German 5* judge Peter Holler was part of the ground jury at the 2015 World Cup Finals in Las Vegas in April. In an interview with Dressursport Deutschland the experienced O-judge shared his unsalted opinion on the quality of riding, music and organisation at the event.
Holler was quite outspoken about the amateur organisation of the event, the lack of surprises, the poor quality in music and he admitted that only Isabell Werth who was able to transmit sparks through her music on the crowds. He did however liked the enthusiasm of the American audience.
"I was pleasantly surprised about the euphoric American audience," he said. "Often they started to clap when an extended trot or a pirouette for instance worked. Most horses were not impressed by it and it's nice see some emotion in the dressage sport, as long as it's not exaggerated and disturbs the horses."
Holler was upset that the organizers decided to put a spotlight on the World Cup trophy which was displayed right near the dressage arena at the end of the diagonal and caused several horses to shy away from it.
Holler's strongest criticism was on the poor quality of some of the music at the event.
"A few freestyles at the World Cup Finals were truly uninspiring and boring," Holler stated. "Their music was nothing more than annoying background noise or a loud mush of sound accompanying the ride. They are not doing the concept of the kur any favours. We need more inspiration and moments of surprise in the music and choreography."
Read the full interview here.
Photo © Dirk Caremans
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