FEI Dressage Judge Maintenance Course in Sydney
The first FEI Dressage Judges Maintenance Course covering Level 1 - 3 since 2014 was held on 16th – 17th October 2025, in association with the Australian Dressage Championships at Sydney International Equestrian Centre.
The Course Directors were Dr Hans-Christan Matthiesen (DEN) and Mary Seefried AM (AUS).
There were 16 attendees from the region, including from Japan, Taipei, New Zealand and Australia.
The first day was in the classroom and with the current emphasis on judges’ reactions to horse welfare issues and our social license as a sport was led by a stimulating presentation by Hans -Christian Mathiesen.
“This was such a valuable presentation which encouraged these already experienced judges to think more deeply about the welfare of the horse in the dressage sport and come to their own logical conclusions. Also to continue their own inquiries on the topic which obviously is a field in which many veterinarians and equine scientists are producing valuable work”.
The afternoon was taken up with the CES assessment – video clips which each attendee had to mark on tablets with interesting discussion after. This was technically assisted by Daniel Gohren of Black Horse.
The next day was in the field with Mary Seefried commenting and asking attendees to provide marks and comments on the Grand Prix CDN and the CDI-W Grand Prix.
In conclusion, Hans-Christian Mathiesen added that he was happy to be in the region because “education is the key if we want to keep the sport going. The Australian NF through Amy McGregor and the assistance from IDOC to run the course is much appreciated. It’s important for IDOC to help and provide support and education for all officials in the sport”.
The Maintenance Course was a success and enjoyed by all judges. They were afforded an excellent opportunity to work closely with both Hans- Christian and Mary and took advantage to absorb their valuable advice.
The feedback from all attendees has been very positive – “when is the next one”!
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