Pammy Hutton FBHS asks “should anyone ever use running reins?” and shares her thoughts on judging inconsistencies
I’ve been warned never to discuss this taboo topic, but here goes… Should anyone ever use running reins?
The simple response lies in the word “anyone” – and the answer to that is no. The word “ever” is where the conundrum starts.
Do I ever? Yes, occasionally, when needed. The art comes in learning the if, the how and the when.
The running rein – which runs from the rider’s hand, through the bit ring and back to the girth – has a sliding effect, and if gently used, can teach the horse about a soft contact. It’s far better than pulling the head in.
The great classical trainer Nuno Oliveira advocated using what he also called “German reins” with “tact and delicacy”, briefly and not daily. The big mistake, he says, is forgetting to give with the hand once the horse is in the desired position.
Interestingly, he points out that ecuyers – or classical horsemen – traditionally used running reins attached to a cavesson rather than the bit.
And I love this Oliveira observation on running reins: “A knife in the hands of a gentleman can cut meat into very small pieces, but in the hands of a maniac, it can be dangerous.”
Another well-known but modern trainer refers to “assistance reins”, which sounds kinder. But there’s never an excuse to ignore the need for care, caution and remembering that all-important “give”.
FEI must get its house in order
“Brilliant… but a pity all the scores were not more level,” was all I could say to a disappointed advanced medium gold competitor at last month’s Winter Dressage Championships.
“You rode a blinder!” was what I wanted to say after watching their mistake-free test. The only consolation was that another competitor was judged first, second and 19th.
Soon after the winters, I treated myself to an Addington trip. Wow, what an encouraging grand prix and all classes were full at this popular venue. Nothing was too much trouble. My only niggle is that the surface is a tad hard. Apparently, it suits the showjumpers, but I was busy trying to keep my “jumper” in the ring!
The show was a great leveller for me as I was not good enough; there’s work to do to compete at this level again. Oh, the terrors of failing to achieve the exclusive 70% – yet most judges’ marks were on the money with helpful comments.
As someone who has regularly shuddered at mark discrepancies and favouritism, I totally understood all the points H&H dressage editor Oscar Williams raised in his article on the subject of artificial intelligence.
I’m also a little nervous that widespread use of AI analysis of every movement, although helpful, could terrify some into giving up.
Yet for now, the most urgent thing is for the FEI to get its house in order and make some clear decisions on issues that have been left hanging for far too long.
It needs to determine if we really like four-time canter pirouettes? What about the trot that is not in two-time? The walk that is not in an accurate four-time beat? Is it acceptable for the foreleg to be behind the vertical in piaffe? Does conformation of horse and rider matter?
Even if we went totally down the AI route, dressage will always be subjective.
I’ve always applauded high marks for ease and harmony, but surely measuring the extent to which a test looks easy and harmonious can only ever be a matter of the judge’s perception?
Opinion aside, some well-defined guidelines from the FEI down would go a long way towards removing arbitrary marks based on uncertainties and inconsistencies.
Equestrian answer to farmers’ choir?
The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir nailed it on TV’s Britain’s Got Talent. It might have started to promote a certain beer, but it turns out that singing together is a wonderfully uniting force in an often lonely profession.
Now, which equestrians can sing? One slot on Britain’s Got Talent did more for farming’s image than any advertisement. Surely the horse world could pull off something similar… Any sponsors out there?
● Where do you stand on running reins – sometimes or never? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine
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You might also enjoy reading:
Can AI judge dressage? The technology exists – but is the sport ready for it?
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