The German Xenophon society, which promotes classical dressage training in Germany and neighbouring countries, has made a statement on Matthias Rath's decision to seek training in The Netherlands with Dutch team coach Sjef Janssen.
The statement is as follows:
The Xenophon Society is concerned about the news that Matthias Alexander Rath, a member of the German Championship Team Dressage, wants to train with Sjef Janssen. The Dutch national team trainer is a renowned proponent, if not the discoverer or the so called rollkur method and proclaims it as new, more modern horsemanship.
Members of the German Teams are role models in particular: they should guard very carefully the image of the equestrian sport as well as the principles of fairness and horse welfare. In our opinion Sjef Janssen's training method does not comply with the principles of fair horse training, like it is stated in the riding guidelines. These guidelines are part of the LPO (rules for horse show classes).
We deeply regret that Matthias Alexander Rath and the institute Schafhof, where for years German team riders have prepared themselves on their way to Championships and where riders were always loyal to fair, classical training, will pursue this controversial road.
-- Board of Directors, Supervisory Board and Honorary Council of Xenophon eV
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