Camera flash ruining Nick Skeltons round?

I went to see the Spanish Riding School this year in Vienna. It was absolutely fantastic until the final display when the horses in the performance of 8 came down towards the crowd A end of the school.
Some moron in the posh seats leapt up and took a photo with flash - cue a mass spook of 8 horses - which totally ruined the performance.
 
Regardless of the horse being used to that kind of environment, if it says "no flash photography" then that means "no flash photography". It does not mean "no flash photography, except for you in the third row back of the second tier on the left".
People need to learn to listen to the rules.

Must be so frustrating for NS and his team.
 
So to the people that think it is ok to do as you please because the professional horses and riders should not be affected by spectators lack of politeness and regard for good manners. How would not feel if invited people were to come into your domain and feed your horse against your wishes, smoke in your car or not remove their shoes in your home, or what ever your request was. Would you feel they are flouting your rules! Or is that ok because they want to do it and you should be used to it!
 
RiderLizzie said:
Regardless of the horse being used to that kind of environment, if it says "no flash photography" then that means "no flash photography". It does not mean "no flash photography, except for you in the third row back of the second tier on the left".
People need to learn to listen to the rules.

Must be so frustrating for NS and his team.
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Bingo.

If you're told not to take flash photos, then the onus is not on the riders to prepare their horses for every eventuality but on YOU not to take flash photos.
 
It doesn't matter what the horse is prepared for, if flashes are banned then that's final. Plus I find an unexpected flash makes me blink, same can happen with a horse. I've happily competed outdoors with marquees flapping, strong winds & stuff flying round etc, & you ride knowing there are distractions. However whilst I might not be bothered about riding next to a flapping tent outdoors, I wouldn't be happy if one randomly appeared halfway through in an indoor. The second of concentration lost at nick skeltons level though is far more detrimental.
 
Amaranta said:
What an absolutely ridiculous and idiotic thing to say :mad:

This must be one of the most stupid and ignorant posts I have read on here.
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LOL I beg to differ!! You are entitled to your opinion, as am I.....and this is how low this discussion as sunk!! It doesn't matter anyway. There will always be big competitions and there will always be someone in the crowd taking photos!!! Learn to live with it, develop defence strategies and move on!!! Some days you win, some days you don't!! Competition is a human phenomenom and we are lucky we have horses that are prepared to co-operate - when they feel like it!!!
 
Nothing to do with camera flashes but when I went to the puissance on Friday there where some girls right behind us who kept screaming 'we love you guy' to guy williams when he was about 2 strides away from the first fence. It was very annoying for me and my friend and it must have been very off putting for poor guy.
 
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What a shame :mad:

I can see both sides of this, spectators should obey the rules, or be chucked out.

However you have to be prepared for them not doing. When we were showing the horses had to be used to just about anything happening, a lot of time the organisers were just as much to blame as the public.

Here is a list of just some of the things I can remember happening, the larger shows were often the worst

Loose dogs attacking the horses
Packs of hounds overflowing from the ring next door
Little kids escaping into the ring
Stray paracutists landing in the ring
A large scoreboard blowing down in front of the horse
Rock music and strobe lights
Ballons and other objects being waved around the ring side
Fireworks let off
Roundabouts and bouncy castles next to the ring
Horse artillery and large army tanks passing
Donkey carts and large shires with bells

I could go on and on. Flash photography was one of the more minor hazards.
 
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