 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Guenter Seidel and Robin. "He warms up like a diesel, starts out slow, but gets hotter and more brilliant as he works."
Photo by Kathy Beal
Table of Contents / Dressage
By Kathy Beal
Guenter Seidel is a three time Olympian who has represented the United States as a member of Bronze Medal winning teams at the 1996 Atlanta, the 2000 Sydney and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In preparation for this Olympic qualifying season, Sidelines has asked Guenter to share his insights into the new criteria for the qualifying season as well as his own perspectives on getting to and through the Olympic Trials.
Sidelines:
In preparation for the Olympic qualifying season, what can you share with the US equestrian community about preparing a horse for the Olympic Selection Trials Season?
GS:
Really, there is should be no real difference in an Olympic qualifying year versus a normal competition year. In principle, preparing a horse for this season should be no different than getting him ready for any major competition year. However, since the Olympics are such an important competition goal for most riders, the qualifying season can become a problem for us as riders. It is only human nature to try to [work harder] for big stakes competitions. Riders are tempted to overdo and try to make things "just a bit better" and as a result can often over face the horses. I try to set an overall goal for a horse when I get him, for example the World Equestrian Games in 2010. I continue to work toward that goal and ride toward it continually. This helps me keep the larger picture for the individual horse in priority and not to push too much toward a specific competition, such as the June Olympic Selection Trials.
Sidelines:
How do you prioritize your competition schedules for each horse during the qualifying season?
GS:
The competition schedule is actually regulated by the selection process calendar. This timeline is set by the governing organizations. My approach and decision about which competitions to attend depend upon the horses I am competing each year. With a seasoned horse, I will compete as little as possible. However, if the horse is greener, I will try to hit as many shows as possible to find out about the horse's reactions in the arena and to expose him to different situations.
Sidelines:
Could you share about your new horse, Robin, and your goals for him?
GS:
I have had Robin since this past fall. Robin is a 13 year old, 18.2 hand Hanoverian who had shown through the I-1 in Germany in a limited fashion. That is why I will try to take him to several shows early in the year to see how he does. Although he has the grand prix elements, I will begin showing him at I-II. He will let me know if he is ready for the Olympic qualifiers. We have our sights on the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Robin is a big horse and needs a very disciplined and thorough approach to develop and maintain muscle and connection. "He warms up like a diesel, starts out slow, but gets hotter and more brilliant as he works."
Sidelines:
What are your thoughts on the new USEF policy requiring that all Olympic Selection Trials Qualifiers be CDIs?
GS:
I think that this new policy is super and that the USEF continue with this policy. Riders need to compete against one another at the CDI level of competition as much as possible. This new criteria eliminates the "pick and choose" tendency and maintains high international judging standards. And since we only need two CDI scores to qualify, we can continue to compete in CDIs to earn World Cup Points after we are happy with our two Olympic qualifying scores because of the 24 hour notification policy. As long as we inform management and the USEF 24 hours in advance of the CDI jog that we want our two top scores to count, we can continue competing within CDIs without jeopardizing our position.
Sidelines:
Tell us about the International Dressage Riders Club, (IRDC)?
GS:
I am the United States representative on the International Riders Club Committee. I would be happy to share about the IDRC as I feel it is a very important organization for furthering of the sport of dressage and for those riders who participate in international competitions. IRDC was formed to be an advocate for the riders within the international equestrian community and organizations, such as the FEI and OOC. As dressage has grown, so have the demands on its international riders. The IDRC attempts to protect the rights and interests of the riders as the sport becomes more visible and public. Membership in the IDRC is open to all riders. I would encourage any dressage rider, especially FEI riders, to join the organization. The IDRC website, www.idrc.de, explains its mission and activities for the riders in our sport.
To view the rest of this article please login or Subscribe for just $29.95 or $10 for online viewing!
