Anyone else miss...

[j1ffy]

...the old galloping cross-country courses for bold horses full of rider-scarer fences? Interesting to see WFP's comment on the BBC article about how the sport has changed, and his old equine stars wouldn't be suitable these days.

For a bit of nostalgia, check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xrxWAasR6U

I'll never forget how bold Murphy Himself was! And little bouncy Charisma

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Yes, miss those

Think is all too much technical in the cross-country when it should be in the show jumping.

 

[camilla4]

Very much so - it really takes me aback when I see old footage and realise just how much the XC element has changed over the last couple of decades. I agree with MrsM's comment - I woud prefer to see the more technical questions asked in the SJ and keep big, bold galloping courses in the XC.

 

[HumBugsey]

Watch H&C TV, they keep showing Badminton Classic years. Watch 1993, very interesting young rider in it.... names william something!

 

[j1ffy]

Ah, more motivation to get Sky! Only problem is my OH would hog it for the footie

 

[PinkFairy]

Wow, those jumps look terrifying!!

 

[camilla4]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow, those jumps look terrifying!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, the old "rider frighteners" were something to behold! It was awe-inspring standing beside them!

 

[Old Bat]

I think that the current short format has knackered the true concept of cross country...and totally agree that xc courses should be just that...big fences, open, galloping courses to test the horse's stamina, with the techie stuff in the show jumping phase to test the skill and manoeverability (?sp!) Have fond memories of hunter trial courses ? decades ago which were just that...would hate to do a xc course today!