INSIGHT | Pacific region judges welcomed at the iconic Aachen CHIO

The International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC) recently conducted a seminar for members from the Pacific Region at the prestigious Aachen CHIO - the best horse show in the world. The presenters were our 5* Australian Judge, Mary Seefried, and Peter Holler, a 5* Judge from Germany. The course was also approved by the FEI to be a refresher course for FEI accredited 2*,  3* and 4* from the Pacific region. 

Here Mary Seefried shares her experience ...

"Over 30 judges in total attended from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Philippines and Singapore and Belgium. Two classroom sessions were conducted as well as commentating of the Grand Prix (CDIO) Grand Prix Special CDIO  and also Prix Saint Georges and Intermediate 1 classes along with Freestyles for the CDI and the CDIO were also commentated. 

To have this course at Aachen, was a marvellous learning opportunity for all of our regional judges to see the sport at its highest level with top teams from Germany, United States, Sweden, Denmark along with several other European nations competing. Several scores were over 80 % in both the GP and the GP special with, the World's number 1 Isabel Werth & Weihegold and Laura Graves from the USA on Verdades, competing. The rising German star of Cosmo, ridden by Sven Rothenberger, especially impressed.

One of the benefits of such a course is the chance to meet old friends and make new ones. Peter Holler and I were very pleased with how everyone "stuck with the program" for nearly 5 days and created such a friendly learning environment. We certainly enjoyed working together with everyone to give the course.

Thanks go to IDOC (Olivier Smeets) and FEI for facilitating the course, and especially to Frank Kemperman, the CEO of Aachen. Maria Schwennesen, our IDOC board member, was of great assistance keeping us all programmed each day! 

The best news is that another one may be organized for our Region at Hartpury in England in the not too distant future."

Mary Seefried, International FEI 5* Judge

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