Eventing Snobbery

[kerilli]

That's not a nice thing to say to you absolutely but isn't there some funny kind of reverse snobbery in laughing at their eliminations too? Which is not to say it's not entirely understandable, but maybe the whole point is to be totally indifferent? Otherwise, they still manage to get to you and make you self-conscious and that seems like a waste of your time as much as anything.

Yes, I can see where you're coming from, but you just can't help being a teensy bit glad when the horrible nasty bitchy snob who totally looked down on you at riding club level, consistently gets eliminated at SJ or XC at BE lower levels before giving up completely, while your horse sails up the levels...
sorry, was that just me then?

 

[Rouletterose]

I had a lovely comment today!

Someone asked me about plans with Andy and I said I would love to event if I ever got my confidence back xc, probably wouldn't be able to afford it anyway"

The reply back was:
"You get nervous, why? Its only a horse you need to stop being so pathetic and why have horses if you can't afford to compete"

Beggars belief...what an insensitive prick!!!!!

Hope you took no notice.

 

[nikkimariet]

Only read the first page, so don't know if anyone else has said similar things but.....

This is not just an eventing thing. Dressage snobbery!! Bling and patent patronization.... the worst form. (I LOVE bling and everything patent, lets not misunderstand this!!). I know of a number of people that think they are MUCH MUCH better than they are. If I offer my advice (which is fairly sound since I've ridden my whole life and concentrated on dressage for last 6/7 years or so) guess what happens? They nod and agree. And then do the total opposite!! And then what? It all goes t*ts up for them and they wonder where they're going wrong.

It really bugs me, because there is nothing wrong with just competing for fun?! And there is nothing wrong with being a beginner at something?! There is nothing wrong with needing advice on something?!

Just noticed a post about somebody advising somebody on how to jump, when they don't jump themselves. ARGH!!! Someone I know teaches jumping lessons. Yet has never schooled in showjumping, never jumped competitively, and never jumped anything over 2.5ft. Drives me INSANE.

And the bit about 'the more they brag the less impressive record'. Lets say I know someone who has all the gear, and absolutely no sodding idea aka you should not be riding an Advanced Medium if you only get 52% average at Elementary. RARRRRR!!

 

[Firewell]

Ha ha Kerelli! It wasnt like I sat there rocking backwards and forwards with tears of laughter rolling down my face but I got a quiet satisfaction that the person who clearly thought very little of me (and didn't care to hide it) wasnt up to much cop themselves. I defy anyone to not feel a bit better about that. If you are in deed immune to what people say and humble enough to give them the benefit of doubt over their own shortfalls you are indeed a better person than me

 

[Firewell]

Kit your right I should be indifferent. That's what I meant by mentioning my OH. It's work in progress

 

[Baydale]

I'll just remind you of Baydale's Mum's mantra - those that mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind. Let's all carry on having fun xx

Damn that Rosiefan, she beat me to it. I do think it's important to be able to paddle your own canoe, so to speak, but it takes a huge amount of strength of character to be able to keep your focus when others are distracting you with their snide comments.

Snobbery exists in all sectors of the horse world, fact. It's whether you let it bother you seems to be the issue here.

 

[diggerbez]

Yes, I can see where you're coming from, but you just can't help being a teensy bit glad when the horrible nasty bitchy snob who totally looked down on you at riding club level, consistently gets eliminated at SJ or XC at BE lower levels before giving up completely, while your horse sails up the levels...
sorry, was that just me then?

hahahaha
firewell i know EXACTLY what you mean. i would never laugh at someone for having a dodgy record or whatever...everyone has hiccups and problems. BUT when people preach about how amazing they are and look down at you then it IS amusing to find out that they haven't really got a clue what they are talking about. i know a few people like this...have perfected the inwards smile which makes me feel better the instant they open their mouths!

 

[meardsall_millie]

Just noticed a post about somebody advising somebody on how to jump, when they don't jump themselves. ARGH!!! Someone I know teaches jumping lessons. Yet has never schooled in showjumping, never jumped competitively, and never jumped anything over 2.5ft. Drives me INSANE.

And the bit about 'the more they brag the less impressive record'. Lets say I know someone who has all the gear, and absolutely no sodding idea aka you should not be riding an Advanced Medium if you only get 52% average at Elementary. RARRRRR!!

But, with respect, being able to undertake an activity is not a prerequisite for teaching it. Some people have the skills to teach, some have the skills to do.

Also, I'm not sure why someone should not be riding at Advanced Medium if they can 'only get 52% at Elementary'. If they have the motivation and money to give it a go, what harm are they doing? Whatever their reason for doing it (just to have fun, to prove a point or for sheer bragging value), they are highly unlikely to harm themselves, their horse, or anyone else - each to their own and all that .

 

[measles]

For what it's worth I don't find that sort of attitude showjumping..

 

[icestationzebra]

If I offer my advice (which is fairly sound since I've ridden my whole life and concentrated on dressage for last 6/7 years or so) guess what happens? They nod and agree. And then do the total opposite!! And then what? It all goes t*ts up for them and they wonder where they're going wrong.

Why shouldn't they do the opposite? You 'offered' advice - perhaps they didn't ask for it? Also there is often more than one way of doing things so perhaps they considered all the different views and made their own informed decision. Not sure why it should bother you so much?? I'm not saying for one minute you are like this, but these days I actively go out of my way to avoid following any advice by someone that 'offers' it. I have some great sounding boards that I can ask and often they are my first port of call because I respect their opinion and know it to be backed up by experience.

It just baffles me why other people (not close friends or family) matter so much

 

[nikkimariet]

But, with respect, being able to undertake an activity is not a prerequisite for teaching it. Some people have the skills to teach, some have the skills to do.

Also, I'm not sure why someone should not be riding at Advanced Medium if they can 'only get 52% at Elementary'. If they have the motivation and money to give it a go, what harm are they doing? Whatever their reason for doing it (just to have fun, to prove a point or for sheer bragging value), they are highly unlikely to harm themselves, their horse, or anyone else - each to their own and all that .

Sorry I should elaborate...

It annoys me because she does not jump herself. You cannot teach something you have zero experience in. And I really do mean, she does not jump herself. Has never even been hunting.... I understand that some people are better teachers than riders, but to teach something you must have an experience of it. You cannot attempt to teach someone how to see a stride, when you cannot see one yourself?

The second bit, it annoys me, because she think she 'deserves' to win. She does not do it for fun, she goes out to win. But rarely has lessons, and never takes on constructive advice. She wants to succeed, and purely thinks because she turns up and looks the part, she deserves to. Often yanks pony out field at last minute and expects it to be able to do a perfect half pass - ain't gonna happen.

 

[LEC]

I think it could be a donkey with 3 legs but if it jumped no one would care out show jumping!

I always tend to smile and say oh really when someone is telling me some rubbish. I have been told so much rubbish over the years that it just does not bother me. I would love to tell you my favourite story from last year but I think this person might recognise themselves and then I might get into trouble

 

[meardsall_millie]

Sorry I should elaborate...

It annoys me because she does not jump herself. You cannot teach something you have zero experience in. And I really do mean, she does not jump herself. Has never even been hunting.... I understand that some people are better teachers than riders, but to teach something you must have an experience of it. You cannot attempt to teach someone how to see a stride, when you cannot see one yourself?

The second bit, it annoys me, because she think she 'deserves' to win. She does not do it for fun, she goes out to win. But rarely has lessons, and never takes on constructive advice. She wants to succeed, and purely thinks because she turns up and looks the part, she deserves to. Often yanks pony out field at last minute and expects it to be able to do a perfect half pass - ain't gonna happen.

I think you're possibly putting too much effort into getting annoyed by someone else! She may think she deserves to win but, clearly, if she doesn't put the work into it, she's highly unlikely to do so. It still doesn't affect anyone except her though, and it doesn't prevent her from taking part if that's what she chooses to do - does it?

 

[Firewell]

I've never found the attitude showjumping either. Or dressage but I know it happens dressage because my dressage trainer used to get bullied by others who were jealous I think. Pony club was the worst!! Some of the mothers!!

 

[martlin]

You cannot attempt to teach someone how to see a stride, when you cannot see one yourself?

This might be ever so slightly off topic, but I'll comment anyway:
I think it is much more difficult to teach somebody how to see a stride if you were born with the ability, than when you can't see it yourself

Oh, and to actually say something on topic: I either don't meet those sorts of people or am way too laid back to notice

 

[nikkimariet]

I think you're possibly putting too much effort into getting annoyed by someone else! She may think she deserves to win but, clearly, if she doesn't put the work into it, she's highly unlikely to do so. It still doesn't affect anyone except her though, and it doesn't prevent her from taking part if that's what she chooses to do - does it?

It affects me, but for what reason I truly cannot say on here.

I let myself get annoyed about it yes, but it's not something I'm about to have a cardiac over

 

[Firewell]

Ooooo just though of another one lol! When I was at Hartpury doing my degree I remember the lecturers having a discussion (while lecturing us) and they (and a lot of the lecture theatre) were laughing over people who take 10yr old horses and enter intros. They were being snobby really as in their mind Intros were for 5yr old horses and even then they thought horses should do 1 or 2 before moving up to pre-novice.
I was sitting at the back and wondering what on earth they thought of me bringing my 22yr old part bred Arab with me to the college.

 

[Firewell]

Dont get me wrong I LOVED being at Hartpury, I don't want to be 'defamatory' towards Hartpury! (whoopsie!!) I actually learnt a lot and became a much better rider on my old Arab . I also had amazing fun getting off with their rugby players but they did have some terrible horse snobs there, not that I paid too much attention as I was having too much fun (and learning or course)

 

[dieseldog]

The problem with horsey people is that they are all Eye Specialists.

I did this and I did that, I am going to do this.....

I meet other horsey people including people from HHO at shows and after listening to them for 20 minutes going on and on about their horse without pausing for breath I will finally manage to get away. In that whole time they won't even ask how I got on. They are very self obsessed.

 

[millitiger]

I must be a bit thick or oblivious to this but I have never met people like this eventing?

Nobody has ever made me feel bad about riding at lower levels, everyone has always been super friendly and I have never had people at livery yards scorning my competitive efforts

As I say, maybe I am just oblivious and the sarky comments go over my head but I am more than self-critical enough without anyone else wading in!

 

[ecrozier]

Lol possibly I am just oblivious to it (or maybe I am one if them?!?) but I really haven't met any actual snobby types out eventing! Actually I find worse those at the unaffiliated events who act as if it's all a bit below them but then don't actually get anywhere!
I definately can't afford to go eventing til my horse is properly ready and I do like to be confident that if all went right on the day we would have a chance of being placed, but I know my and my horses' limitations that is for sure!

 

[kerilli]

The problem with horsey people is that they are all Eye Specialists.

I did this and I did that, I am going to do this.....

I meet other horsey people including people from HHO at shows and after listening to them for 20 minutes going on and on about their horse without pausing for breath I will finally manage to get away. In that whole time they won't even ask how I got on. They are very self obsessed.

Eye Specialists, that's brilliant!
Must admit though, I meet too many of the other type... I ask how they are and how their horse is going, get an exhaustive answer, and then 'Bye"...
Or, even worse, the old family friend who had 1 crappy disgustingly naughty little git of an overgrown pony once, which attempted to kill her numerous times and basically made her life HELL for years, and yet she extols its virtues as if it were Totilas and Pegasus rolled into one, at every opportunity, for literally hours...

 

[mik]

All this makes me feel older and very tired, and I remember why I retired from teaching (too many people), just keeping in touch with a few great mates.
There are loads of great people in this sphere, and I have many very firm friends, but just because you share a hobby doesn't mean you have to do more than say hallo and run for the hills before they start pontificating.
My mates here can never understand why I say so little (very un-spanish!) but a smile, without comment and a polite retreat seems to work for me.

 

[MrFigjam]

I think it's quite funny really.
Figjam and I see a lot of this at eventing and it's even worse when you turn up at an event with a single trailer and a car towing it.

1 thing that figjam says is : "It's not the size of the lorry that matters, it's what comes off the back of it" but even then, there's no point having great horse if you can't ride it.

Quite funny when we go to local SJ things and that bay cob-X mare that came off the back of that single trailer beats them all in the jump-off. lol Super-hopalong!

Snobs and big-headed people exist everywhere, but people with money can only get so far. There's a point where talent overtakes money.
There's no need for people to put down others for no reason though. That's just wrong.

Bob

p.s. tricksibell - Love the photo!

 

[TheoryX1]

Have to say have never come across this type of snobbery. Quite honestly neither me, my daughter or any of our friends who we know from eventing, and some of them event to a pretty high level, give a flying ****** about people like this. We get on and do our own thing, take advice, and enjoy our days out. Yes my daughter is competitive and she will honestly admit her goal is the Junior team next year, and JRNs this year, but she's never been put down by anyone for that ambition, nor has she done it to anyone else.

We've come across some pretty bad envy though, and that was from a fellow livery, who oddly enough keeps offering to buy Mini TX's mare, to 'guarantee' success (as we all know, it doesnt and it cant) for her daughter. Said mummy and I nearly fell out over it all, all because my daughter was going PN and her's was still doing intros. Just because they are the same age and both own quality horses it doesnt stand to reason they will progress at the same rate, does is?

To OP, let them get on with it. People like this only make themselves look small and stupid. If you enjoy what you do, do it.

 

[Baggybreeches]

the problem with horsey people is that they are all eye specialists.

I did this and i did that, i am going to do this.....

I meet other horsey people including people from hho at shows and after listening to them for 20 minutes going on and on about their horse without pausing for breath i will finally manage to get away. In that whole time they won't even ask how i got on. They are very self obsessed.

nail on head!

 

[stencilface]

I think there is more of this in eventing, but it does exist in other spheres. Eventers do seem to talk a good talk, something I have never been very good at, but then maybe they have to talk it up about 3 spheres which makes it seem worse?

Although I may see someone scruffy at a comp, I am generally thinking 'woo - I'm not the scruffiesthere for once!' I never underestimate them. Having ridden underdog type horses, I know exactly how looks to not dictate talent

And as for intros only being for 5yo some horse/rider combinations never want to get above a certain level - precisely why 90cm opens etc are so popular in SJ

 

[kerilli]

can i just say that since, many years ago, i saw Lucinda Green turn up at an event with her 1 horse in trailer, i have NEVER looked down on anyone in a trailer!
as someone up there said, it's not the snazzy vehicle, it's the quality of what comes out of it that matters!

 

[Baggybreeches]

can i just say that since, many years ago, i saw Lucinda Green turn up at an event with her 1 horse in trailer, i have NEVER looked down on anyone in a trailer!
as someone up there said, it's not the snazzy vehicle, it's the quality of what comes out of it that matters!

AFAIK she still has a trailer! I did have a lorry, (not a flash one BTW) but I just find a trailer much more user friendly.

 

[VoR]

Yes there are 'snobs' in eventing but there are in all disciplines, me only been riding 5 or 6 years, do a bit of very low SJ, CT and dressage, hunt in the winter, don't do eventing and HT (tried it but being carted off when another horse appears on the horizon wasn't condusive to a happy rider!).
Horse has been ridden longer than I've been riding, he was a SJ'er and I've taught him to behave (mostly) in the field at a hunt, that's what we do, that's what we like and stuff anyone who wants to look down on us because of it, their problem not mine! Just do what you want and enjoy it, if you are having to push yourself to do something that you really don't enjoy, then stop!