Leif Tornblad Resigns from Judging in Denmark

Dressage

Denmark

Danish 5* dressage jude Leif Tornblad has announced that he will no longer be judging in Denmark.

As reason for his decision he stated that "several times during the year I have come across the fact that the Danish Dressage Committee (DU) and I do not quite have the same opinion about how dressage should develop."

The XX-year old Tornblad added, "I believe that DU shows a lack of respect towards me and the attempts at ideas about how we should enforce the dressage regulations and ensure that the sport develops in a proper way. Perhaps I can be perceived as offended or bitter. That is not the case, but if DU and the DRF do not want to make use of my experience and knowledge, then I do not want to stand in line for judging duties."

Danish Leif Törnblad is married to Anne Grethe Törnblad-Jensen, former European and World Champion and Olympic Silver Medallist. He holds a masters degree in Political Science and Economics and works as a management consultant. Törnblad has been a dressage judge since age 23 and a Grand Prix judge since 1984. He was a Member of Danish Dressage Committee and Chairman from 1985 to 1992. He was Chef d´equipe for the Danish Senior dressage team from 1985 to 1992. Törnblad became an international judge in 1995. In 2005 he became a 5* level judge, at the time called "O-judge."

"I am in a pretty good situation that I get good respect internationally and I am still a recognized and approved International Chief Judge and fortunately I also have many good and exciting judging assignments in the coming year," said Leif. "I would like to wish Danish equestrian sport good luck in the future and also say thank you for many good years in the service of dressage."

He concluded, "one day, on occasion, I will also take the time to think back on my many years as a board member in various clubs and DRF, organizer of small and large events and many good experiences as a judge around Danish riding clubs."