D-News - Dressage Queensland's Newsletter

Editor's report

Welcome to the first edition of D News for 2022. My aim was to get this edition out by the last week in February but then came the rain and raging devastation down the East Coast. After a week or so of volunteering locally (I live in Northern NSW) with the start of the clean-up, I focussed on writing the newsletter only to be hit with a series of technical issues which resulted in losing most of the first draft! So as they say, better late......

To those of you have been affected by the floods, I sincerely  hope you are getting the support you need to start to recover. To those of our members who have lost horses or livestock or are supporting family or friends who have experienced this loss, I send heartfelt sympathy and again, hope that you have many shoulders to lean on.
And to the members who are looking after injured and displaced horses (and even a camel at Bangalow Showgrounds), thank you.

Congratulations to all those riders who made the huge trek down to Willinga and braved the trip back. For those of you who placed, achieved a PB or just had a great time, well done.  I am sure all of us who did not get down to ride or watch this year, thoroughly enjoyed the excellent, live coverage and the opportunity to support our friends from the comfort of our armchairs.

I have just completed a judge’s seminar and would like to extend thanks to all those behind the scenes who strive to improve and moderate the knowledge base and skills of our judges. I am sure many competitors are unaware of the huge, volunteer effort that goes into our Judge’s Education Program. If you are thinking about becoming a judge or would like to learn about the  judge’s perspective, a great starting point is to volunteer to pencil at events.You may be surprised at how much you learn and Organising Committees everywhere will be eternally grateful!

Fingers crossed for some moderate weather (I’m afraid to ask for good) and happy riding in March and April. A list of upcoming events is included at the end of this newsletter to help you plan your schedule.

Anne McDiarmid

Chairs report

Welcome to 2022. What a start to the year. I hope everyone is okay after the floods and/or now not wilting in the heat.

Congratulations to everyone who made the huge trip down to Willinga. It looked like you all had a wonderful time and kept the QLD spirit alive. What a credit to yourselves, your horses and your team spirit. I have been relieved to see each one of you announce your safe arrival back in QLD (and Northern NSW).

Fingers crossed we now embark on a more certain year where competition restrictions and cancellations don’t loom over us.

Best of luck to everyone heading down to DWTS. I’ll be down there working and will try and make an effort to watch your tests and cheer for you 👍

Happy riding, stay cool, stay dry.

Kindest regards,
Anita Barton

Dressage Queensland Chair

FYI Box - Did you know...?

The National Rules have been updated as of January 2022, a clean copy and a version with the changes marked can be found on the EA website.  Again, a reminder that it is never OK to claim you didn't know or understand a rule (as noted by the Stewards at a couple of events last year),it is the responsibility of all involved in the sport to be aware of the rules and how they apply to them.

Annexe F : Notes for dressage competitors - this an annexure to the National Dressage rules and it is aimed to help first time or new competitors prepare for that first, competitive trot up the centre line.  It is a must read if you are unsure of how to prepare and what to expect or for those of us who get a bit nervous and forgetful before and/or during a competition.  The Introduction states the following: 

At some stage every rider has had to compete for the first time. This is a step-by-step document that follows the order of preparation for both you and your horse. The majority of the information is procedure rather than rules.
 

FEI Rules have also been updated as of January 2022: these relate to the FEI tests, PSG to Grand Prix and can be found on the FEI Website.

Star Events

The following changes apply to what used to be one and two star events.:

• There will no longer be the distinction of one and two star events.
• There will be aproximately five 'Star' events in 2022, with one being Queensland State Championships. 
• These Star events will form part of squad selection
• Weighting of results will no longer apply for end of year awards or squad selections. Scores will stand as they are.
• DQ will supply AOR rosettes at these events.

It is at the discretion of clubs if they include seperate AOR awards at their events. If they do, it is again at their discretion if they supply rosettes. DQ will no longer supply clubs with AOR ribbons.

Please note: all scores at all competitions now count towards end of year awards and squad selection. That is, you do not have to compete at a Star Event for your score to be considered.

Amateur Owner Riders

After careful consideration of the feedback received from event organisers and riders, the following changes to the Amateur Owner Riders (AOR) Scheme will be initiated by Dressage Queensland in 2022:
 AOR scheme is to be run under National Guidelines. 
There will no longer be any Foundation classes –
Riders are eligible for only one ribbon, this means that they can't be awarded an Open and an Amateur Ribbon in the same class.
DQ will provide rosettes for AOR at Star events. At all other events the awarding of rosettes for AOR is to be at the club’s discretion.
All official event scores to count towards end of year AOR awards. These awards will not require self-nomination but will be calculated from recorded results.
When entering competitions via Nominate, competitors must tick one box – either AOR or Open
AOR classes will still be run separately at the State Championships.

The rules for AOR are as Section 4.6.1 of the National Dressage Rules 2022. It is the responsibility of all riders to read the rules and make sure they understand and follow them. It is probably a good idea to get your coach to read them too so you can ensure you are both on the same page. Remember, our dressage world is small and bad feelings can arise if people are aware of riders who choose to fudge the rules.

Photo credit: Ashley Pryde

Helmet Tagging for Dressage Mandatory from 1 July 2022

Helmet Tagging will be mandatory for all EA Affiliated Dressage events from 1 July 2022.
Keep in touch with your local Dressage Club, State Equestrian Branch, and see EA helmet tagging times and days to find out where you can get your helmet tagged before 1 July 2022.
https://www.equestrian.org.au/content/helmet-tagging-times-and-days
Remember, ensuring that your helmet is compliant and safe is always the responsibility of the athlete and a compliant helmet is mandatory under the EA General Regulations.
Helmet tagging only indicates that the helmet complies with current EA standards.

Dressage Queensland Rider's Representative

Just a reminder that our Queensland Rider's Representative is Kristy Battista. The position entails: 

• Acting as a liaison between riders and Dressage Queensland
•  Liaising with riders to canvass their views in relation to their issues and reporting back to DQ
•  Attending DQ meetings
• Providing a written reports to DQ (at least twice a year following the CDI/States or Nationals)
• Maintaining and updating the DQ Riders Representative Facebook page to keep Queensland dressage riders informed about High Performance, events and DQ news.

To keep in touch with Kristy, follow: Dressage Qld Riders Representative Page

Young Horse Classes: A Fun Launching Pad

By Dr Kerry Mack

Young horse classes are a great opportunity for you and your young horse to have a lot of fun and gain experience in a competitive atmosphere. Preparation is what it is all about.

Young horse classes are a highlight of the many exciting events on the equestrian calendar at this time of the year. These are classes where youngsters are introduced to the big arena atmosphere and competition. Dressage & Jumping With The Stars (DJWTS) is one such opportunity for a youngster to discover competition and experience all the atmosphere of a grand venue.

Click here to read the full article

2022 Dressage Queensland Calendar

The updated 2022 Dressage Events Calender can be found here

Committee Members and Roles

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