The highest art is created when the mind and body are forced into an extreme state of consciousness. Some artists starve themselves to transgress physicality and become a spiritual/mental being (F. Kafka), others take drugs to derail the senses and experience a new world (S.T Coleridge). Athletes push their bodies to the limit in pursuit of perfection, in a quest for the ultimate limit, in an attempt to cross the line and become a hero.
Athletes and artists are the same species, driven to excel, with a mental power that can break any wall or boundary. They have stamina and perseverance that is fueled by a mental ambition of the utmost power. Both strive to create the ultimate, a work of Art, a world record; both are in search of an ultimate high.
The world applauds and supports such ambitious individuals by holding exhibitions in praise of their talent, by organizing championships where these 'super beings' gather and test their powers, putting their potential on display for the public at the same time. Large audiences come to watch this greatness in action and experience on the stands the same thrill -- that same high -- competitors must be feeling.
In the dressage world, the next capital challenge amongst athletes are the 2005 European Championships in Hagen (GER) July 27-31. With only days to go before the show anxiety is building up amongst riders and spectators. The riders have done their best training the horses to a peak and keeping them in good health, the spectators are rushing to the box office to get tickets for the events and be part of the thrill. Even the judges, a panel of seven veterans who have all the power in hand to decide who is the best, are avid for the show. "I expect great sport in a very nice place," judge Enzo Truppa told Eurodressage. Judge Hanne Valentin said, "I'm expecting a very high level of performances."
Ullrich Kasselmann of Hof Kasselmann in Hagen stood in the breach for Moscow, who failed to get the money together for hosting the Championships. In three weeks time, he was able to conjure up a well laid out, completely sponsored venue with tents, stands, trade fair, and arena up to the standard.
Ulli Kasselmann, the Bob Geldoff of the dressage world, received much criticism from cynics and detractors for hosting yet another European Championship in Germany. The non-German competitors are afraid of home favouritism, but the judges deny this. "I do not think that Germany has home advantage. The good dressage teams are very close in quality and, personally, I wish to see good sport; may the best win," German judge Gotthilf Riexinger explained. "This event will have a positive effect on the image of dressage."
With the move from Moscow to Hagen, FEI Dressage committee chairwoman Mariette Withages sees the wings clipped of her vision of universality and globality in the dressage sport. "The idea to have the Championships in Moscow was basically the right one. It is important to include these countries and nations into Championships. However, we have seen that from the side of organization and finance it does not work," Riexinger stated. "In Hagen from which we can count on a very good organization." Danish judge Valentin agrees with Riexinger: "It is better for the horses in Hagen, not having to travel so far."
Italian Judge Enzo Truppa supports Withages' striving for globality, being from a small dressage nation himself. "I fully support the idea of global dressage. I personally put pressure on the Italian Federation to accept an American judge in the panel at the European Junior/Young Riders Championship in Barzago, despite the high costs involved. I also voted for the three riders in the team for future Olympic Games. I try to explain people all the beneficial effects of globality, such as more training around the world, more horses sold, more media involved and that creates a larger public, more sponsors, more money etc. If this idea is not supported, the risk would be that our sport is confined to a restricted number of countries, with no general interest for it. We might lose our Olympic status." This year the European Championships will be in Hagen. Maybe in 2007, a smaller nation might have the courage (and money) again to host the show.
Despite all the political debate concerning the organization of this event, the Europeans in Hagen will be not less interesting. The quality of the sport is rising to the top, which was already proven at the World Cup Finals. It will a pity that in Hagen there are not many riders who can challenge Anky van Grunsven's supremacy. According to a Eurodressage opinion poll, 64% of our voters believe that Anky will win the individual gold and only 21% believes Edward Gal will take highest honours. German Hubertus Schmidt (6%) is considered to be the best German candidate to put pressure on Van Grunsven.
The ever existing duel between Germany and Holland in the team competition might prove to be the most exciting battle at this year's Europeans. Without Martin Schaudt in the German team, Germany has weakened itself by excluding a valuable 72+% scorer for the Grand Prix. Germany has a mortgage on team gold since 1973, will it change in Hagen?
The team bronze medal will be snatched by either Great Britain, Denmark, Spain, or Sweden. Eurodressage poll voters have most confidence in Denmark (31%), but value Britain and Spain's chances high (29%). Sweden might not find the bronze lining with Brink being the only one major 70% scorer on its team.
The team verdict will be on Friday July 29, 2005, the winners of the individual medals will be determined on Sunday July 31, 2005. I'll be on a Hagen High, tune into Eurodressage if you want to be too.
by Astrid Appels
info@eurodressage.com