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D-News - Dressage Queensland's Newsletter
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Editor's Report
Welcome to the July edition of D News for 2022. Since I wrote the last newsletter, I have been watching with interest the power of social media and the powerful impact it has had on our sport. On the positive side, we saw how quickly it garnered the outrage of the EA membership and even the public when the decision not to send a team of Para Dressage Riders to WEG was publicised – and then reversed in a day! On the negative side, I read with alarm as the often ill-informed but possibly well-intentioned, keyboard warriors went wild in response to the elimination of the horses at Aachen for blood in the mouth. Of course, there is no question that the rule should be enforced and that welfare of the horse is paramount but it was the overwhelming, passionately, negative response to dressage and horse sports in general that I found
alarming. This led me to an article published in the UK Horse and Hound regarding Social License for horse sports entitled: Whiskers, frangibles and safer fences: horse world urged to shout about its positives. In the article Social Licence is defined as ‘the public acceptance of a practice, such as the involvement of horses in sport.’ The article goes onto look at how controversy can spread ‘like wildfire’ and how we must be seen to self-regulate properly or we may lose the ability to govern our own sport. However, the article also stated that we can use social media to promote the positives about our sport in terms of our increasing vigilance
regarding the welfare of the horse. I guess the relevance to all of us as riders is to always put the horse first, to train to be the best, most sympathetic rider we can be, to promote good news stories and never let our competitiveness or our frustration allow us to hurt the horse (some may think they have avoided the eye of the steward in the warm up when they pull or push too hard in a corner but someone else will always notice). It really is up to all of us to protect our horses and our sport.
Stepping off my soap box now and looking at what we have in this newsletter: we acknowledge another great loss to our sport in the passing of Lea Bierman; there is information about the complex and evolving, NSW DPI, bio-security rules for transporting horses into NSW; a reminder about the rule changes, effective July 2022; news about Brisbane CDI and Queensland States and talking about the best and most sympathetic riders, a reminder that there are still tickets avaialbe for the Carl Hester Masterclass to be held in November. And more.
Until next time.
Anne McDiarmid
DQ Committee member and AOR Rep.
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Chairs Report
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Welcome to another edition of D-News. It’s been exciting to finally get a few competitions under our belts, I even managed to attend one after 18 months out of the competition arena. Huge thanks to all the event directors and clubs who have persevered with events despite the incredible challenges this year.
Massive congratulations to QLD member Jayden Brown on being selected to the Australian Team and the World Equestrian Games. We wish you all the very best! Also huge congratulations to Elliot Patterson on competing at the greatest horse show in the world, Aachen, and doing an outstanding job after only being a partnership with his horse a few short months. What an exciting future they have together, and so exciting for owners Paul and Emma Weel.
Entries for The Saddlefitter Brisbane CDI & Queensland Dressage Championships are open and coming in thick and fast! Lots of interstate riders, which is so exciting after the last two years of border closures. I just can’t wait to see everyone up here. We’ve also had lots of enquiries for trade vendors, so make sure you’re ready to get your shopping on!!
Accounts and EOFY beckon, so I’ll sign off short and sweet
Happy riding
Kindest regards,
Anita Barton
Dressage Queensland Chair
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VALE Lea Bierman
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Lea wasn't lucky enough to be born into a horsey family. The first time she ever sat on a horse was when she was twelve although she had already realised she loved them, written a book on how to ride them at seven, and arranged a job picking up poo at a riding school to be near them. It was these humble beginnings that influenced Lea to create accessible and affordable opportunities for a wide spectrum of dressage riders for over 40 years as well as being a Dressage Specialist Coach and Coach Educator, an A Level (Grand Prix) National Level Judge, Judge Educator and Mentor, and lecturer in Equine Studies at the University of Queensland.
Lea’s overarching goals had always been; to bring the dressage world together, share information and garner a sense of community. In 1975 she was part of a group that formed an adult riding club in Nambour, thus NAGS (Northcoast Active Riders Group) was born. She was elected Secretary and served continuously on the NAGS committee for the next 25 plus years. Lea’s purpose from the outset was to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in dressage, to build a solid base, and grow the sport on the Sunshine Coast. To do this she saw the need to change the image of dressage from one of exclusivity to inclusivity so that “anyone and everyone could have a go”. So, she raised the notion of running competitions that did not require the need for EFA membership, horse registration or even official judges at NAGs competitions. The membership numbers sky-
rocketed. Lea had a role in decisions at NAGs that organised clinics, competitions, championships, futurities and establishment of squads. This was a resounding success and certainly contributed enormously to growing and the development of the sport. As a result, other clubs were formed, unofficial competitions thrived (Member only and Participant days).
In the 80-90’s Lea produced what were the first ever Equestrian training videos in Australia; which were so well accepted they were put into the Queensland library system and sold internationally. Her commitment to developing equine knowledge/skills led Lea to lecturing at the University of Queensland (UQ) Gatton Campus for fourteen years where she reinvented the equestrian component of the Equine Studies program. As a result of her efforts revising the Equestrian course the post graduate entries grew by 700%.
Lea believed that judging and coaching are just some of the ways in which she can put something back into the sport she loves so much and was awarded her National A Level (GP) in 1995. She also completed her coach education becoming a Level 1 General Coach in 1986 and gained her Level 3 Dressage Specialist qualification in 1998. Further she worked for a year as the Regional Development Officer for the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and produced the very early versions of the coach training manuals, serving on the Queensland Coaches (Dressage) Committee, as well as becoming a coach educator. She had been mentoring up and coming judges, students and coaches for over 30 years.
Lea was instrumental to initiating inclusive opportunities for all individuals to participate in dressage. Lea organised free forums for Caboolture Dressage Group whereby a panel of experts spoke on set subjects addressing the audiences training concerns. Further, in 2015 Lea Bierman, Sharon Harvey, Jo Wray, and Linda Schmerglatt started Dressage Unravelled an intensive, adult training clinic held over Easter. Its aim was to provide everyday riders exposure to top level coaches at a reasonable cost.
In 2019 Lea, in conjunction with Glenys Cox, was a contributor to Horse Chats whereby she regularly created and uploaded podcasts to encourage riders to compete at dressage as competitors with a range of dressage tips; and was invited to speak at the National Arabian Horse Conference on correct dressage training and its value in the education of their horses.
An amazing contribution from a dedicated and remarkable sportswoman who spent a lifetime in service to dressage. But these achievements are even more astonishing considering Lea had been undertaking a protracted battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma since 2008 requiring regular debilitating chemotherapy. After all this, what amazed Lea is not what she has done for dressage but what dressage did for her!
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NSW DPI Bio-Security Information - for people travelling with horses into NSW
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The information in this article is relevant to anyone who travels across the border into NSW with horses.
As most people are aware, the Kirra Spray Yards are no longer in operation. Their closure occurred sometime before the end of the COVID Qld border restrictions.
In 2021 anyone travelling into NSW from cattle tick zones in Qld had to complete on online biosecurity course and fill in a Record of Movement each time they crossed the border.
This year saw additional requirements in the form of classifying venues as high or low risk,obtaining verification from venues and more stringent rules around spraying. It should be noted that DPI NSW seems to be changing and adding complexity to the rules almost weekly and that what is written below is our understanding of the information we have received at the time of publication.
Please note: there are many people not happy with these new restrictions as they are costly to the individual and prohibit freedom of movement into NSW. In general feedback is that DPI does not seem to recognise that the issue with the Kirra Spray Yards was safety and accessibility, not with bio-security measures and rather than find an alternative, accessible and safe venue have refocussed all responsibility on the individual.
There are discussions ongoing with DPI to see if we can reach a more middle and realistic approach and if you would like to lend your voice and put in a complaint to NSW DPI you can contact Feedback Assist. Feedback Assist is the DPI official system for formally lodging suggestions, compliments or complaints. Alternatively, you can phone DPI Head Office in Orange on 02 6391 3100.
Here are the rules as we understand them today.
There is one rule that applies to everyone:
All people moving horses entering NSW from Queensland border must individually fill in a Cattle tick Record of Movement Form (ROM).
Then things get more complex:
Prior to leaving, you must determine if the venue or property you are going to is classified High or Low risk.
Low Risk Venues:
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A low risk property is one that has had no cattle on it for 12 months prior to your visit and, if in NSW, will have no cattle on it for the next 12 months.
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You must get a letter from the property/venue verifying that it is low risk prior to the visit/event. It is a requirement that verification is obtained for each visit/event even if it is at the same venue. The letter of verification must be pre-dated the start date of the visit/event. Verifications do not have to be submitted to DPI but must be held on file as DPI may ask for them at any time.
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You must also complete the online Cattle Tick Training and Education module prior to completing the ROM.
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When you have completed the Cattle Tick Training and Education module, you will be issued a Certificate number which you should record as you must use it each time you fill in a ROM.
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You are required to spray your horse yourself if your horse will be in NSW for more than 7 days. You will have to state the pesticide used on the ROM. If you are staying less than 7 days, then a visual inspection by yourself is all that is required.
High Risk Venues:
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If the property you are leaving or going to is deemed high risk (has had cattle or will have cattle prior or post 12months) then you have to arrange for horses to be sprayed within 48 hours of crossing the border into NSW.
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A form must be completed by the certified sprayer or vet and must be uploaded with the ROM.
Some examples:
Anyone travelling horses to QSEC for an event and returning to NSW must be sprayed by a certified sprayer prior to leaving QSEC (QSEC is deemed high risk by NSW DPI because cattle are on the grounds for demonstrations and events from time to time).
Anyone travelling horses to a showground in Northern NSW (Murwillumbah or Bangalow for example) must be sprayed by a certified sprayer prior to leaving Queensland. The only exception is if going to an agriculture show and returning to Qld within 7 days then self-certification suffices( go figure that one out because it is a given that there is ALWAYS cattle at ag shows)!
Tick free venues/areas:
For tick free venues/area such as Toowoomba, people transporting horses into NSW must submit a ROM and tick the "Transiting" box, there is no need to spray.
Exeptions:
If you are going to an AG show in NSW from Queensland and returning within 7 days, self certification is sufficient.
Please also note:
If you are transiting into NSW with an empty float or truck (i.e. not carrying horses) then you should notify NSW of this prior to travelling as all movement is recorded on camera and they will follow up. You can contact the NSW Cattle Tick Program on (07) 5536 4714 or email cattletick@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
It is the responsibility of the individual competitor/horse transporter to contact the venue/ OC and obtain written verification and to keep records.
If this all remains a complex mystery after reading this, you have a few options:
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Rule Changes Effective July 1st 2022
There has been significant changes to the National Rules as of July 1st this year.
The full set of changes can be found here. Once again, a reminder that it is the responsibility of the individual to know the rules, however, the most relevant changes are as follows:
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A horse can only have two performances per day at any level.
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Identification numbers to be minimum of 4cm in height, both sides bridle or saddle cloth otherwise a penalty of 0.05%.
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Only one qualification score of 64% is required for CDIs.
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Sensory hairs cannot be removed or trimmed in any form. Anyone presenting with trimmed or removed sensory hairs will not be allowed to start.
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All helmets must be tagged.
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A G judge can judge Participant Novice and below alone.
Also please note: Hooves cannot be painted in International CDI classes but can be painted in EA classes.
And to clarify further regarding the sensory hairs as per rule 1.5:
1.5 Sensory Hair
A horse’s sensory hairs may not be clipped and/or shaven or otherwise modified in any way. Individual sensory hairs may be removed by a veterinarian to prevent pain or discomfort for the horse. Areas of hair that must be clipped, shaven, or removed to allow veterinary treatment are exempt from this rule.
A phase-in period of six months is being introduced to ensure horses are competing with sensory hairs. From 1 July 2022, horses found competing with clipped/shaven/otherwise modified sensory hairs will be issued a Recorded Warning. From 1 January 2023, horses found competing with clipped/shaven/otherwise modified sensory hairs will be eliminated from the event.
NB: Rule 1.5 - Protests, reports, appeals and Yellow Warning Cards, will become Rule 1.6 - Protests, reports, appeals, Yellow Warning Cards and Recorded Warning Cards a
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FYI - Where do the letters come from?
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As we all know, dressage letters don’t seem to have any particular order or significance to modern dressage but have you ever wondered where they came from? Although the absolutely definitive origin of the letters is unknown, it seems that there are two main theories both of which originate in Germany as described in the article below (source unknown).
The first theory goes that prior to 1918, markings were found on the walls of the stable yard of the Imperial German Court in Berlin; the Royal Manstall. These writings appeared to indicate where each horse was to be positioned by its groom to await its rider; a necessity given that the Manstall housed 300 of the Kaiser's horses. The stable yard itself was known as the 'Hof and was large enough for riders to gather and parade for morning exercise being three times the width of the stable block and measuring 20m x 60m; the size of a modern long dressage arena. This theory sounds reasonable enough, but for the absence of a letter 'C'.
The writing on the wall, so to speak, was as follows:
A -Ausgang -Exit
B -Bannertrager -Standard Bearer
E -Edeling/Ehrengast -Chieftain or Honoured Guest
F -Furst -Prince
H -Hofsmarshall -Lord Chancellor
K -Kaiser -Emperor
M -Meier -Steward
P -Pferknecht -Ostler or Groom
R -Ritter -Knight
S -Schzkanzler -Chancellor of the Exchequer
V -Vassal -Servant/Squire/Equerry
The second theory involves the German cavalry. The space in between the stable blocks in the German barracks was measured at 20m x 60m and was used for morning exercise and general assembly. It seems highly likely that the cavalry would adopt similar lettering to that of their ancestors in the Kaiser's court. However, the German cavalry manual first written in 1882 and later revised contains a diagram of the indoor arena (Reit Bahn) marked as measuring only 40m x 20m. The lettering here is shown as A, B, C, and D in the four corners of the school and E and F as the middle markers. These letters were used to guide riders as they rode the school figures in training and were not used for competition arenas. When competitive dressage began, arenas were measured at 60m x 20m and these dimensions were adopted for the 1932 Olympic Games in which cavalry officers
competed. Sequences of predetermined, set movements (dressage tests) were devised to demonstrate correct progressive training methods much as they are today although these early dressage tests were specifically designed to test the skills of combative riders and their mounts. Collected and extended paces were required, pirouettes, rein back and flying changes were also included and there were five small obstacles to negotiate including a barrel which was rolled toward the approaching horse and rider!
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The Saddlefitter 2022 Brisbane CDI & QLD Dressage Championships
Entries for the the Saddlefitter 2022 Brisbane CDI & QLD Dressage Championships are now open
Entries close 3 August 2022.
Dates: 16 - 18 September.
Classes from Prelim to GP.
If you are wondering about entering and worried about having qualifying scores, qualifying scores are not required for national classes (Prelim to Advanced), a score will only come into effect if the classes are oversubscribed. Please refer to the entry requirements below:
Eligibility & Performance:
All qualifying performances must be from Official Competitive competitions. The qualifying period is 3 August 2021 to 3
August 2022; performances outside of this range may be accepted at the discretion of the OC.
FEI Classes
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CDI3* Grand Prix: At least one performance of 64% or higher at Grand Prix (not including GP Special or Freestyle)
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CDI-Ch: At least one performance of 60% at Novice level (CDI-Ch Preliminary or Team test performances accepted)
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CDI-P: At least one performance of 60% at Elementary level (CDI-P Individual or Team test performances accepted)
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CDI-J: At least one performance of 60% at Medium level (CDI-J Individual or Team test performances accepted)
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CDI-Y: At least one performance of 60% at PSG level (CDI-Y Individual or Team test performances accepted)
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CDI-U25: At least two performances of 60% or higher at Intermediate A, Intermediate B, Intermediate II or Grand Prix.
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CDN FEI classes: At least one performance of 58% or higher at the relevant level.
National Classes
Preliminary to Advanced and PE Grades I to V: Acceptance of nominations will not be conditional on submission of
qualification scores. Where available, one score at the respective level should be submitted for balloting purposes in the
case of competition/class oversubscription.
Please note performance/s must have been gained in official EA competitive competitions.
One HC (Hors Concours) score is allowed to count as a balloting score at each level entered.
If Balloting occurs, preference will be given first to those who have submitted Official Competitive EA scores at the time of entry. In the event of oversubscription of a class, ranking (balloting) will be based on the highest percentage at that level as submitted by close of entry.
Entries will be accepted on merit or at the discretion of the Organising Committee.
Where more than one score is available, at least one qualifying score must be obtained by the nominated horse/rider combination. The OC will consider exceptions in special circumstances only.
The full Program and entries are via Nominate..
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Trade Stalls at The Saddlefitter 2022 Brisbane CDI & QLD Dressage Championships
Calling anyone wishing to have a trade stall at Brrisbane CDI.
The Brisbane CDI is run over 4 days on 15 - 18 September and with over an expected 500 entries, 250 riders and over 1000 spectators, it is an ideal opportunity for businesses to showcase their goods and services.
All enquiries to Anita Barton: dressageqldawards@gmail.com
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Carl Hester comes to QSEC
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There are still some tickets available for the Carl Hester Masterclass.
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Is your Bit Dressage Legal?
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Buying a new bit and wanting to check it is dressage legal?
You can check the rules for bits and equipment for National Tests in the Equestrian Australia Equipment Annex.
For FEI rules go to: FEI Dressage and FEI Para Dressage Guidelines for Use of Tack, Equipment and Dress
If you are still unsure or for additional equipment queries, you can approach the EA Dressage Equipment Committee by filling in an Query Application Form or contacting the Equestrian Australia National office on 02 8762 7777 or email: info@equestrian.org.au
Please note: there have been no changes to the rules relating to bits since July 2021.
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Helmet Tagging for Dressage Mandatory from 1 July 2022
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Helmet Tagging is mandatory for all EA Affiliated Dressage events from 1 July 2022.
For anyone who has missed out, there are still some opportunities to get your helment tagged.To view the updated calendar for where and when you can get your helmet tagged and also for frequently asked questions, CLICK HERE.
Or check with the organising committee at your next event as there maybe a person who can tag there - this must be done prior to riding at the event.
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2022 Dressage Queensland Calendar
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The updated 2022 Dressage Events Calender can be found here
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Committee Members and Roles
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Subscribe to D-News
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Equestrian Queensland's postal address is:
Sports House Milton
Suite 1.05 / 150 Caxton Street, Milton, Queensland, 4064
Tel: +61 7 3891 6611
Fax: +61 7 3891 3088
Email: enquiries@equestrianqld.com.au
Equestrian Queensland recognises that privacy is important and that individuals have a right to control their personal information. If you send us an email message we will record your contact details. This information will only be used for the purpose for which you have provided it. We will not use your email for any other purpose and will not disclose it without your consent. When users choose to join a mailing list their details are added to that specific mailing list and used for the stated purpose of that list only. Equestrian Australia members are automatically subscribed to the newsletter when they initially join Equestrian Australia or when Equestrian Queensland receives their email address.
Copyright 2014, Equestrian Queensland. This material is protected by copyright. The owners of the copyright in this material reserve all rights. Users must not copy, reproduce, frame, transmit, link to or otherwise use any of the material, including audio and video excerpts, without the prior written permission of Equestrian Queensland.
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