Wembley was a mixed experience. First, the positive things. The younger riders made a good impression riding with quiet hands and in sympathy with their horses. I was particularly impressed with Marcus Nowotny. Having seen him in Vienna, I was pleased to see him ride the pas seule on Sunday and the horse went very kindly for him.
The pas de deux also made a nice picture.
The quadrille was better although the movements were not always as clear as they should be. I think the lack of senior riders with experience in depth is revealed in the more complex parts of the performance.
On the less positive side, I missed seeing the young horses which always for me highlights the importance of correct training. The rather muddled presentation of random school movements which replaced them really didn't seem to be a good introduction, particularly as it followed Carl Hester who gave a freestyle display.
The horses looked beautiful but seemed tired, and the piaffe and passage lacked elevation and sparkle.
The Airs above the Ground, both ridden and in-hand were awful. There were a few good levades and a couple of nice caprioles but it was not the magical display that we all remember. The less said about the courbette, the better. However, my instructor, who went to the Saturday performance was shocked when the horse, having made an attempt in-hand was taken by his rider into a corner of the arena and yanked several times in the mouth.
I enjoyed the long rein work and Andreas Hausberger is always a pleasure to watch but I thought the horse was very stiff and at times looked unsound. He was however very anxious to please and there was an obvious harmony with Andreas.
I am glad I went, and I enjoyed the occasion but I wish standards could be restored. I kept feeling sad that the horses were trying so hard to please and the results did not reflect this. |
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