This is from another forum, the ultimatedressage in the USA.

Excerpts from a letter ->


Van: "marjon&jonathan" <jonathanmarjon [at] optusnet [dot] com [dot] au>
Aan: "theo brekelmans" <t [dot] brekelmans [at] planet [dot] nl>
Onderwerp:
Datum: dinsdag 1 februari 2005 6:23

Dear Mrs. Withages



I hope you will allow me the liberty to react on the the articles published in The Telegraaf on last Friday and Saturday about our beloved dressage sport.



It is an absolute pleasure to read that you are trying to make the sport more accessible.

For me you have long earned your credits in this field especially in the terms of judging.

Also as one of your mayor tasks, you mention globalization.

This shows courage and vision and is joyfully welcomed

You have already admitted that this will be the toughest task. However hopefully it is a consolation to know that you are not alone in this quest. You designate it rightly as

"The safe house", what the German and Dutch sense will defend until the end.

Your proposition to send 3 instead of 4 riders per country in the future is indeed a perfect proposition. Nevertheless, I doubt if this completely returns the goal with reference to the globalization of our sport.



Quotation: Most Western Europeans still think for the rest that the sport only counts here. However, if you want to carry out a sport in a wider sense, you have to exercise it globally.

You really nail it with this verdict. Consequently, we need to do more to globalize the sport.

Theoretically, it is possible to allow more countries to start but practically it is not, simply because they do not the possibilities to perform on this high level. To perform on today´s high level you need much more than just a good horseman or Amazon. A well organized association, great training and accompanies and fantastic horses. Who is able to afford all of this? Not to speak about music composers, mental coaches, horsewhisperers and all the other expensive things people come up with.



I would like to ask you a very important question: Have we not gone a bit too far with the dressage sport and are therefore estranged from reality and have lost bonding with the ordinary admirer? Today´s top looks more like a platform that promotes and markets the lucrative commercial activities which is only strived after and kept going by a very small group.



We have to go back to the sport! To not strive for perfection with all means allowed and all means used. Unfortunately, this also counts for the wellbeing of the horses.

There is not a lot that needs to be changed. The grand prix and (kur on music) can continue in their existing form with, as far as I am concerned, a champion in every part, as we know it in other sports, nothing new.

What I think that would contribute to the globalization is the adding of a few already existing and proven parts which have been practiced for years and years all over the world and are admired by a large amount of people. My suggestions with reference to further globalization are :



1.. Pas de deux.
2.. Pas de trois.
3.. Quadrille 4
4.. Quadrille 8
5.. Kur on Music. Personal choice for Armour and clothing.


Many countries often have the most beautiful folkloric attire and harnasses. Again, this is not a new thing. Just look at dancing, ice-skating, tennis, bike-racing etc.



I hope you see me as one of your bystanders whom would like to contribute to one of your many tasks. Possibly, it deserves a recommendation for the FEI to organize a congress or forum only this time different from the commercial so-called FEI congress, organized by the commercial PSI with its goal to protect "the sacred lucrative commercial house".



I would appreciate your reaction and if possible to change some more thoughts about this subject within our sport. A commission who is able to research and advice about certain issues would be a welcome development.



Unfortunately, I am afraid you will not have enough time in the near future to do some gardening and to write cooking books, the dressage sport needs you too much and I would like to be of assistance to you.



With admiration and respect I await and greet you,



Theo Brekelmans

(par Margareta Westlin)