Hickstead dies in the ring......

[Luci07]

Not entirely correct-she has stated a personal theory of hers as a factual statement. I take it EB that you do not personally know any of the connections, (assumption on my behalf certainly). If that is the case (as I strongly suspect), then shame on you for making such snide comments about the horses owners and connections. Of course they will be looking for another horse - professionials are ALWAYS looking for good horses but they don't come along very often. It does not detract from the grief and shock they will be passing. One moment enjoying the glory of a super top horse, the next watching him die.

We all, as horse and pet owners react emotionally to the death of an animal, partly (IMO) because for a lot of us, it brings back awful memories of losing a much loved animal ourselves.

RIP Hickstead.

 

[madalicedj]

Just so sad. Poor thing I really cant say anything else

 

[murphy123]

Very very sad

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

Most expensive competition horses are not insured, the costs would be astronomical. I remember John Renwick lost a valuable horse and it wasn't insured because of the cost.

Hickstead was an absolute legend of a horse and his passing is desperately sad.

Re EB's comments she is correct EL will be on the lookout for more top horses but its because its his living and doesn't mean he loved H any less.

BBH & PF that does make sense, but surely the ones worth serious money (i.e. hundreds of thousands and millions) unless they are owned by the sheikhs (sp) of this world, would be insured for death? most race horses and competition horses in the US of serious value seem to be, why is it different over here? (I'm not talking about the 'lower' value ones btw)

(someone feel free to disprove me about the US btw- but I have a couple of friends who work the florida circuits and that's what they've informed me )

 

[BBH]

BBH & PF that does make sense, but surely the ones worth serious money (i.e. hundreds of thousands and millions) unless they are owned by the sheikhs (sp) of this world, would be insured for death? most race horses and competition horses in the US of serious value seem to be, why is it different over here? (I'm not talking about the 'lower' value ones btw)

(someone feel free to disprove me about the US btw- but I have a couple of friends who work the florida circuits and that's what they've informed me )

The only reason I can think is that in America they have serious wealth whereas we don' t therefore the premiums maybe manageable or maybe there are more syndicated horses so costs are divided as opposed to one owner horses who fund everything..
Top top horses are rare so even if a payout of millions was made you'd still have to a find another and even then have to persuade the owner to sell.

Don't know just surmising.

 

[siobhain]

Hickstead did so much for Eric Lamaze, this is a lovely video about them

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyFD103Op7g

RIP, Truely one in a million x

 

[snaptie]

Grow up the lot of you, they the owners and rider are in it for the money.The horse is only meat money now and no doubt insured for a lot of money so neither the owners or rider will be out of pocket. So no doubt can start looking for a new horse to fill his place.

Having read through some of your recent posts I really got the impression you were a knowledgeable horsewoman. I was mistaken.

You really should know better, this is the kind of stuff trolls make up. You have the audacity to speak of the horse as nothing but an insurance payout. The further compose insults about nothing but meat. How could you not at least consider the years of toil and training given to a very worthy animal respect for his ability?

Worst of all your cocky, frankly low disrespect toward the people of this forum in which you have been nothing but a misinformed bitter respondent to.

A word in your virtual shell-like, pal. How about you trying to grow up, eh?

Seeing how insulted people have been by you good luck further getting any proper, thoughtful or respectful responses from posters here in things you will may post about futurewise.

Looks like it’s just you and Alec. Can you do it in pm’s.

Now I have finished giving you the attention you crave, back to the subject in hand.



My thoughts go out to Eric and all connections of Hickstead. Rest easy, H.

 

[snaptie]

Whilst EB may not thank me for this, please nobody give them a hard time about their post. They have lost a beloved pet of their own recently and tonight posted on a different thread about the anger they feel. I think we should grant EB the benefit of the doubt that they are reacting to circumstances outside of this thread tonight. Take care, EB xxx

If that's the case they have had plenty of time to settle themselves. I've lost people I loved as well as pets I cared about deeply. Many others here have too, I'm sure. Funnily enough, as with most, I don't log online and have a go at strangers on the internet.

If she was indeed out of sorts where is the apology for behaviour?

 

[Natch]

Many of us, if we are being honest, have said snappy things on here when we've been in a foul mood, or upset about something completely unrelated. It happens, I know I have been guilty of it, and have seen others do it. I'm not saying it particularly makes it ok, I was just asking for a bit of human compassion.

An apology? Perhaps you might like to lead the way, because you weren't particularly pleasant in your response. Two wrongs rarely make a right, you know

 

[xspiralx]

If that's the case they have had plenty of time to settle themselves. I've lost people I loved as well as pets I cared about deeply. Many others here have too, I'm sure. Funnily enough, as with most, I don't log online and have a go at strangers on the internet.

If she was indeed out of sorts where is the apology for behaviour?

Quite - IMO its even less of an excuse. Having lost a loved pet recently she should have some empathy to someone else in the same situation.

Imagine how Eric Lamaze would feel were he to come on this forum and see accusations of the type EB has posted? It is cruel and unnecessary.

 

[mbequest]

EB's silence says it all......

 

[sam-b]

Absolutely appauling of LB.

I have friends at the top of the show jumping game, and can assure you this is not how they are viewed, and indeed most of them are NOT insured, not that it is even relevent. Shameful.

RIP Hickstead.

 

[Magicmillbrook]

What a sad loss - couldnt bear to watch the you tube yesterday (at work) but had a look today and am glad I did as I feel comforted that he had a quick peaceful death. The kicking feet bit was after he had gone.

I hated some of the you tube comments though. Aside from the fact that Hickstead is an olympic Gold medalist, for anyone to loose their horse so suddenly in a public arena such as that must be a double whammy whether it be a top athlete or a family pet. I guesss people who dont have anything to do with horses or any animals for that fact just dont get it.

My thoughts are with EL and Hicksteads grooms etc who will be feeling dreadful.

 

[amyneave]

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/390/310343.html

 

[Sheep]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WendKWgnMVg

A video of his last round- amateur footage- shows what a fabulous horse he was. Sorry if someone has already posted it!

The video does not show what happened to him- just the round of jumps.

 

[typekitty]

Thanks for posting that, have to say I was more keen to see his round than anything else.

Just read now that Eric is competing in the Canadian Royal Show:

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2011/11/066.shtml

 

[springer1021]

What a tragedy, thank god they weren't actually jumping at the time.

I can't imagine what Eric is going through at the moment.

 

[whisp&willow]

springer- you beat me to it!

so very sad- for everyone involved with hickstead, and his fans. an absoloutly awful thing to have happen to anyone, let alone with the world watching. how devastating.

i am just glad that they were walking out after the round, and not mid flight, it could have been even more tragic.

i just hope no nonsense is started by fanatical "fans" regarding the sport of showjumping...

RIP Hickstead.

 

[Rambo]

I think if there can ever be a positive to the lack of global coverage of SJ'ing then this is it. As the vast majority of people watching this footage would have had to subscribe to FEI TV.....or be directed to it by a specialist forum such as this...then hopefully the 'fanatics' will be few and far between.

 

[whisp&willow]

well lets hope so. x

 

[Shantara]

After watching the video, I wonder if I would have panicked had I watched it before I had a little accident with a horse I was riding.
We were walking down a hill and his legs buckled (Didn't slip) and it almost looked like he was in spasm...however it was just a very awkward roll with a saddle on.
Neither of us were hurt, but I didn't ride him again (Part due to his owner selling him, partly due to him putting my back out)

I'm very upset by the video, seeing anything thrash around like that is not pleasant, but I'm glad I saw it, so I know what to expect.

 

[warmblooded]

My horse is half brother to Hickstead (the Hamlet side) and he has the exact facial markings and jumping style of Hickstead I had a tear in my eye when i went to see him earlier. It is so heartbreaking to see that video, just glad it wsa quick. RIP hickstead

 

[copper100]

I thought this was meant to be a tribute thread.

Have seen many a round of Hickstead's but the one that comes to mind foremost is his first round of the individual final at WEG. No disrespect to the Saudi guy who rode him first but the horse was just sit there I'll take your round in my own way, and he did in spectacular fashion. I think the riders who followed recognised, and adjusted their riding and let him do his thing. Hey ho 4 clear rounds from Hickstead.

Great horse and a quick and public ending sadly.

 

[snaptie]

Many of us, if we are being honest, have said snappy things on here when we've been in a foul mood, or upset about something completely unrelated. It happens, I know I have been guilty of it, and have seen others do it. I'm not saying it particularly makes it ok, I was just asking for a bit of human compassion.

An apology? Perhaps you might like to lead the way, because you weren't particularly pleasant in your response. Two wrongs rarely make a right, you know

Precisely where have I been wrong? I saw Echo Bravo’s post and, being a long time forum user who dabbles in psychology (or basic common sense, really), gave her the benefit of the doubt until she posted yet another nasty and cocky response. I even took into account that she, according to another poster, recently lost an animal herself as I have acknowledged with another reply.

I am not here to babysit adults that cannot control themselves regarding their own issues. And I will never feel the need to apologise for being so patient.

In many forums this person would have been reprimanded by moderators for abuse, timed out for a few days or even banned in some of the strictest. They should be grateful they are allowed to contine posting.

Apologies copper100. Hopefully I'm done here defending myself. I did commiserate the poor horse and his connections for a very sad loss.

 

[mbequest]

Actually my original post was aimed as a rant at FEITV, until the Malina from the FEI pressteam came and made her post. I didn't really set out to create a tribute post. The debate about the posting if the video was interesting, people, myself included, have reacted to a thoughtless cowardly post by someone who IMHO is questioning EL or any top riders emotive attachment to their horses.

 

[alison247]

I read today that Hickstead died from a ruptured aorta. So I decided to watch the video.
Can someone explain because maybe I am thick but why on earth would the audience clap as he lay thrashing his legs?
I thought it was really insensitive, if he hadn't passed how would he or Eric felt hearing that? or maybe I am insensitive?
poor Eric seemed in shock just standing holding the reins. I can't imagine how awful it must of been for him.

 

[Alec Swan]

.......

Looks like it’s just you and Alec. Can you do it in pm’s.

.......

Thank you for including me, that was very thoughtful!

Just as an afterthought, As the horse in question was entire, presumably he stood at stud, and also presumably, he has frozen semen in storage. I just wonder if the price for his semen now, is as it was, last Spring! I'd lay good money that it isn't!

Alec.

 

[Sheep]

For those who are interested, the press conference with Eric Lamaze is also online now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9cXSdFCfNQ

 

[Natch]

Cause of death confirmed as a rupured artery

 

[Natch]

I read today that Hickstead died from a ruptured aorta. So I decided to watch the video.
Can someone explain because maybe I am thick but why on earth would the audience clap as he lay thrashing his legs?
I thought it was really insensitive, if he hadn't passed how would he or Eric felt hearing that? or maybe I am insensitive?
poor Eric seemed in shock just standing holding the reins. I can't imagine how awful it must of been for him.

I didn't understand quite what was happening at that point either, but I wondered if perhaps their score was being shown on one of the big screens and that was what people were applauding... perhaps not everyone in the arena could see what had happened, maybe a jump obscured their view..?