Dressage.it interviews: Andrew Gardner

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Andrew Gardner, 60, lives in Wales, in an agricultural area by the sea. During the week, however, as he works in Cardiff, he moves to Monmouthshire, which is also in Wales. A 5-star judge, former director of British Dressage and president of British Dressage Judges, he was a member of the Tokyo jury in 2021. Dressage.it had the pleasure of collecting his interview.

How and when did you meet horses? And where and why dressage?

«I first became involved with horses as a child, and worked at the local riding school, in return for rides.  I used to ride anything – many racehorses and show-jumpers.  I was braver then; I did not fear naughty horses and was very patient to work with them to try and develop their confidence and knowledge.  I spent a lot of time showjumping, but part of my love of working with showjumpers, was schooling the horses on the flat.  This led to my interest becoming more increasingly focused on dressage.  Then I got the bug!.

Mr. Gardner, when did you become a dressage judge?

«I started judging through the British Horse Society (dressage committee) system, back in 1985.  We had lists appropriate to the respective levels starting on list 6 for Preliminary /Novice level, up to List 1 for Grand Prix.  There were exams at each level where our senior judges (usually FEI judges) sat behind us as we judged, and they judged us.  I remember a certain Stephen Clarke being one of my examiners during this period (we were to later become great friends and colleagues).

How did you career develop?

«Looking back, my career developed very quickly, and I found that I escalated my way through the lists in a relatively short time, probably too quickly on reflection, but I lived for it.  I studied and watched and trained constantly alongside my professional training as a commercial chartered surveyor working in real estate.  I studied judging alongside training my own horses when I had them, and riding other peoples’ horses when I didn’t, and had very generous support from my trainers at the time: my career long friend Isobel Wessells, Pammy Hutton at the Talland School and then Ferdi Eilberg. I was fortunate enough to have some nice judging opportunities early on in my career at Grand Prix level in Great Britain and judged our national championships on many occasions.  I was then put forward for the FEI course and assessment and remember attending my first course in Austria with Eric Lette and Uwe Mechlem, two amazing judges for whom I had and still have the greatest respect and regard for their wisdom and direction.  It was a privilege to have been given the opportunity to judge internationally thereafter.  I know that I was given great support along the way, dedicated education and mentorship from home, especially from Stephen Clarke and David Hunt».

In your opinion how should be the relationship amongst judges and other stakeholders? (riders, Trainers, sponsor, media etc).

«We are all united by our love of and respect for the horse; the desire to adhere to the classical principles of training and development of our appreciation for quality.  We have different responsibilities, but we should be joined up and always work to be open and honest with each other and work together.   We must strive for the same things.   Respect is key; it must be earned and it has to be sustained from every perspective».

Do you have any worries when you are going to start judging a class?

«Yes.  I am always nervous to do a good job and I feel this every time.  As soon as I start my job, however, and I am “in the judging zone”, my nerves disappear, and I have a f reflex that clicks into place.  I follow the mantra I was taught: “see a movement – give a mark – move on”.  Every movement is fresh and must be treated as such».

Mr. Gardner, what about your hobbies?

«I have two whippet dogs.  They are hobby enough for me.  Also, I have recently bred a foal which has given me pleasure.  I have no expectations for her future career; I just love seeing a new living creature enter the world and develop». 

Any suggestions to FEI regarding judges?

«Communication with judges is so important as they are a mine of knowledge and experience and have a lot of wisdom to share for the benefit of all in the sport.  They care so much for our sport.  I hope the FEI continues to appreciate that judges form an intrinsic part of the infrastructure of the sport and so the on-going commitment to their development and education is crucial.  I think this is being embraced well at the present time».

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