participation, “Without the riders coming down and supporting this side of the sport we would be unable to educate the judges.”
Stephen told British Dressage, “Ghislain was particularly impressed with the level of horses and the beautiful riding he saw demonstrated in this country. He was pleased to see evidence of correct, sympathetic horse-friendly riding.”
List 1 judge Isobel Wessels was instrumental to the organisation of the event and said, “It was an honour to have two of the top international judges in the world at the convention. They both spoke in such an open way; their answers were clear and positive. The guinea pigs were amazing and could demonstrate all the points. We had great horses and riders and top judges.”
The convention brought judges, trainers and riders together, provoking much discussion from each perspective. “All three have to come together,” Isobel explained. “It is clearly a positive way forward. This is what everyone is trying to achieve. We’re leading the way!”
British Dressage would like to thank the British Dressage Supporters Club and the Judges Committee for their continued support of the event.
Text © British Dressage
Photo © Astrid Appels
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