DAD board member and Dressage at Devon exhibitor Christina-Morin Graham. Credit Hoof Print Images.
Dressage at Devon is honored to have a highly talented and knowledgeable Board of Directors. Many have trained and worked with thousands of riders and horses, helping them all to reach their potential. Some have worked in the business end of the equestrian industry. All bring years of experience and a keen perspective on our industry. But none of us have experienced anything like the last six months.
We wanted to understand their take on how the industry has been impacted and what will be the lasting lessons going forward. And while some of their answers are directed towards dressage riders, their lessons are applicable to the entire equestrian world.
Here are some of their responses
What do you think the equestrian world has learned from our time in quarantine? (spoiler alert – all are grateful to have their horses!)
JJ Tate (Trainer of over 29 FEI level horses) That we are very fortunate to be around horses and still be able to have jobs during this scary time. I do think that equestrians are a tough group of people, but we also really banded together to protect one another by wearing masks and being smart, to stop the spread. It’s been impressive to see everyone at the shows doing their part.
Christina-Morin Graham – (Dressage at Devon exhibitor and Graham Partners investor relations chief) Our horses are our sanity.
Mo Swanson – (Warmblood breeder for 40+ years) I think we have learned that the time spent with our families, our pets and our wonderful horses is a haven from this crazy Covid world. Our lives still revolve around taking care of our families, our pets and our horses, just like before, but now we are doing that without the clutter of everyday stress from the “outside” world.
Anne Snipes Moss – (USEF “R” judge) Our community safety is more important than any ambition we hold individually, and what a luxury it is to have extra training time to spend with our horses. There are a lot of precautions that we have taken for granted that will make our society safer going forward.
George Williams – (Former USDF president, FEI committee member and US team coach) That we have to adapt our goals and what motivates us. In Dressage, we are fortunate that the training process is a large part of why we do dressage. With the absence of shows, we have been able to focus our efforts on the training and development of our horses without the pressure of having to compete. From the perspective of an instructor, we have become much more familiar and comfortable with virtual lessons and have learned how to participate in Zoom meetings in a successful and productive manner. It has forced many of us to finally fully embrace the digital era.
Anne Gribbons – (FEI 5* judge, USEF technical advisor and USDF Hall of Fame member) That riding, and in particular dressage, is emerging as a preferable sport in a difficult situation. The fact that our “socializing” is more with our horses than other people makes it easier for us to carry on in a ”normal” fashion.
Which lessons will stand the test of time?
JJ The slowing down in life is good! To take time, take a breath, appreciate all that we do have is always an important part of life. The pandemic has forced us to slow down, be still with ourselves, and live a bit more mindfully.
MS The big lesson for me is how much we expose ourselves to viruses and bacteria on a day to day basis. I am more conscious of reducing my exposure in general and I think this will stay with me, even after the pandemic is declared finished. I’m not paranoid, just more cautious now.
AM We take a lot for granted in this country, but our freedom and unwillingness to bend to the COVID restrictions has bitten us in the ass. If/when the next national challenge presents itself, I hope we all do a better job of pitching in and solving the problem without complaint.
GW The lessons that have to do with the importance of setting both short term and long-term goals. Our ability to modify those goals when presented with circumstances beyond our control. The embracing of the use of technology will become more prevalent in our industry.
AG We may learn, and even remember, when the virus is eventually gone, to count the blessings we do have and to be grateful for the healthy lifestyle our sport offers us.
Without a firm show schedule, what are individual riders or trainers doing now to try to prepare for the gradual reopening of the show world?
JJ I think everyone is busy training their horses in a better, deeper way, and realizing that it’s ok not to show so much. It’s a joy and a privilege to be with them every day, regardless of shows! Sometimes, the bigger goals have nothing to do with the level of ribbon!
CM Ride mindfully, exercise and train off of our horses to stay mentally and physically fit, visualize tests and build positive mental imagery.
MS We did some online video lessons with our instructors which worked well. Recently though some dressage shows have opened up with many safety procedures in place. It has been a pleasure to show again, and we all will do whatever it takes to follow the rules so we can continue to show.
GW I have been encouraging my students to use the time to make certain that the foundation and basics are really in place. Then, to use those basics, to develop the horses for the next level of competition.
AG It takes more than a virus to separate a rider from his or her horse for any length of time! Although I really miss being and working with my far away students, for trainers, the decision requires weighing the risks for the traveling instructor and their families against the loss of income and lack of continuity and progress in the training.
AM While many recognized shows have cancelled for 2020, those that rose to the challenge have done a great job with the USEF Covid19 protocol, and from what I have seen, competitors, management and volunteers have been safe. Taking a riding lesson is a challenge in itself and I have only ventured to do so recently in July. With my ‘home schooling’ all spring, I feel less prepared to ride down the centerline this summer, but as usual have a personal mission to attend to so I am having at it.
While dressage is not known for attracting many spectators in the US, not having friends and family supporting the riders can be difficult, particularly for younger riders. At this point, shows are being held either without spectators or with limited entrance to ensure social distancing. How will this impact the show world in dressage?
JJ Well, we typically don’t get a ton of spectators anyway, except at Dressage at Devon (BEST SHOW EVER!!!). It’s sad to see the fans not be able to enjoy the musical freestyles and the top-level riding! But it’s always a personal journey!
CM I think people will just be so happy to be in that little white box that they won’t care if anyone is there to cheer them on! Of course, over time, it would take away from the sport – depriving competitors of their support network, and spectators of the experience of participating in an amazing sport and getting inspired. There is nothing like watching freestyles live to motivate!
AM I have been practicing my own virtual support team at the shows. When I get to the show grounds and walk from the trailer to the secretary stand, I go through my mind and channel all of the people that have helped me get to the show. Covid19 has kept me from showing anywhere that required an overnight stay, stabling, hotel, restaurants etc., so just staying local for one day shows, and feeling very grateful for the show management that runs them.
MS There have never been many spectators at most dressage shows, so I don’t see this being a huge issue. When there are vendors at a show however, as there are at Dressage at Devon, spectator attendance became an important consideration for DaD. I wonder how the Florida dressage circuit, especially at Global Dressage in Wellington, will be affected.GW In the dressage world, (the current limitations on showing) present a financial challenge to show management. Hopefully, management will be able to recover. As competitors, we should be ready and willing to support and encourage our show managers so that they can continue to put on the competitions and we can continue to enjoy competing.
AG For dressage, it will have less impact than most other disciplines of riding, and surely less than almost any other sport. With the obvious exception of International championships and Olympics, dressage riders are not used to spectator support. At regular shows, the freestyle may attract some extra attention, but in general it is only the support crew and relatives that show up to see your test. The “dressage queens” are not spoiled in that respect!
Any advice going forward?
JJ Stay as positive as you can! This too shall pass!
CM Compassion and grace starts with oneself and then we can pass it on to others – so key for us all. Find the positive, look for things that give you hope and fuel your dreams and, remember to breathe.
MS As restrictions hopefully get less severe, try to remain attentive to your fellow man. Be kind!
AM Ride, train, and show within your health and safety comfort level. 2021 looks promising! I have used my spare time to do more reading and online. DQ CE, USEF Network has great videos of excellent rides that riders can learn from, always a bonus once I hit the saddle. It has also given me a chance to do some goal setting and a cosmic view of my way forward with my horses.
GW I feel that with some competitions being offered during this period of Covid 19, we have to keep in mind that it is a very personal decision whether or not we, or our students, wish to participate in the competitions. Of course, if you are going to compete, remember to follow the USEF best practices as well as Federal, State and Local required protocols regarding masks and distancing.
AG With your horse, work more on the basics, take him hacking more often! For yourself, add another interest or learn an additional skill now when we have the time available. Read all those books that you have moved but never opened. Communicate with family and friends. Call them. Phones are still available and legal and a text will never replace the sound of your voice.
There is an overwhelming sense of optimism in these responses. A focus on what really matters – for equines and humans – is a consistent thread. Use your time to educate yourself and your horse. Stay positive and compassionate and be kind. And virus or not, our relationship with our equine partners will not end.
These are plans are moving forward to make Dressage at Devon 2021 the best ever so mark your calendars for September 28 to October 3, 2021. We’ll see you there!