Anna Ross’s regular column for Horse & Hound has resonated with readers this week. Anna talks about the changes she is seeing in the sport in response to welfare concerns, where confusion lies and what more could be done.
With regards to judging, Anna says: “From the ground, it seems that judges are more conscious than ever of contact issues, short necks and tension. Still, questions remain about how consistency is applied.”
Have judges always rewarded harmony and correct training over impressive movement in horses, or are we seeing that more now? Is judging consistent, and are the marks closing up enough to make a difference? I can see where Anna is coming from – as long as judges reward what riders think they want to see, training will continue in that direction.
One thing that Anna is adamant about is that horses need variety in their training – hacking, hills, canter tracks or whatever riders can access in their setting – saying: “One thing’s for certain: going round and round in circles won’t keep any horses sound and healthy – in mind or body.”
Young rider back in the saddle after terrible accident
A young rider who was told she might not be able to walk again after a freak accident in which a horse spooked and fell on top of her has amazed doctors by walking out of hospital.
Aliza Rae AliKhan had to have emergency spinal surgery. Doctors said that between her determination and the support of medical professionals at Southampton Children’s Hospital (SCH) Aliza was walking “almost unaided” within eight weeks of the accident. She is now back riding again.
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Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
