MADAM,

SOME 15% to 20% of the population are believed to have dyslexia, however it is still poorly understood especially when it comes to dressage. Dyslexia not only effects literacy, it also affects memory, organisation, concentration, ability to multi-task and communication.

Then imagine the challenges some riders encounter in a dressage test, riding predetermined movements to 12 letters placed symmetrically around an arena, which are not in alphabetical order! What’s more they may mix up their right from left, and their short term memory is impaired which makes riding a test phenomenally difficult.

The Board of Dressage Ireland recognise that riders with short term memory problems are particularly handicapped when they are not allowed a caller at National Championships.

In the same way as Para Riders are allowed ride in able-bodied classes with compensatory aids like a whips or rein attachments, we feel that riders with dyslexia should be allowed similar accommodations. In the education system such children or adults are given supports to allow them excel academically so again we felt why shouldn’t we do similarly.

Children or adults with dyslexia often suffer poor self-esteem and the fear of making an error in their test or indeed being eliminated due to their inability to remember their test often paralyses them with fear; they try so hard to remember that they are unable to enjoy riding the test. As a Board, we accept that the current system does not allow such riders achieve their full potential at Championships.

Callers allowed

In our current climate both adults and children face a lot of pressures and I, as Chairperson of Dressage Ireland, feel that anything we can do to alleviate such pressure must be employed to enable them enjoy the sport.

After thorough discussion at Board level, we are fully aware that there are many conditions that can result in memory impairment so the decision has been made to allow all riders a caller at championships if desired. It is hoped that such a strategy can be explored by other affiliates also such a Pony Club, Riding Club and Eventing Ireland, even with other Dressage national bodies throughout Europe.

But it is prudent to note that for riders who wish to compete at an FEI International competitions, the test must be performed without a caller. However with increasing confidence at National level, repetition and visualisation of the patterns of the test, riders with short term memory problems will conquer tests at internationals.

It is hoped that this new approach will ensure more inclusiveness and enjoyment of our sport.

Yours etc,

Marguerite Kavanagh

Chairperson of Dressage Ireland