“The Global Dressage Forum has been a major source of information and innovation for us”, says Dutch national young rider coach Tineke Bartels, who recently hit the headlines by stating that Holland is at least 5 years ahead of most other dressage countries. Tineke’s opinion was widely commented, but she insists that Holland’s progress in dressage has been influenced “by studying carefully the best riders and trainers in the world, and having an open mind”.
In explaining the success of Holland, and recently Great Britain, Tineke says: “it is no coincidence that Holland and England are responsible for over 50 % of all participants during the previous eight Global Dressage Forums. For instance, Holland and England have both invested in physical and mental training for their riders, and these are aspects that have been thoroughly presented at previous Global Dressage Forums. The Dutch federation has invested in the Forum, by sending its dressage trainers and top judges to participate every year. Many influences on its successful sport and talent development program, the ‘Rabo Talentplan’, have been originated during the Forum”, says Tineke.
A comparison, based on the actual participation, proves Tineke’s point: over the past few years Holland had about 30 % of the participation, Great Britain 25 % and Denmark 15 %. Also countries from Eastern Europe and even USA seemed to be more interested then other countries. “Those countries are more open for information and development.” This years Global Dressage Forum takes place in Hooge Mierde, Holland, on October 26 and 27.