 ™Region 9 Championships Southwest Dressage Championships (SWDC) Shawnee, OK by Kyra Beth Houston |
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Friday SWDC Freestyles I was delighted to scribe for Judge Liz Searle, noted freestyle advocate, for the 1st - 4th Level freestyles for SWDC Championship class. [And have left my notes in the Bronco] We were both delighted with the quality of the freestyles! Liz commented that these freestyles were definitely above the average she sees across the country and prove that lower level freestyles do not have to be boring. The choice of music was excellent, even a walk to exciting music. And the choreography was quite interesting. I told Liz about Wendy Insinger's article, Kewl Moves at Gladstone. Wendy chose interesting movements from the Grand Prix freestyles and then suggested ways similar movements could be interpreted for lower levels. Liz said when she is going to choreograph a lower level freestyle she always starts by watching Grand Prix freestyles. Liz suggested: a half pass into a circle in the opposite direction, seen in a GP freestyle, can be a leg yield into a circle the opposite direction at lower levels greatly increasing the level of difficulty into the freestyle. Liz's favorite freestyle was Klaus Balkenhol's 1994 World Equestrian Games at the Hague with Goldstern. Liz said Goldstern never took a wrong step and was always exactly on beat with the music. The music was exciting, the choreography dynamic. Klaus and Goldstern danced in perfect harmony. Although two judges put Goldstern first including noted international freeestyle judge, Eric Lette, the class was won by Anky. When asked by a reporter in LA "Weren't you disappointed that you didn't win?", Klaus responded, "It was the opinion of 5 judges and who am I to disagree with such a decision. However, for me personally, this will always be remembered as the best ride of my life." [Ky's note: Anky was asked a similar question at the WEG in Rome when three judges placed her 1st over Isabell Werth but Isabell won on total points. Anky responded: "How can I be disappointed when Bonfire just gave me three of his best ever rides. And best of all, when this show is over, I get to take him home with me."] We watched five exciting lower level freestyles: one 1st, one 2nd, and three 3rd level. I will interview the rider who rode the 2nd and one of the 3rd level rides. Her musical skills are inspiring both in music selection and choreography. The music for all rides had seamless transitions and strong beats that matched the gaits. Time to get back to the show!
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