Cheeky/ridiculous posts you see on Facebook.

Purely out of curiosity, as someone who has never dealt with PSD, why is it bargepole territory?
Mine had DSLD/ESPA and was euthanised age 6. It's a genetic disorder and the horse never recovers, only gets worse. I would have kept him as a pet but he was lame in 3 legs and the fetlocks were nearly dropped to the ground.

Even if not genetic it can be painful and the horse can become sharp and spooky. It can be accompanied by hock and SI issues, with one of my friends horses it came along with kissing spines as well. I know several IRL, one person I know rehomed hers as a companion, after a few months rest it was sound enough to ride again and was sold on as a riding horse. It went lame again very quickly when the work load increased, it had hock issues also. Another had the dernerving surgery, she got another couple of years out of it before retirement. I don't know any with a good long term outcome even for low level competition. Many of the one's I know with PSD have been Connies but then they are very popular with people I know.
 
Mine had DSLD/ESPA and was euthanised age 6. It's a genetic disorder and the horse never recovers, only gets worse. I would have kept him as a pet but he was lame in 3 legs and the fetlocks were nearly dropped to the ground.

Even if not genetic it can be painful and the horse can become sharp and spooky. It can be accompanied by hock and SI issues, with one of my friends horses it came along with kissing spines as well. I know several IRL, one person I know rehomed hers as a companion, after a few months rest it was sound enough to ride again and was sold on as a riding horse. It went lame again very quickly when the work load increased, it had hock issues also. Another had the dernerving surgery, she got another couple of years out of it before retirement. I don't know any with a good long term outcome even for low level competition. Many of the one's I know with PSD have been Connies but then they are very popular with people I know.

Thank you, I know of DSLD, I didn't realise they are somewhat similar
 
I agree, if we were a couple of years down the road and proving to do the job then yes I probably would pay 3.5k, but not out of work having not been tested.
and it makes me wonder what's on the scans, we've had 3 on the yard (small too!) operated on in the last few years and none have had that long off iirc. 2 returned to previous level of work 1 medium/adv medium, the other welsh deliquency 🤣, it does seem to be a bit of an overheight connie thing atm.
 
I noticed that there's another FB post from the family who are crowdfunding to buy stables... quite apart from the rights and wrongs of the crowdfunding, I'm beginning to think they're living in another world.
I get that they're upset about some of the negative comments they've received, but if they didn't anticipate some sort of backlash they are incredibly naive.
They mention that their fanbase 'would be bigger than most professional football clubs, and the donations they receive is on another level!'
If they're including the Premiership clubs in this, it's just utter nonsense; these typically have hundreds of millions of followers and supporters' club branches worldwide. There's no comparison. And those fans aren't generally being asked to donate to improve facilities (although admittedly this does happen with much smaller/local clubs).

"Fans backing athletes and teams they care about is common across the world. This is no different." Well it is because most 'fans' aren't backing young child athletes. As others have pointed out, there's no guarantee that the child will become a successful professional.

"What I don’t understand is why some within our own equestrian community can’t be respectful of the fact that we are bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping."
Really? A huge global audience (that didn't exist before their YouTube channel came along)? Again, this is a young child.
I really do think they are flattering themselves with this claim. They say that lots of people love watching the videos and it's the highlight of their day. I think this is probably true. But it's a bit of a stretch to say that they're bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping. (I'm obviously interested in equine sports and I'd never heard of this family until very recently!)

The more extreme this gets, the more I feel sorry for the child, however happy she may appear to be right now.
 
I noticed that there's another FB post from the family who are crowdfunding to buy stables... quite apart from the rights and wrongs of the crowdfunding, I'm beginning to think they're living in another world.
I get that they're upset about some of the negative comments they've received, but if they didn't anticipate some sort of backlash they are incredibly naive.
They mention that their fanbase 'would be bigger than most professional football clubs, and the donations they receive is on another level!'
If they're including the Premiership clubs in this, it's just utter nonsense; these typically have hundreds of millions of followers and supporters' club branches worldwide. There's no comparison. And those fans aren't generally being asked to donate to improve facilities (although admittedly this does happen with much smaller/local clubs).

"Fans backing athletes and teams they care about is common across the world. This is no different." Well it is because most 'fans' aren't backing young child athletes. As others have pointed out, there's no guarantee that the child will become a successful professional.

"What I don’t understand is why some within our own equestrian community can’t be respectful of the fact that we are bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping."
Really? A huge global audience (that didn't exist before their YouTube channel came along)? Again, this is a young child.
I really do think they are flattering themselves with this claim. They say that lots of people love watching the videos and it's the highlight of their day. I think this is probably true. But it's a bit of a stretch to say that they're bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping. (I'm obviously interested in equine sports and I'd never heard of this family until very recently!)

The more extreme this gets, the more I feel sorry for the child, however happy she may appear to be right now.
They are on another planet! The child is so young and nothing but a passenger on these ponies and the parents are the worst when it comes to being "pushy". I am sure the poor child will end up with all sorts of problems as a teen/young adult which will lay solely at the parents door. Having done the pony scene i can only go on my experiences, and there are far better out there and now it comes down to who has the deepest pockets. Quite frankly their statements are embarrassing. They really must have the hide of a Rhino to make such claims!
 
I noticed that there's another FB post from the family who are crowdfunding to buy stables... quite apart from the rights and wrongs of the crowdfunding, I'm beginning to think they're living in another world.
I get that they're upset about some of the negative comments they've received, but if they didn't anticipate some sort of backlash they are incredibly naive.
They mention that their fanbase 'would be bigger than most professional football clubs, and the donations they receive is on another level!'
If they're including the Premiership clubs in this, it's just utter nonsense; these typically have hundreds of millions of followers and supporters' club branches worldwide. There's no comparison. And those fans aren't generally being asked to donate to improve facilities (although admittedly this does happen with much smaller/local clubs).

"Fans backing athletes and teams they care about is common across the world. This is no different." Well it is because most 'fans' aren't backing young child athletes. As others have pointed out, there's no guarantee that the child will become a successful professional.

"What I don’t understand is why some within our own equestrian community can’t be respectful of the fact that we are bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping."
Really? A huge global audience (that didn't exist before their YouTube channel came along)? Again, this is a young child.
I really do think they are flattering themselves with this claim. They say that lots of people love watching the videos and it's the highlight of their day. I think this is probably true. But it's a bit of a stretch to say that they're bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping. (I'm obviously interested in equine sports and I'd never heard of this family until very recently!)

The more extreme this gets, the more I feel sorry for the child, however happy she may appear to be right now.
Most fans backing teams and athletes are happy to cheer them on on TV, possibly pay to go to their games and occasionally buy some merchandise. That is very different to giving money to a private person to build facilities that they may make money out of or sell on at a later date. In this case, the "athlete" (child) will not even be the owner of the facilities as her parents will. I think we all know how messy families and property can get.
Also, I can't see how they're bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping. I don't follow them and only know about them because they occasionally crop up in my FB feed (may have to block next time), but I've never heard of this child in relation to any large international competitions. I also doubt the global audience is flocking to fly to the UK to watch a full show jumping competition. They're mostly quite happy to watch the videos online.
Also, what happens when child grows up and is no longer such a novelty or a small child on big horse, or looses interest or simply wants some privacy?
 
Purely out of curiosity, as someone who has never dealt with PSD, why is it bargepole territory?

I have one with PSD. Spent thousands on him, been a field ornament for 14 years now. I had him de-nerved in the end but there was so many secondary issues from it (hocks, SI) that I decided I wasn't happy keeping him in light work even. In hindsight I think even during his short years of being ridden he was suffering from it as he had a multitude of behavioural issues and other things treated before we discovered the PSD, if I'd known more at the time and had an earlier diagnosis I don't think he would have realistically had much of a ridden career at all.
 
Also, I can't see how they're bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping. I don't follow them and only know about them because they occasionally crop up in my FB feed (may have to block next time), but I've never heard of this child in relation to any large international competitions.
I don't think they have a showjumping audience. They have a "family channel" audience.

Just had a quick look and Ben Maher has 185k insta followers, Scott Brash has 223k compared to their 257k. Now, are they more famous for showjumping than the top 2 British showjumpers or do they have different audiences completely? The biggest "family channels" have millions of followers, it's just a much bigger market.
 
Purely out of curiosity, as someone who has never dealt with PSD, why is it bargepole territory?

It’s one of those things that is a bit chicken and egg. Often secondary/linked to other concurrent conditions.

There are horses for which the surgery brings them right for competition or alternatively sound for purpose at a lower level. But there are also many many horses it doesn’t really help at all because there are concurrent conditions at play.
 
I noticed that there's another FB post from the family who are crowdfunding to buy stables... quite apart from the rights and wrongs of the crowdfunding, I'm beginning to think they're living in another world.
I get that they're upset about some of the negative comments they've received, but if they didn't anticipate some sort of backlash they are incredibly naive.
They mention that their fanbase 'would be bigger than most professional football clubs, and the donations they receive is on another level!'
If they're including the Premiership clubs in this, it's just utter nonsense; these typically have hundreds of millions of followers and supporters' club branches worldwide. There's no comparison. And those fans aren't generally being asked to donate to improve facilities (although admittedly this does happen with much smaller/local clubs).

"Fans backing athletes and teams they care about is common across the world. This is no different." Well it is because most 'fans' aren't backing young child athletes. As others have pointed out, there's no guarantee that the child will become a successful professional.

"What I don’t understand is why some within our own equestrian community can’t be respectful of the fact that we are bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping."
Really? A huge global audience (that didn't exist before their YouTube channel came along)? Again, this is a young child.
I really do think they are flattering themselves with this claim. They say that lots of people love watching the videos and it's the highlight of their day. I think this is probably true. But it's a bit of a stretch to say that they're bringing a huge global audience to UK showjumping. (I'm obviously interested in equine sports and I'd never heard of this family until very recently!)

The more extreme this gets, the more I feel sorry for the child, however happy she may appear to be right now.
Love a bit of grandiosity!

Went to look and on one from last week "we don't profit from any of our platforms"

EXCUSE ME? 😂
That's been posted at least once before.

Doth protest too much/the bigger the front, the bigger the back etc. etc.
 
I have just seen their post too. I mean, with so many world wide fans apparently asking to donate, they have 'only' raised £9k. I bet they thought they would be inundated and they havent been. I mean, it's a huge amount but nowhere near the £30k they are asking for. I also have second hand embarrassment...

Quite! I find it all more than a bit cringeworthy.

The child comes over as quite a character and I can see that some people will find this very appealing. (Whether or not this is morally/ethically OK is another matter...)

But the parents - oh my goodness, they come over as needing a strong dose of realism.

Apparently in one of the videos they accidentally take the 'wrong' pony to a competition. They're going to have to get better at that if they are to be groundbreakers on the international circuit and ambassadors for UK showjumping!

ETA - regarding their posts about how upset they are concerning the negative comments about the fundraising, I go back to on of the 'rules for social media' drafted by a class of 13-year olds that I taught a few years ago:
'If you don't want a pile-one, do not post anything that's likely to start one.'

(Some of the other rules were brilliant too, like not posting when you're angry or upset, not posting anything you wouldn't be happy for your gran to see, etc)
 
Latest golden ad. no worldbeater- goes on to describe foot perfect horse 16.2hh sensible for her teen daughter ..

Looking for forever horse, mother daughter share low - mid 4 budget. must be 15.2-16.2, no tbs or cobs, must be leg in each corner type. Must be sensible for my 14 yo, no world beater just something to have fun doing a bit of everything. Must be happy to be fussed, mixed herd, suitable for busy yard. Must be 100% in traffic and open spaces.

No comments. maybe add a 1 to the front of the budget and you might get some responses.. unless theyre open to a goldie oldie but given their long list of "musts" doubt it. ps if you find one for 3k me and my friend will take one each too!
 
Quite! I find it all more than a bit cringeworthy.

The child comes over as quite a character and I can see that some people will find this very appealing. (Whether or not this is morally/ethically OK is another matter...)

But the parents - oh my goodness, they come over as needing a strong dose of realism.

Apparently in one of the videos they accidentally take the 'wrong' pony to a competition. They're going to have to get better at that if they are to be groundbreakers on the international circuit and ambassadors for UK showjumping!

ETA - regarding their posts about how upset they are concerning the negative comments about the fundraising, I go back to on of the 'rules for social media' drafted by a class of 13-year olds that I taught a few years ago:
'If you don't want a pile-one, do not post anything that's likely to start one.'

(Some of the other rules were brilliant too, like not posting when you're angry or upset, not posting anything you wouldn't be happy for your gran to see, etc)
I blocked when I saw the crowd funding going up.

"We've secured the land but we might need to sell her ponies to build the facilities" 🥴🥴
 
I blocked when I saw the crowd funding going up.

"We've secured the land but we might need to sell her ponies to build the facilities" 🥴🥴
It's just emotional black mail/exploitation of people firmly ensconced in a parasocial relationship with the family - never mind what they're doing to do the child - which is indisputably mental abuse imo
 
It’s one of those things that is a bit chicken and egg. Often secondary/linked to other concurrent conditions.

There are horses for which the surgery brings them right for competition or alternatively sound for purpose at a lower level. But there are also many many horses it doesn’t really help at all because there are concurrent conditions at play.
I always had the impression it was pretty much incurable.
It's just emotional black mail/exploitation of people firmly ensconced in a parasocial relationship with the family - never mind what they're doing to do the child - which is indisputably mental abuse imo
They have now said that one of their own horses is looking for a new home to help fund this.
 
I always had the impression it was pretty much incurable.
whereas its the one op that if people ask me about I tell them to crack on with albeit I didn't mention checking SI/hocks too once as sort of presumed vet would, and subsequently wish I did as post op the SI flagged, horse back jumping since though.
 
These posts annoy me. Everybody wants this type of horse and people justify their wants by saying the horse would “want for nothing”. Isn’t this generally what everybody tries to do for their horse anyway? And more often them not the “want for nothing” is a list of facilities they have access to.
I know it’s harsh but loads of talented people just don’t have access to the horse power they would like. I definitely didn’t when I worked with them and just had to get the rides when I could.
View attachment 172673

She’s only 17 and already sick of producing? She didn’t last long!
 
It's just emotional black mail/exploitation of people firmly ensconced in a parasocial relationship with the family - never mind what they're doing to do the child - which is indisputably mental abuse imo
Like most people, we have made sacrifices to have what we have now, I will often chip in a donation for a good cause but not for an asset that they can manage without. I feel sorry for the small person in the centre of this 😞
 
14h 19yrs black cob. Needs to live somewhere else. Been asked leave and as I have 3 others we can not all go. Genuine reasons for him to go (keeps escaping) so been told to go. Gentle boy, exciting ride, will need work and experience. Not been out for at least 4yrs, has been hunting, came from a place that had gallops. Gentle with people and other animals and horses a like. Can not stay where he is. If this doesn't work I have no other options other than a charity. Please help me if you can 🙏 thank you
 
14h 19yrs black cob. Needs to live somewhere else. Been asked leave and as I have 3 others we can not all go. Genuine reasons for him to go (keeps escaping) so been told to go. Gentle boy, exciting ride, will need work and experience. Not been out for at least 4yrs, has been hunting, came from a place that had gallops. Gentle with people and other animals and horses a like. Can not stay where he is. If this doesn't work I have no other options other than a charity. Please help me if you can 🙏 thank you
Oh boy, I can't see many takers for that 🤣 🙈
 
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