Dressage Art

I have just returned home from a lovely trip to the International Open Day for the Ecole de Legerete, to pay homage to Philippe Karl and High Noon in their last public performance. Philippe’s retirement, alongside the immense losses earlier this year of Bettina Drummond and Charles de Kunffy, prompted me to wonder about who the next masters will be. Who will carry the torch of Classical Excellence? Who will share the shining truth of Masters past? Who will inspire the next generation to do the same?

Often in life, we realize no one is coming to the rescue; we must chart our own course. Now, more than ever, the onus falls on us to demonstrate our own ethics in our horsemanship practice, and bravely for the public eye. Philippe in his speech to his teachers assembled in the audience, urged us to the fore: now is our time. It is not enough just to make cogent arguments: but into the fray. Show the work, to the best of our ability. If we are lucky, one day a student of ours will rise to the occasion, following the beauty that harmony and balance create, and perpetuate in turn.

While there are very few who we might consider Masters among us, there are many unwilling to compromise on the ethics of training which respects and honors the horse. As we take up the mantle, we lift the torch, and simultaneously the burden from the generation before. And the most beautiful thing happens: the truth has a way of rippling out, sparking curiosity and growth in ways we cannot even imagine.

A few years ago I sold a horse to a young girl, it was a big step up for her. He had many good qualities, but could be as anxious as he was talented and kind. She saw in him her hopes and dreams, and as she got to know him, he guided her training and together they forged a path of kindness, mutual trust and respect. Other young people at her barn took notice. They began to ask questions, to follow the training she was doing. One by one they took off their nosebands. Somewhere far away, young girls who I have never met, are practicing more ethical training, changing their own lives and the lives of their horses, all because some years back I began learning about and practicing Legerete. How many others might have shifted in their paths in ways we cannot imagine? And if this has happened from my work, imagine the reach someone like Philippe Karl has had - across continents, across time.

This is how change happens. Not only from inspiring demonstrations of mastery, as we saw from Philippe Karl and High Noon in their farewell performance this past weekend, but also from the ripples of many imperfect messengers, doing the best they can in their small corners of the world. Uncompromising in their ethics and standards, but contagious in their empathy and generosity. Imagine the combined effect, not just of the one bolt of lightening that is true mastery, but of a million far flung floating sparks, waiting to ignite.

https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2023/05/23/dynamic-endoscopy-horses-poll-flexion/

Dynamic endoscopy system shows what happens in horses with varying poll flexion - Horsetalk.co.nz Twenty high-level dressage horses and 20 high-level showjumpers were used in the study in Portugal.

What's been happening in your world 🌍, My new love is Rosie which is owned by Lisa and as we have swopped horses so I can train her , Lisa also gets to have some fun on too. She is being trained in the Ecole de Lègretè system, but she also is having fun wirh it. Her first outing which I might add she had a walk about to look at the different obstacles and a month later was put to the test. Just a few of the many obstacles she had to do. Enjoy

Wishing you all ,my friends,clients and followers a Happy New Year, get lunging before you climb onto 2023. Happy riding and just chilling with your horses.

Opportunity to train your eyes 👀 in the longer uphill frame. Although the timing of the photo for the legs are slightly out ,but hey! Lucky to capture these historic moments ✨️

After making the little girl, God said:

“You’ll need something to lean on. Something with substance that will teach you the value of hard work, perseverance, and to never give up. A thing that won’t cast judgment when you mess up in life. Because you will often, it’s just part of growing up and becoming a decent human."

"You’ll need something whose impressive physical presence must be respected at all times. A being who could break your bones in a whisper but will never break your heart. A creature who will be there for you when you cry for hours after someone you love lets you down. An unspeaking breathing being that will teach you to check all the noise in your head and completely listen to what he is saying."

“Sometimes in life you need to let go and just hang on. I call this trust. The terrifying ability to follow something blindly out of the conviction of only your heart. It will keep you centered and restore your faith when life happens. When you realize that you are forgettable to the world you won’t be to this creature."

"Something that will keep you truly humbled yet teach you how to fly!"

“You need to understand the painful reality of death. Sometimes it’s ok to let go. That kindness will always be rewarded before the use of force. And that courage means trusting him to get you safely to the other side."

“Something to get you out of bed in the trying times. When you feel like you have nothing he will remind you that you are still wanted. Something to give you perspective about what’s really important in life."

“You’ll need a best friend. Do not take this relationship lightly. It just might save your life someday when you see no out. Treasure it always I’m trusting it to you to take care of for a reason."

“A creature who will restore your faith about all of the goodness in the world even when you are so broken down that you cast Me aside."

“In turn with time and healing he will bring you back to Me. Know that your struggle won’t be made alone, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride."

"So I will make a horse.”

Credit to Lacey Messick

Shape up or ship out

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF HORSE SPORT?

In the last few years there has been widespread concern that the equestrian industry is losing it's 'social licence to operate'. This refers to the acceptance of standards within the industry by both stakeholders and the general public.

The public has clearly become more aware of poor welfare and the abuse of horses in many equestrian disciplines. The media storm surrounding recent events like the Olympic pentathlon and Mark Todd beating a reluctant horse have really highlighted how the perception of horse sport has changed and how once 'traditional' and accepted practices are now seen as completely unacceptable.

During the 2020 lockdown, Julie Taylor, the brilliant journalist from EPONA.tv wrote the book 'I Can't Watch Anymore, the Case for Dropping Equestrian from the Olympic Games'. She sent a copy to every member of the International Olympic Committee.

Julie says that she presents all the arguments needed 'to finally discontinue dressage, jumping, and eventing.' She goes on to say 'Aside from being unfair to horses, the way horse sport is run at the Olympic Games is also unfair to humans. It's inaccessible to the vast majority of people in the world. There is no transparency about how drugs are used to keep horses performing who lead lifestyles very far from ideal. And 20 years after the introduction of the "happy athlete", rollkur is still a thing.'

I will be buying a copy and reading it with interest. I have no doubt Julie will keep us all informed with any news or replies she receives from the IOC.

The clock is ticking. National and international equestrian organisations need to implement radical changes to improve sport horse welfare fast, before it's too late. I do wonder where horse sport will be in 10 years time...

If you would like a copy of the book there are some links to vendors here (or you can just google the title) https://www.epona.tv/buy-the-book

https://www.facebook.com/1900432893522333/posts/3283768461855429/

Recently we heard from a friend in Ukraine, that several of the people that own horses are walking them to the forests and letting them go. The best chance they can give them to survive is the freedom to make their own choices, instead of waiting for a family who’s not there to give them food and water.
As we walk our horses to and from the pastures this morning knowing they are safe and sound… we silently say prayers for a country filled with people and animals who are doing everything they can just to stay alive. ❤️‍🩹
As you spend time with your animals and the people you love today, please pray for Ukraine. 🇺🇦❤️🙏

Photo 📸-

Dave Baird MJ Baird Wayne Baird Mikaela Quinn Keghan Baird Jess Baird Emily Ashley David Smith CJ Baird Chris Miller