Makes you think ....

[Andree Lewarne]

I was privileged to be involved with the recent SA Pony Riders Championships as a Dressage scribe. I watched some stunning ponies compete, I watched riding that was adequate, and levels of horsemanship that were very impressive. The musical kurs were a first for me as a scribe, and it was most frustrating as I could not watch, but had to have my head down and write. The highlight for me was to watch a young girl ride a test on a Boerperd mare aged 20. The harmony and bond that exists between these two is something that I will remember and cherish. They outperformed all the other ponies purely because they were both so obviously enjoying what they were doing. No money can purchase and produce what that partnership portrays, and we would do well to stop for a moment and ask ourselves why we are involved with horses, and those of us who have children who compete - are they not expected to perform because of our dreams and desires, or do they genuinely want to ride five and more ponies at shows? And not know which pony they were riding when introducing themselves to the Dressage judge? There were some children who were having huge fun, rushing from class to class and juggling ponies and grooms - they have the talent and persomality to cope, and that is great. But there are just too many children feeling like little pressure cookers because of a parent's ambitions. Instructors also need to sometimes stop and ask themselves why they are doing what they are doing - is it (was it ever) for the love and passion of the horse, or has it become a race to see who can produce the most and best in the shortest time?