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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

My 2 Things: Controversies

1/26/2018

 
I usually find that things come in fives, but this time, I've only got two. One I am sure you've heard about (the trailering thing) while the other is not so newsworthy unless you live in California - changes to the CDS Championships.

MAP-21 Bill
You've no doubt heard the buzz created by the the law's newest phase: Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). Essentially, if you haul horses as part of your business, like trainers do, you are subject to the new law. If you are a sponsored rider, you are subject to the law. Basically, anyone who receives money for riding, and then hauls horses, needs a CMV. The law now mandates that owners of CMVs must install ELDs to record the number of hours driven in a 14-hour period. 
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Recently seen on Facebook.
For most of us, this law doesn't pertain to us. As recreational riders, we can haul as many hours as we'd like. For drivers of what are considered CMVs, this phase of the law is going to create some real hiccups. Think about this: what if your trainer is hauling several horses to another state for a big, year end show? It's a 12-hour drive, but she really doesn't have a  place to pull over for the night. She's maxed out her 11-hour drive time for a 14-hour period. What does she do?

As a professional who hauls clients' horses, she is required to have an ELD in her "commercial" vehicle. I know that this issue doesn't affect me directly, but I can imagine that there are a lot of trainers and assistants who are scrambling right now to figure out how to be in compliance.

CDS Championships
I've only competed in one California Dressage Society Championship. I had a fabulous time, learned a lot, and came home with a lot less money in my checking account. But when I entered such a prestigious show, I knew that would be the case. Championships, wherever they're held, are supposed to be a big deal.

Over the past month, Facebook has been filled with mutterings about some recent changes to the format of the CDS Championship. Not that Facebook should be your source for news, but the CDS website hadn't done an update, so I was left with social media. I saw a petition go by and several posts filled with a lot of "that's unfair" and "what do I pay dues for?" kinds of comments. Frankly, I wasn't sure what the fuss was about.
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Monthly newsletter of the California Dressage Society
This weekend, the newest edition of Dressage Letters finally made it to my mailbox. I opened the cover to read the "President's Column." His first paragraph expressed deep concern for the horses and riders affected by the recent fires, but the rest of the page was dedicated to explaining the rationale for the changes to the Championship show.

From the article, also available online, it seems quite clear why the changes were made. The first two changes (no longer hosting the USDF Breeders Championship and combining the 4, 5, and 6-year-old futurity Amateur and Open Divisions with special awards given to highest scoring Amateurs) were done due to lack of participation. That doesn't seem so controversial to me.

Skipping number three for a moment - the fourth change was about increasing prize money for Horse of the Year (HOY) classes from $1,000 to $1,500. Who's complaining about that?

The fifth change bumped up the qualifying score for Freestyles from 62% to 64%. It sounds as though 62% was too easy to get, and CDS wants only the best competing. I get that.
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2014 Training Level HOY Championship class
I don't think those are the changes that have so many people upset. I suspect it is changes numbers three and six. Those are the changes that seem to affect the largest number of riders, particularly amateurs.

Since 1967, HOY has been determined by averaging the results from two different rides of the same test over two days. The year I competed, each day's test was scored by two different judges. That meant that the winner was determined by averaging four sets of scores. Beginning in 2018, each rider will only ride one test, but it will be scored by three different judges. Placings will be determined by averaging the three scores.

CDS has determined that this will actually be cheaper for riders, one less test to pay for, and it will free up riders to compete in other classes for which they are qualified (USDF, equitation, other levels, etc.).

The complaint I am hearing is that determining HOY based on one test alone isn't fair. Naysayers state that if your horse has a bad day, you've lost your chance to earn HOY. That might be true, but then it's also true that you might save your placing if your second test turned out to be a bomb. In addition, riders had to qualify to even get to HOY, so it's not really based on one test at all. It's been a season long journey culminating in one final championship class.
 
In my mind, the change is not unfair. Every rider has the same opportunity to put in their best test.
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I still have it!
The second change that seems to be irritating people is change six which requires a $25 nominating fee for each horse/rider/level for all divisions. I am not sure why this idea is causing so much turmoil. CDS has the exact same requirement for the Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC). The money is used for prizes, swag bags, a hospitality tent with food, and so on. Riders only pay IF they're actually entering the Championship show.

​When we make it back to the Championship Show, the extra $25 won't be a big deal to me. It seems the least of the costs associated with going to a big show. I worry more about gas money!

So there you have it, two recent controversies. Are you being affect by the ELDs? Please share. What are your thoughts on the Championship changes? Am I missing something? 
Jan link
1/26/2018 07:04:32 am

The changes to your CDS championship is really no different than how GAIG championships are determined. You get one shot, here you go. But you actually have 3 judges, not 2 like at GAIG champs. If people are upset that they'll miss out on winning because they don't have two scores to average... if you botch day 1, do you really think you can have the ride of your life and score many percent over your usual score that you successfully offset your bad day, to clinch the win? (sorry for the run on!) I don't think so. I think someone who scores consistently at a higher percent will still beat someone who botched day 1. Of course this means places 2-6 will probably be different because there won't be a "good day bad day" average going on. The nominating fee, eh, it's only $25 and it's for all the wonderful things that happen at a championship competition (I love breaking open swag bags!!!)

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/27/2018 06:12:06 am

Those were my sentiments exactly, Jan. And from the stuff I see circulating on Facebook, people are pretty upset, I just don't see why.

lytha
1/28/2018 05:29:00 am

I'm creating a wish list for when I visit America in March, and I think a lead line or two will be on it. I know you buy yours at Riding Warehouse - can you tell me which one(s) you like best? I see they can get very pricey! I guess if you're using a blocker you don't know the breaking point of their snaps....

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/28/2018 07:31:47 am

NO question - this one is my favorite: http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/RJ_Yacht_Rope_12ft_Lead_Line/descpage-RJFYRL.html?from=bakdre

I have written about them numerous times. It NEVER gets stiff - I hose my horses off in it all the time. It has a fabulous weight for working on the ground, and it's long enough! I have 4 or 5 of these attached to different halters, and I have never had one break. On a few of them, I switched to a bull snap, but that's just personal preference. :0)

lytha
1/28/2018 04:07:23 pm

Thank you! I knew you'd have tips for me. Now to figure out what else I can pack in my luggage from America!

I was afraid you'd have selected the super expensive one (31$!) but if it's what you say, it's worth it. I have only a 9 footer now and it's just not enough for those crazy high-speed traffic encounters.

Why do you prefer bullsnaps? I find them difficult, so I'm curious.

Do you have a particular rope halter you can endorse? I am thinking of a slim one for an Arab, no knots needed on the nose, but not too thick either.

I know you like the Tekna halters but I'm looking for real leather with padding, after Mag ATE his halter to death this week.

Do you know anything about the Professionals Choice sheepskin dressage girths on Riding Warehouse? They cost less than the Toklat and come in black wool, it seems. With removable wool!? Curious!

Bakersfield dressage link
1/28/2018 05:32:58 pm

I never unclip my lead ropes from their halters. Bullsnaps are really hard for horses to jiggle open. :0)

I use this rope halter for Izzy (http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/RJ_Manufacturing_Rope_Halter/descpage-RJKRH.html?from=bakdre), but it is pretty thick. Speedy goes in one by Charles Wilhelm - http://www.charleswilhelm.com/halters-leads.

No suggestions for leather halters. I have one that I won for Speedy, but it's hanging in my office. :0)

I actually used a Professionals Choice girth for my OTTB, Sydney. I liked it. The fleece attached via a heavy velcro backing. I took it off a lot to wash it, and eventually the fleece feel apart. It was well made though. I just needed something that could be laundered more frequently. Speedy goes in an Ovation synthetic fleece girth that has worn exceptionally well. Izzy goes in this girth because it can be hosed down -http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Ovation_Airform_Synthetic_Chafless_Dressage_Girth/descpage-OADG.html

Have fun shopping! Check with me before you order from Riding Warehouse as I can get you a 15% discount!!!!!!!

lytha
1/29/2018 06:56:50 am

DISCOUNT!? WOO!!!!! Making my list....I wonder how long shipping normally takes, if I need to order in advance of my arrival, because I'll only be there 2 weeks.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/29/2018 09:46:19 am

I live two hours from the store, so my orders nearly always show up the next day. People farther away say their shipping takes a bit longer. They are a GREAT company. I'd email and just ask. Outside of that, I'd give your order 5 - 7 days to arrive. If you order right away, you won't have to worry about it getting there on time. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
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    About Speedy G

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