President of the International Dressage Officials Club, 5-star judge, Hans-Christian Matthiesen is a very active reference in the top world of dressage. Danish, living in Copenhagen, he agreed to answer Dressage.it’s questions.
How and when did you meet horses? And where and why dressage?
«Parts of my family are horse people, not only riding but also breeding Danish Warmblood; I was very young when I got my first pony as a gift from my grandfather. He decided for me, I had my eyes on an older grey pony, but he went for the younger “arab-mix” – she turned into a dressage pony (we started with eventing)»!
When did you become a dressage judge?
«I started very young, with 20 years, because I had to sell one of my competition horses, and I wanted to stay in contact with all the dressage-people I knew, I could do that as a judge».
Hans-Christian Matthiesen, how did you career develop?
«Parts of being a dressage-judge reminds me of being an athelete. Striving for perfection. Dressage is a wonderful sport, the unique part is the cooperation between rider and horse. For everybode involved in the sport: we train for perfection, even though we now – its close to impossible. But when it happens: its magic. I am very humble when it comes to the sport and my position, and I have been lucky. But I have also worked hard with endless hours of judging in small local arenas».
In your opinion how should be the relationship amongst judges and other stakeholders? (riders, Trainers, sponsor, media etc)
«I think nowadays, we have a good relationship between all parts involved in the sport, but it can always be better. We can and must always learn from each other. Many judges colleagues have lifelong experience within many areas of the sport, that should always be acknowledged. Sponsors and medias are important co-players in the sport».
Do you have any worries when you are going to start judging a class?
«Sometimes I get the same kind of feeling, like a used to when I was competing – the good kind of tension and wish to perform and peak. I have spend many hours analyzing the results and my own performance and compared to my fellow judges – sometimes too much time; but it’s the same desire: striving for perfection, even though its not always possible».
Your hobbies?
«Besides my family, its my job as Veterinary Surgeon (since judging is not my everyday job). My interests also includes an active life, art etc».
Hans-Christian, any suggestions to FEI regarding judges?
«It is crucial that the FEI maintain a good relation and support to, not only judges, but all Officials. Compared to most of the other stakeholder groups (trainers, riders, grooms, organizers) we don’t get paid as professionals, we are still volunteers, but never the less we are very organized and active, not only as officials, but also on national or more local levels. One of the most important things is to educate the officials and see to that they get the best conditions to envolve new candidates, so that the sport can develop in the right direction and keep the balance between the classical dressage and a more modern aspect of our dressage sport».
