THE seven regions of Dressage Ireland advertised a full programme of classes for the majority of their shows throughout the year but, in most cases, there was a very poor entry for those graded Medium and upwards.

Rather than beat one or two others, or even worse, record ‘uncontested’ victories, at local shows, surely it would be more beneficial for competitors at the higher levels to take one another on at three or four dedicated fixtures a year in addition to the national championships.

This would have the added benefit of helping DI’s judges’ committee train candidates at Medium level and above and to aid in running exams here at Medium and Advanced Medium levels (those wishing to judge higher grades still have to go to Britain for their exams). As it is, there is very little opportunity at present for candidate judges to watch enough combinations of quality compete on a regular basis.

This year, two individuals came on to the judges’ panel at the lowest level (List 6), while six others upgraded during the year. That number included Bernie Foley who, having joined the half-dozen already graded as List 1, was recently appointed Chairperson of the judges’ committee.