
Excerpt from Maryal Barnett Interview:
Maryal, you’re based in Michigan but you judge all over the country. In comparison to other U.S. and European riders, what do you see as the Michigan dressage rider's greatest needs?
I think Michigan riders, whether they’re training level or Grand Prix riders, have a lot of opportunity as far as showing. I would like to see more trainers and upper level riders go to more clinics and certifications. The USDF workshops, for example, would be very beneficial for helping our instructors become more logical in their thinking, become better riders and improve their practical horse management skills. These workshops offer training in theory, in correct methods and in establishing a correct and logical order of teaching things. It begins in the stable, knowing about the horse. In my area, I don’t believe that a lot of dressage trainers know enough about horse anatomy. This leads to over-training horses or teaching things to horses at the wrong time in their physical development.I believe that other disciplines are moving more towards certification. Denny Emerson in eventing and George Morris in hunter jumper, for example, have been encouraging it.
I also think that you learn by seeing. Michigan people should go to Florida, California, Europe and just watch. This watching is very important. Also, they need to learn theory. They need to know more than just riding movements.
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