British moderator Richard Davison described the eighth annual Global Dressage Forum, which was held at the Academy Bartels in Holland, 27-28 October 2008, as frank in a positive, respectful way as well as fun and informative.

 

Davison, who has attended all of the forums designed to be the leading debating platform for the international dressage world, said: “I have been responsible for lighting the fuse before now, but I detected a far more receptive attitude this year.”

 

There was a strong British presence. Britain’s number one ranked rider and forum first-timer Emma Hindle and her stallion Lancet (pictured) were invited to support the Dutch breeding display and help with a demo given by Britain’s World Class Development sports physio Andrew Thomas. His long-term pupil, another leading British rider, Laura Bechtolsheimer was also part of the popular workshop, which demonstrated exercises to help riders build up their strength to be able to have a correct seat.

 

Bechtolsheimer, who was also attending the forum for the first time, said: “The highlight for me was Emma and Lancet’s performance, which lead to the audience breaking into spontaneous applause several times. My father and I were proud to be representing the same country as Emma and Lancet, who were on cracking form and demonstrated one hundred per cent correct training.”

 

Lancet, who finished fourth in the team competition and ninth individually at this year’s Olympics, was the anchor horse for the Dutch team in 2004 ridden by Imke Schellekens-Bartels, the daughter of the forum hosts, Tineke and Joep Bartels. He is ranked 20 in the world dressage rankings and some of his offspring were also presented.

 

It was also the first time the whole dramatic story was revealed behind Hindle’s amazing recovery from major surgery just five weeks before the Olympics. Hindle went for a routine check-up with her GP the day after the final selection trials. Within 24hrs she had an overian cyst the size of a tennis ball removed. The surgeons told Britain’s team captain Davison there was no way she would be able to ride for three months.

 

Davison said: “When we went into quarantine a week before flying out to Hong Kong, Emma could only ride in walk and only for a short period. It was total commitment and incredible teamwork from Emma, the World Class team, the other team members and Andy [the physio] in particular, that got her those amazing scores. There were many implications, such as the running order of the team, and everyone was one hundred per cent behind her.”

 

The format of the forum was changed slightly this year so delegates could chose from a selection of workshops. Thomas concentrated on core stability for the rider, which tied in well with Hilary Clayton’s session on core strengthening for the horse.

 

“Andy was pinned into the question corner for ages,” said Bechtolsheimer. “I found it fascinating. I know it is obvious, but I had never thought about how the female and male pelvis are totally different in shape and structure and how it affects the seat.”

 

Another popular working group was that of Rico Schuijers, who made a repeat appearance due to demand to discuss new developments in mental training.

 

Another change was a section to look at the classical period, which, this year, was represented by the Cadre Noir de Saumur.

 

Davison said: “It went down a treat. It was so interesting to trace the roots of our sport. ”

 

A record audience with representatives from more than 25 countries attended, including developing dressage nations such as Malaysia, Greece and New Zealand.