HOYS today - shocked at 'professional's' behaviour

Foxy girl

Foxy girl

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Watched the International Showjumping today and still shocked at Ben Maher's reaction to his horse refusing a fence. Anyone else see it?? He cut the corner so hard that the horse couldn't make the jump and refused. Ben reined it back so harshly that the horse fell over backwards, narrowly missing him. There was no excuse for it - the horse looked as if a quick tap and a circle would have been sufficient for him to jump the fence and continue the round. His back reining was almost for effect but it went too far. In my humble opinion he should have been disqualified for it. Disgusting from a 'professional'.
 
I've only seen a video clip but tbh it does look very much like the sort of tantrum you get from teenage girls at local level. Disappointing to see.
 
Yes, I was there and saw it. He pulled the horse over backwards as a punishment for refusing. He should be disciplined, it was extremely ugly to see.


Farouche, on the other hand, was just stunning!
 
I saw this and both me and my mum were disgusted at him. You're right that he took the corner too tight to the double and the horse refused the second part. There was absolutely no need in reining back that horse TWICE when he could have gone forward past it. It was purely done in temper and the poor horse had a strong bit in, hence going over backwards to get away from the pain he caused in it's mouth.

He ought to be ashamed of himself.
 
Cheshire Chestnut said:
I saw this and both me and my mum were disgusted at him. You're right that he took the corner too tight to the double and the horse refused the second part. There was absolutely no need in reining back that horse TWICE when he could have gone forward past it. It was purely done in temper and the poor horse had a strong bit in, hence going over backwards to get away from the pain he caused in it's mouth.

He ought to be ashamed of himself.
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How awful, hope there were some complaints put in
 
How ugly. I wonder Foxy girl and joycec if you could send an email to HOYS/Grandstand Media voicing your disgust at such poor horsemanship - Ben Mayer should be held to account for his actions and asked to explain himself.
 
Saw it live, It was a disgrace. He should be charged with bringing the sport into disrepute. Appalling, we were left gasping at his behaviour!
 
I did not see this incident and cannot comment on this one, but I have seen professional SJ, Dressage and Event riders who make me feel sick with the abuse they give their horses.

I have to say IMO SJ are not necessarily the worst.
 
Luce85 said:
Would be interesting to see a clip of what happened, did the horse trip over something? Or was it due to his rein back?
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Horse did not trip over, it was pulled backwards so harshly he sat down to get away from the pain in his mouth. He had a fairly harsh bit in and when he refused the jump, Ben pulled him backwards and he backed up. Then Ben (in temper it looked like), jabbed him again in the mouth and yanked him backwards. He continued to pull and the horse sat down, then fell over backwards onto his side. Ben fell off the side.

The horse was pulled, all the people around me (all strangers) all said the same thing. Was an absolute disgraceful piece of riding.
 
Totally agree with BBH. In France the public even hate the use of a whip - at all - and they do indeed boo. Why are we all so polite? It would be the very best deterrent of all if the public made their dislike of such actions very obvious.
 
I agree with the poster that said you should see what happens out of the public gaze :/

Get the link to a clip then share it about so people can view and judge for themselves, including the sponsors ;)
 
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