Hickstead, Eventing Grand Prix.

silu

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Have looked to see if anybody had already posted about this but couldn't find anything, so appologise if there is already a post about it.

All I can say is thank god the event was not on the main TV channels as I would imagine there would be outcry from all the animal cruelty organisations. I was SO disgusted I stopped watching before the end. If the event continues in the current format it won't be long before there is another disaster a la the express eventing in Cardiff. In comparison to the Grand National this was ghastly. I'd be very surprised if there are not a fair number of VERY SORE horses post the event.
 
Tbh and its only my opinion a lot of event riders are pretty piss poor at giving a pretty ride, after watching Badminton this year I`ve given up watchin cross county Phases its all flappy arms, pony club kicks, sawing and hanging on mouths....I know its a hard sport and you`ve got to be pretty gutsy and i`ll probably get slated for this but its just my opinion
 
Tbh and its only my opinion a lot of event riders are pretty piss poor at giving a pretty ride, after watching Badminton this year I`ve given up watchin cross county Phases its all flappy arms, pony club kicks, sawing and hanging on mouths....I know its a hard sport and you`ve got to be pretty gutsy and i`ll probably get slated for this but its just my opinion


Eventing doesn't need to be "pretty" thats the thing. However, I would totally disagree that "a lot" of eventers are all about pony club kicks and sawing/hanging on mouths. I don't see much of this (albeit at a lower level, but then you'd expect riding to be worse!). Riding cross country is difficult, it CAN'T be pretty as often it involves hanging on for dear life! They all show jump and dressage fine though. I've seen far worse/nasty riding at BSJA to be honest! BSJA'ers seem to enjoy using far more severe bits and harsh methods in the warm up / behind the scenes.
 
Eventing doesn't need to be "pretty" thats the thing. However, I would totally disagree that "a lot" of eventers are all about pony club kicks and sawing/hanging on mouths. I don't see much of this (albeit at a lower level, but then you'd expect riding to be worse!). Riding cross country is difficult, it CAN'T be pretty as often it involves hanging on for dear life! They all show jump and dressage fine though. I've seen far worse/nasty riding at BSJA to be honest! BSJA'ers seem to enjoy using far more severe bits and harsh methods in the warm up / behind the scenes.

I did say it wasnt easy and that it was after watching badminton this year where i saw all the kicks, sawing etc.... i normally love watchin XC and badminton is my favourite but this year I just didnt like the way a lot of people rode, its just my opinion and i`m in no way any sort of expert its just what i thought
 
Ahh siobhan that is where you have made your mistake sometimes on this forum it is better to keep any contriversial opinions to yourself as a lot of people can't see both sides of an arguement. I think maybe you should watch some XC with someone experienced and they can talk you through what you may deem as flapping and kicking might help you enjoy it again x
 
Ahh siobhan that is where you have made your mistake sometimes on this forum it is better to keep any contriversial opinions to yourself as a lot of people can't see both sides of an arguement. I think maybe you should watch some XC with someone experienced and they can talk you through what you may deem as flapping and kicking might help you enjoy it again x

Erm...Louise Skelton at Badminton?? I don't know what else you'd deem her flapping and kicking as? The ride I saw her on did look like quite a lot of horse for her to motor, but still..
 
To answer Monkeybum, while I did event up to quite a high level, I tried to never take unnecessary risks, thinking of my horse 1st and the red rosette 2nd. I saw 3 horses fall, another breast a fence and another completely demolish a fence before I couldn't stand it any longer. If you have read the FEI guidlines I think the horse's welfare is always paramount? For many of the riders to go at breakneck speed when not skilled enough to do so,personally I found hideous to watch. The likes of Caroline Powell and the evergreen Lenamore were good enough to be compatative, many others were not IMO, without serious risk to their horses.
 
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