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CRC Dressage - Judges' Guidelines latest edition now on sale

I first devised and published the Judging Guidelines back in 1998 - which seems an awfully long time ago - but is all too memorable to me at the time. Having competed for several years myself, I felt there had to be a better way of judging horses of all types, shape, breed and size fairly for their owners. After all, everyone was paying the same entry money and most people had long journeys to cover.For example, one might own a big 17 hand horse with huge, impressive gaits and expect it to win its class - mainly because of its breed. This to me was wrong. I wanted judges to consider that a smaller, less recognisably bred horse, could do just as good a job provided the job took other features into consideration - for example, malleability, and balance. At that time, back in the late 1990s, it was all about 'big is beautiful'.Judging is much better today and features, other than strength and power, are taken into consideration, but I wanted the rider's riding to be taken into account too - which hitherto was often ignored.For that reason the CRC test sheets focus much more on how the test was ridden than the FEI ones - which to me is only right. I do hope those who compete will acquire our Judging Guidelines and persuade some of their local venues to think of putting on our very fair and helpful (to both horse and rider) Tests. If you have never competed under our system, perhaps now is the time - for both yourself and your horse's sake. It's up to you to take these out there - and promote!

For more information on CRC dressage, click here

To purchase these revised guidelines click here.

Sylvia Loch One-to-One Consultation Advice on Phone

To make up for not being able to give normal dressage lessons with Prazer or on student's own horse at present, Sylvia is very happy to give "on the phone personal consultations" or help/advice with schooling and riding conundrums. For example, if people are having problems with, collection, extension, shoulder in, canter changes, rein back, etc, etc, she will be delighted to talk them through it and advise, or go into more depth on any particular topic of your choosing. She will give 35 minutes of her time on the phone to anyone who would like at the price of £30 (which is less than half a lesson). Payment will be by online bank transfer.

Please email Sylvia at sylvialoch@hotmail.co.uk if you would like help and to book with a brief outline of what you would like to discuss. Feel free to attach a couple of photos to the email (no videos as Sylvia's streaming isn’t great). Then, she can arrange a telephone conversation at a time suitable for all. Call to made by you (as they could be from anywhere in the world) at an agreed time via email.

Sylvia Loch's new book

"Finally, a book dedicated solely to how to sit on a horse. Thank goodness. Horses everywhere must be sighing with relief at the arrival of this wonderful book by Sylvia, the incredible horsewoman.

Quite possibly all that is wrong is the rider inadvertently sitting wrongly. If the rider doesn’t understand how their weight impacts on the horse, how can they possibly hope to achieve any productive relationship?

What is contained in the pages of this book is something that all serious riders should take on board. Sylvia explains so well about the finer art of feel, something which is difficult to put into words and which is helped by the beautiful colour photographs.

This is a book I will read again and again, one that I will use to gain a greater understanding of my riding. I know my riding and awareness will improve no end because of this knowledge.

Anyone who has struggled with their training will find this book gives them that EUREKA moment of understanding.”

Jacqui Louise Broderick - reviewer for Horse & Hound.

To buy, click here