Philippe Karl Dressage Petition

[Debbie Marshall]

Phillipe Karl wrote a letter to the German authorities regarding current dressage training and scoring to which he received no reply. He has therefore put the letter on the net and has asked for signatures of those who agree.

It seems odd that the letter was not written to the FEI as well or instead and some of the points are actually already covered in the rules, but the basis of the letter concerns the welfare of the dressage horse and it is from that perspective that I have added my name to the list.

Thought I would bring it here so that any who feel the same way can also add their name.

Here is the link http://www.philippe-karl.com/703

[Casey]

Hi Debs!

What does Phillippe mean by rule 1? "1. Auxiliary reins connected to the bit are forbidden, whether on the longe or under saddle. The longe should always be attached to a cavesson."
Also, bridle without a noseband? Would this really fly in euro and USA dressage??
I do like the other points though. Very interesting read.

[Debbie Marshall]

Interestingly enough the dressage rules show which nosebands are permissible but they don't state that they are compulsory.

It seems that we have just moved in the direction that a horse is 'undressed' without one.


A noseband was originally used to tie cavalry horses and was fastened loosely. That was its sole function. Riding trainers have seen it as a means of holding the mouth closed so that the use of a poor hand and contact can be 'got away with'.

It's use then surely doesn't promote good horsemanship which one would have thought that dressage would be doing.

As for longe work with auxiliary reins connected to a cavesson rather than the bit = this is a longeing cavesson not a normal riding cavesson = but whether the extra rein is attached to the bit or cavesson force can still be used = it just is 'softer on the cavesson'!!!

I think the whole point that Phillipe is trying to make is that with horses less is so often more and many of our 'wow' top riders use debatable methods to get to the top and stay there. That rules could ever prevent incorrect behaviour in the training school I sadly doubt but the more people who can be made aware of whats wrong and what is right the less this kind of training will be in evidence.

One hopes!

[Nevenka van Niekerk]

Well I put my name down I think its great. As someone who is a learner dressage judge, its shocking to see many of these things happening already at grass route level. Especially the overflexion. Too many horses being tied down and not working over their backs!!!!!!!!!!