This is an honest question, not sarcasm. I would really like to hear from other Dressage Enthusiasts about this issue.
Does anyone know why the USEF Dressage Rule DR 101.6 (Article 401.6 of the FEI Rule Book) which states:
...The head should remain in a steady position as a rule slightly in front of the vertical with a supple poll as the highest point of the neck and no resistance should be offered to the rider.
is almost categorically ignored by competitors, trainers and judges alike both at home and in competition, but when we show a horse in hand (on the triangle) the poll is always the highest point and the nose is always in front of the vertical? Has anyone noticed how wonderfully expressive the horses gaits are in these breed classes. It is a contradiction that has puzzled me for years now. If we truly think the horse should go with a short neck and behind the vertical why have we not started to see that in hand on the triangle? If we don't believe that, then why is it consistently rewarded in competition?