In an interview with ClipMyHorse, German senior Grand Prix team trainer Monica Theodorescu voiced her opinion on the current shutdown of the competition circuit due to the corona pandemic. She also shares her views on the "online competition" format, which is now sprouting up.
Competition Shutdown due to Corona
"Now we've been put on ice, despite the sunshine. Nothing is happening in sport and we are waiting for a moment this year, that it can pick up again. It's all still up in the air," said Monica about the sportive standstill.
"For next year we are well prepared with our planning if all takes place under normal conditions. We'll have an indoor season with the World Cup circuit and Finals in Gothenburg at the beginning of April, which fits well," said Monica. "And then at the end of April we start with the outdoor season in Hagen. The calendar is already fixed for next year with the shows that have tentative dates: Mannheim, Munich, Wiesbaden, Balve with the German Championships at the beginning of June and then Aachen."
Theodorescu confirms that the Olympic qualifications for Germany will go as planned next year. The German squad riders are bridging the gap.
"The horses are being kept fit and the riders are in an "on hold" mode. They have their stable management under control and now they have time to renovate or work on their property as well," said Monica.
However, the 2021 European Championships in Budapest, which were scheduled for August 2021, are still uncertain.
"It's a big question mark as the European Championships in Budapest are planned for the end of August, but that is way too close to Tokyo. So it can't happen on those dates, the FEI is looking into it. It's still a big question mark if they will take place, or will be postponed or entirely cancelled," said Monica.
Online Competitions, "I Don't Like them at All"
Several German and American companies have started "online dressage competitions" in which riders can submit a video of test, which will then be assessed by a recognized national or international judges. All entries will be ranked according to their score.
The FEI immediately nipped this initiative in the bud by re-iterating its decision of 2018 that FEI judges are not allowed to judge in any FEI "unsanctioned" events, which includes those online competitions. Also riders and horses, who have competed in an FEI event in the past 6 months, are not allowed to compete in such events. Judges are only allowed to comment on videos for educational purposes and not for competitions.
Monica was quite firm in her opinion on online competitions: "I don't like them at all," she replied.
"I can understand and follow the thought that you want to have your ride at home judged. In training we also do video analysis and we look at many videos of the squad riders who sent us short clips. it's a good tool, but as a competition where you will be compared; at home you can't generate that show atmosphere," said Monica expressing her doubts.
"You don't know how horses have been prepared, there are no stewards, no doping tests. It has nothing to do with 'competition'," said Monica.
Home Time, Time for Reflection
When asked if she enjoys her time now at home instead of traveling to around 30 competitions a year, Monica replied, "Four weeks ago we were still in 's Hertogenbosch and Dortmund so it hasn't been that long yet. I'm not bored at home, on the contrary. It's a time to reflect and to get some stuff in order, the house, the garden, but also myself to slow down a bit, to reflect."
Monica shared a good time of a hobby she has taken up again:
"Maybe it's a good time to read a theoretical book, which I just started again, so my mind is not always fixed on the practical, but also on the theoretical. I can recommend it. Not bad to sit outside in the sun."
Related Links
FEI Judges Not Permitted to Judge Online Dressage Competitions
Monica Theodorescu: Backed by History, Facing the Present on Home Bred Horses
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