DRESSAGE judges are being asked to do the “impossible”, as they are predisposed to give higher marks to those who share their nationality and have previously performed well.
A study by Inga Wolframm, professor of sustainable equestrianism at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, considered whether the information a judge must evaluate could exceed what can reasonably be expected, so if the system predisposes them to bias, or cognitive shortcuts, that favour certain combinations.
She analysed more than 500 scores from CDI5*s in 2022 and 2023. She found judges are predisposed to give higher scores to riders who share their nationality, and combinations who had previously performed well, indicated by FEI rank and starting order.
“These form what may be referred to as a bias cascade, which is likely to lead to inadvertent, yet unfair, advantages for certain riders,” Dr Wolframm wrote.
She told H&H she is not blaming individuals; judges are not at fault “unless you fault them for being human”.
Denne historien er fra January 05, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra January 05, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
