What’s in a Word? “Submission” or “Cooperate”
11 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on What’s in a Word? “Submission” or “Cooperate”
Submission
The condition of being submissive, humble, or compliant
An act of submitting to the authority or control of another
Cooperate
To act or work with another or others: act together or in compliance
To associate with another or others for mutual benefit
Merriam-Webster dictionary
Gary Rockwell of the United States, a FEI 5* judge, is bringing up with the International Equestrian Federation Dressage Committee the use of the word “submission” in collective marks in dressage scoring.
In clinics and seminars, Steffen Peters has frequently raised the use of the word as, in his view, it implies domination, “a bit of an agressive flavor.”
“My suggestion is changing ‘submission’ to ‘Willingness to cooperate’,” Steffen said.
“Some of you might think, ‘don’t we have better things to do than changing a word?’ I can’t argue with that.
“Even if the FEI doesn’t change the word ‘submission’ but judges and FEI officials discuss the subject, it certainly shows that our sport is encouraging mindful and non-aggressive riding.”
