Namibian Equestrian FederationNAMEF |
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A MESSAGE FROM “LONG TIME ACTIVE RIDER” AND DRESSAGE JUDGE DIETER VOIGTS What a pleasure it is for me to write a short message to all readers of this first edition of the DRESSAGE COLUMN ON THE NAMIBIAN WEBSITE. I have been riding competitively in this country for 40 years, I have been fortunate to have had a number of exceptional horses. I have had my moments of glory and many moments of utter despair. The good thing about our sport is that you always get brought back to base – sometimes with a crash, and that happens normally when you think you are the star! The interaction between horse and rider is a fantastic but sensitive relationship and, as with any relationship, the more you invest, the more you get rewarded. It is hard work, but this is compensated many times by the fun you get out of it. Don’t get tense in your ambitions to win, enjoy what you are doing and relax and have fun. Especially in dressage, the quest for perfection never ends; your halt, your extensions, your transitions, your half passes, your changes, can always be improved upon and perfected, aim for a 9 out of 10 and be happy with a 7 or 8. But remember, that takes passion, dedication, hard work – and a suitable horse that clicks, and a critical instructor. First get the basics right, learn to sit properly through working on a lunge, only then can you give the classical correct aids to your horse, only then go for the “fancy stuff”! There was a time when our country was a force to be reckoned with in equestrian sport, specifically in dressage, as illustrated by the photographs below. Our horses were not better material than they are now, but we had a string of passionate riders, see whether you recognise them. They worked hard with committed instructors, and they succeeded. Why can we not do this any more? But remember: “Vor dem Erfolg hat Dir liebe Gott den Schweiss gesetzt” Greetings to all, Dieter Voigts
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