Is it just me...

Baydale

Baydale

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...or is anyone else shocked/amazed/aghast at the holier-than-thou, smart ar$e comments made on this forum :eek:, mainly about Badminton as it's the event du jour, so to speak, but it varies and seems to be getting worse and worse?:mad: Any behavioural experts out there care to shed some light on pack mentality and mass hysteria, if only to prove to me that it's not my PMT or Grumpy Old Woman status giving me a warped point of view (sorry, POV:p)?

*Baydale lights the touch paper, stands back, and awaits the many and varied responses from the HHO massive* :D

Ps. Can we keep this going until Wednesday evening please as I gather Gamebird has had broadband problems and I'd like her to be included.;)
 
It's Darwinism, Baydale. If we don't pick on the weakest link, we'll be eaten by the lions... (or notice that I can't ride... :eek:)...
 
Ditto Autumn Rose. No comments from me on most of the threads in question either. :o

I don't want to start the whole 'if you haven't done it you can't comment argument' again but in all seriousness, some of the things said are based on little knowledge and/or experience, others are just downright rude.

m_m goes to hide with Baydale awaiting the onslaught........
 
I'm with you too. It's a shame, a) I thought this year's Badminton was the best for a long time, a really good, nail-biting competition where the XC had decent influence without any one fence being horribly unfair and b) I think people get some really duff advice here now too - one which springs to mind is a thread I read earlier where people said that anyone who rides with only one rein on a dutch gag is clearly clueless....I wanted to post a pic of the people at Badminton who did it!

I also don't bother posting pics etc as even when people post lighthearted threads now they get someone being idiotic :(
 
Do I take it Baydale is bored tonight!?

Seriously if I ever get to compete at a televised event I will not be turning the computer on for at least a week as I would be slaughtered!!

Runs off to check nobody is howing Barbury this year!
 
Hear hear. While such threads make for some entertaining reading, given the hard work, talent and luck that goes into making it anywhere near a 4 star, I have nothing but respect for those that get there.
 
hear hear. Makes me so frustrated as it seems some people do not realise the blood sweat and tears that goes into getting to that level.
 
I have nothing but admiration for any peeps who do any sort of eventing, I get petrified trotting up to a 2ft 6" grid!!!!

They don't just get on a horse and ride it around, lots of hard work and training goes into it, I think they should be admired for this, not critisised :rolleyes:
 
Other than firmly believing they're all bloody nuts ;) I honestly don't see what the problems are....then again I've avoided most of the badders threads.

I am in awe of anyone who competes seriously at any affiliated discipline but to be at the top of your sport is amazing!
 
Baydale I think I know where you are coming from haven't been on or reading much lately as the new fangled forum is really bugging me, but I tried to watch the sjing yesterday with my mum, brother's fiance. cousin and aunt all horsey people but none of them has ever achieved anything of any note yet they all seemed to be experts. It drove me crazy, I just want to watch learn and admire and think quiet thoughts myself not have their opinions bounded around about how they would ride that or what that horse goes like.

I guess for me anyone I just want to watch it enjoy it and keep the whole thing criticism free, just love it for what it is a brilliant sport :)
 
I don't know enough to comment on most posts but I thought, having walked the course, the riders at Badders were very brave and I loved it all. My connections (who do know what they're talking about) mostly don't come on here at all - too busy actually working, riding and/or competing tbh.
 
I have been too lazy to read the Badminton threads this year, the lack of a show all button and the fact I can't be bothered to press next page :o! Equally I've only watched the first few hours of the tv coverage and will watch it over the next few weeks as I was far too busy making a mess of my own eventing to pass comment on others perhaps doing the same ;)!

I think the problem this year is there's been so few other threads these past few days!
 
I haven't commented on any of them either as i don't feel it fair to make judgement. They are all worthy, capable and no doubt deserve to be competing there. It's all too easy to criticise but at the end of the day, they are on board approaching that fence etc, know their horse and are a human being just like the rest of us. We all ake mistakes and look back in hindshight thinking i wonder if...! Some days are good, others bad, clearly to be at that level they have learnt from their mistakes along the way and are talented, successful riders.
 
Joys of an internet forum I guess? It'll naturally create 16 page threads with statements of fact and opinion etc.

Thing is where do you draw the line? Even someone with little experience would spot a knackered horse finishing and a thousand people watching in the stands can't all be wrong surely? (for example). Bitting, position etc - heck, having stood between the rails of one fence on sunday, I'm in awe of anyone who gets to that level of the sport, in fact, I'm in awe of people doing novice at times, having walked some eyebrow raising courses before now.
 
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I'm with Chloe_GHE on this one - I sat and watched the showjumping last night with OH and parents. They were total experts!!!! None of them, apart from OH (who rode my horse around the arena once), have ridden and dont have the faintest idea of what hard work these people have to do to get there. I had to leave the room and have a quiet laugh and a large glass of wine. I am far too old and far too scared to event - I leave that well and truly to Mini TX. For those of you brave enough to event, I salute you.
 
MillbrookSong said:
I agree with you CGH. I just love to watch it and try and learn usually in silence!! Can't comment on what's been said on the forum as it takes alot for me to keep up with things on here now!
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MBS There's a spot for you on my sofa then next year come over and we can sit and drink tea eat biscuits and watch Badminton in silence for 5 hours aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh bliss :)
 
Haven't commented on any of those posts, in fact didn't even bother opening most of them.

My POV

As far as I am aware only 2 of our regular H&H posters have ridden at 4*, Baydale and ElleJS. Therefore they are genuinely the only people who really have any insight into a comp of this level.

Yes some rides looked easy and some messy, however it seems to be forgotten that every single combination has worked bloody hard to achieve the points needed to be allowed to enter at that level, even those who were way down the wait list..

Genuine numpty questions about faults incurred etc I really don't have a problem with, better to ask than make the wrong assumption. However what I find difficult to understand is how all the armchair experts feel they know so much and then feel the need to spout about it on here.

We'll all be experts on the world cup (football!) next!
 
See, here's my problem . . . if I come on this thread and say I agree, does that make me complicit and sheep like in my turn . . . ;)

I think part of the problem with the internet is people forget there are real people - and horses - on the other side of the screen and that they're only getting, at best, part of the picture. Perhaps there should be a system whereby anyone who gives advice on an internet forum should be obligated, if asked, to give the same advice practically in person. ;)
 
I totally agree with OP, although to be fair there have been a large number of congratulations on here for many, if not all of the riders and horses, amongst some rather opinionated critisism of top riders.

I would particularly like to congratulate first-timer Nicola Malcolm who did a great job X-C. I just hope her reason for withdrawing McFly from SJ is not serious.:(

Also, congratulations to Emily Galbraith who did a double clear -what an achievement!!!:D

I suppose I am a little surprised that, by Tuesday night (now) there is no report or comment on the BE website! Come on BE - we know it wasn't a British winner - but it was an extremely worthy one!!!:)
 
But surely that is what a chat forum is all about? It is an opportunity for anyone (regardless of whether they may or may not know what they are talking about :p ) to pass opinion and comment on any recent activity/event/news item :)
 
Chloe_GHE said:
Take your seat on the 'silent sofa' where we just sit, watch, and enjoy :) It's a 3 seater so far, who else wants to join?....
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We normally have a collective yard sofa day on Badminton XC day of out of our houses. However, YO was grooming at Badminton for her best mate, Mini TX was competing at Broadway, and the othere were all busy. However, its far from silent, being fuelled by copious quantities of Stella, wine and nibbles. Its always very appreciative though ........
 
Whew, that's a relief as I thought that it was just me - face, bothered? ;)

S_J - bit bored, yes, but more frustrated than anything. I do think that a lot of people have their brave pants on when they're at their laptops and certainly wouldn't be so brave if they were face to face with the person they were ripping to shreds.

teapot - you're right of course, but it's just the rudeness of some of it that shocks me. If I'd been doing it I'd have been mortified to have anyone who'd never ridden my horse slate me for my style and method - how could they possibly know how the horse needed to be ridden to achieve the end result - but then we're known as a nation who hate tall poppies, aren't we?

ElleJS - so true, but all we see is a very public snapshot of it, then administer a cyber-beating of that person up for having the balls to go out and try and achieve something. That's not right.

Chloe - I sat and watched it with my parents and, other than the oohs and aahs at dramatic moments and protestations that I MUST get a PointTwo jacket, we mainly marvelled at the gutsy riders and incredible horses having a go at one of The Most Challenging 3-Day Events.
 
What about the attitude of some that you shouldnt have an opinion on something if you havent done it?
(not aimed at anyone!) - surely thats a holier than you attitude as well?

At the end of the day, its the person's own opinion, sure there may be some sheeping but there always is - look at the sheep already commenting on this post! (not accusing/criticising/intending to offend, just making a point!)

I think everyone (horsey!) appreciates how hard it is to get to that level and how much work goes into it - no-one is arguing with that!

Armchair critics (and i am one too, cant help it, human nature!) are always there and it happens in any sport ;)

Please no one take any offence its not aimed at anyone, playing devils advocate (bored with revising arthritis all day!!) :)
 
I wish I knew what you were going on about BD, trouble is, I hate the layout of this new forum that I miss so much,:eek: I only saw what you put on your facebook status so came along to have a look, now i've got to find what you're having a rant about!!! Bring back the old forum, I knew what I was doing then!!! :rolleyes:
 
Are those who pass critical comment on events such as Badders those who pose themselves around menages commenting on how one's position should be, how they could do a much better job with Bob the Plod than it's owners.............etc etc

I find it infuriating as this is a sport with a dedicated following which takes some serious guts to achieve what those riders do achieve. Accidents will happen (decides to seriously look next time crosses the road!) The hours and effort that go in are phenominal (spell check?!) and I for one salute the riders and their massive support networks as well!
 
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