Forum 2001: United Nations in dressage
The first Global Dressage Forum, in September 2001, turned out to be a big success. Dressage Today, the American magazine, described the Forum as follows: " Like a United Nations Assembly bringing people together from around the globe, more than 300 riders, trainers and spectators from 25 countries arrived at the first Forum in the Netherlands. Their mission was to examine the success of the world's most renowned riders and trainers, and from that, begin to create a universal dressage language. "No one questions classical principles," stated Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Cup Dressage Director Joep Bartels in his opening speech, "but they are sometimes used to hide behind to avoid an open discussion."

There were many questions and discussions on the different styles and different techniques seen over the two days in 2001. As many visitors said: 'We have seen the best of the best and looked behind the curtains of the top combination.' While agreement on technique was not universal, it was agreed that the paramount important must be the welfare of the horse. Only a happy horse will be happy to give to the rider and only such a partnership will be nice to watch. International judge Stephen Clarke summarised: ' Training is up to the individual. We have seen different methods but all with beautiful end results. Elasticity, impulsion, brilliance, engagement, horses who have these qualities gain the highest marks.'

Report 2001:

For those, who have not been present at the occasion of the first Global Dressage Forum in September 2001, we are publishing some parts of an article by Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore, with permission of Dressage Today 2001.

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