I am sure that most followers of dressage , in whatever capacity, will sympathise with the following scenario. One takes part in a competition or watches a test to be totally baffled when the scores and results are made available, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is “Has the judge and me been watching the same test? Which one of us needs an appointment with “Spec Savers”. After one of those days that the score sheet in Junior Trainer’s hand seem to be more relevant to Sally the Shitland performance in a “ walk halt test “ then the actual entered horse the 17hh stallion Caesar, he decided to do some learning about the intricate of judging. Junior Trainer approached the presiding senior judge, who happened to be the one eyed Colonel Felix von Straten ( rumours vary as to where and when Colonel Felix von Straten lost his left eye, some say it was in a private duel others believe it was in the Crimean war -the first on) but in any case it never prevented him from becoming a top well respected FEI judge. Junior Trainer inquired with Colonel Felix von Straten what are the qualities required to be a good respected judge, how do you insure that the result you reach is the correct one? Colonel Felix von Straten answer was “ a keen eye and a clear image of how the horse and rider should perform, You see son” he continued “a good judge is like a sharp shooter, he focuses all his senses on the target in front of him , like aiming through a rifle’s sight , you close one eye and see the IMAGE AND ONLY THAT IMAGE in front of you”. Junior listened intensely and very politely asked Colonel Felix von Straten “Excuse me Sir but in your case if you shut one eye doesn’t it ,,,,,????” Colonel Felix von Straten interrupted before Junior had a chance to finish his sentence. “Absolutely son exactly , that’s when I get the perfect IMAGE”
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 20:28:51 +0000
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