Is it just me...

Gazehound said:
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 :)
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That's very magnanimous of you, Gazehound, as I think you've had the rough end of the forum tongue before haven't you?:( I'm not suggesting no-one should say anything, but it's the pack mentality that bugs me. Safety in numbers I suppose?
 
only_me said:
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!!) :)
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I'm not sure it's sheeping o_m, it's just that Baydale has voiced something that I'm sure many people on here have been feeling lately. I know I certainly have but as BD has eloquently said, we're not a nation that likes tall poppies and it can uncomfortable, particularly on here, to say something that goes against popular opinion.

I personally don't have any issues with anyone voicing their opinion, it's the sheer viciousness of some of the comments that surprises me. I also don't think that one needs to have been there and done it to be able to have an opinion, but I do think if one hasn't, then opinions should be tempered somewhat.

Finally (and I'll get off the soapbox after this), if any of the 4* riders can be bothered to come on here and read some of the threads, I personally would be quite embarassed to say I'm a member of HHO - I don't think they present us in a good (and certainly not experienced or knowledgeable) light - they really just perpetuate the perception that we're a bunch of numpties who can talk about it, slag others off for it, but can't actually get out there and do it ourselves. :o
 
I think you can see by my join date : number of posts ratio my opinion on all this :D:D:D

I come on here to see what I can still learn and admire all the brave ones who actually ask their horses to leave the ground. :eek: All opinions are taken with a pinch of salt and I try and pick out the advice / sharing of knowledge that may be worth hanging onto for later. :confused:
 
Baydale said:
That's very magnanimous of you, Gazehound, as I think you've had the rough end of the forum tongue before haven't you?:( I'm not suggesting no-one should say anything, but it's the pack mentality that bugs me. Safety in numbers I suppose?
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Yup I surely have, and I suppose it was that experience which altered my attitude to the forum completely. It brought home very clearly to me that people will always have an opinion, formed on how they interpret what they see/read etc, and if you hold something up for scrutiny then be very aware that you might get shot down big time....

I think that is why I have drifted away slightly from the forum now, I care about what my friends/trainer think of me/my horse/my achievements rather than (better be polite here) a more general view
 
It's the whole "everyone's an expert" thing isn't it?! I think it's people that feel they have to justify themselves that shout the loudest....
 
I was quite shocked that there wasn't a post about how awful it was that Paul Tapner dared to celebrate by galloping around the ring after winning Badminton -or have I missed it. Does anyone remember the mass hysteria that happened when the poor french man dared to express how happy he was?

I don't agree with however the view point if you haven't ridden at the level you have no right to comment - as someone said only a few people have done a 4* - but everyone knew how wrong Amy Tryon was, even if they had never sat on a horse.
 
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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I had the perfect company! This is my husband "watching" the showjumping.

DSCF3325.jpg



The darling man suggested that as I wasn't well I retire to bed with the TV and my electric blanket. He brought coffee and snacks as required and as you can see didn't disturb me by chattering inanely or offering his opinion.:) He didn't even snore (which is more than can be said for the cat).
 
Baydale, you'd have REALLY loved sitting where I was in the stands on Saturday :rolleyes:, I had a woman behind me commenting on the dressage riding and I sat there thinking, f**k me, have you ever listened to yourself, I think some people just can't help themselves. :eek:

However, I feel I was able to comment to a certain competitor there, what I thought went wrong at a fence they had a whoopsie at, even though I haven't ridden at 4* level. It wasn't me trying to be judgemental or know it all, it was what I saw and I "think" the competitor was in agreement with my analysis.
 
dieseldog said:
I was quite shocked that there wasn't a post about how awful it was that Paul Tapner dared to celebrate by galloping around the ring after winning Badminton -or have I missed it. Does anyone remember the mass hysteria that happened when the poor french man dared to express how happy he was?

I don't agree with however the view point if you haven't ridden at the level you have no right to comment - as someone said only a few people have done a 4* - but everyone knew how wrong Amy Tryon was, even if they had never sat on a horse.
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Ditto!!! If its glaringly obvious you dont have to be a 4* expert to see it!! I do remember how slated that french man was about droppin his contact ect ect( bless him he was sooo excited he won, the horse thought it was great fun, didnt know what he was celebrating but was deffo smiling (i could see it)( i smile alot and am an expert on it)!! I do love it when people complain about this opinion based forum >>>being full of opinions!! hehehheheheh tut tut tut what eva next!!!!!
 
Jemima_too - I was sat watching the XC with Dr. H who was so totally enraged by the appalling riding he was seeing that he dozed off, snored loudly and had to cattle-prodded to watch Phoebe's round. I think it was Mike Tucker and Ian Stark's soothing commentary that lulled him to sleep...
 
Thistle - I just think you should always think what it must be like to be in that person's shoes, if that's possible. ElleJS got so much stick last year that she had to come on here and defend herself, what's that all about when only she knew how it felt to ride that fence?! My very limited experience was in the sport as it was 12 years ago, so not particularly relevant and certainly not pertinent to my reasons for letting off steam. I am however nearly an expert on PC events, if you'd like my opinion on those...? :p

TarrSteps - I like your "put your money where your mouth is" idea, and anyone willing to showjump HH for me is more than welcome to have a go. :( You could be a sheep but I don't think you do it often enough to qualify, so meantime you're stuck with your Wise Canadian status.:)

only_me - and not aimed at you, but in reply to your comment not aimed at anyone: by all means have an opinion whether you've done it or not, but perhaps be less vitriolic when voicing that opinion. I'm a bit offended that you've accused others of being sheep on this thread as I see that as an insult; if it's not, then maybe it could've been worded better? That's my other point, one has the opportunity to read and re-read what you've typed before pressing Submit Reply, so there should be no excuses for impulsive and offensive posts which cause upset and goad others into similar behaviour. Unless you're a troll...:D

wizoz - I'd love to accuse you of being a sheep but you kinda need to know what the OP is on about to be able to agree, thereby becoming a sheep.:rolleyes:

punk - you've hit the nail on the head there when you talk about opinionated criticism of "top riders". That's what they are, and we are what exactly?:confused: A bunch of clever clogs who can talk the talk but, with only a few exceptions, can't walk the walk.
 
Ladies, let us also get some perspective. The HHO forum is just the female/horsey equivalent when the World Cup happens - all the guys immediately morph into Thierry Henri or similar and shout at the television - "Nooo, idiot, pass it down the centre" as if somehow they are about to be signed up and paid squillions by Arsenal... When in fact most of them can barely run for the bus...

We all have opinions and we're entitled to say them - it'd just be a real shame if some of the experienced helpful HHOers felt rather alienated by the rugby scrum...
 
wizoz said:
Baydale, you'd have REALLY loved sitting where I was in the stands on Saturday :rolleyes:, I had a woman behind me commenting on the dressage riding and I sat there thinking, f**k me, have you ever listened to yourself, I think some people just can't help themselves. :eek:

However, I feel I was able to comment to a certain competitor there, what I thought went wrong at a fence they had a whoopsie at, even though I haven't ridden at 4* level. It wasn't me trying to be judgemental or know it all, it was what I saw and I "think" the competitor was in agreement with my analysis.
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Ooh, you were sat infront of me then?! ;) :p
 
kit279 said:
Ladies, let us also get some perspective. The HHO forum is just the female/horsey equivalent when the World Cup happens - all the guys immediately morph into Thierry Henri or similar and shout at the television - "Nooo, idiot, pass it down the centre" as if somehow they are about to be signed up and paid squillions by Arsenal... When in fact most of them can barely run for the bus...
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Love the analogy:D
 
Baydale said:
only_me - and not aimed at you, but in reply to your comment not aimed at anyone: by all means have an opinion whether you've done it or not, but perhaps be less vitriolic when voicing that opinion. I'm a bit offended that you've accused others of being sheep on this thread as I see that as an insult; if it's not, then maybe it could've been worded better? That's my other point, one has the opportunity to read and re-read what you've typed before pressing Submit Reply, so there should be no excuses for impulsive and offensive posts which cause upset and goad others into similar behaviour. Unless you're a troll...:D
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Oh, I know I am awful at using the right words! I always say the wrong ones! and am aware Im not well liked on here!I promise I will Think before I type, and possibly consider using a thesaurus to make sure using the most accurate (:p) word possible :p

Apologies for the impulsive and offensive posts, but I ask you to feel "mellow" and "cheerful" after spending a day learning about Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthtitis, Osteoperosis, Ankalosying spondilitis, joint replacements and how to manage patients with these conditions. Its riviting stuff.

Goad? surely you mean provoke? or incite?

:D
 
I sit on the fence on many things which is why often I half type out a response to something, then half way through wonder where its going and delete it all.....

I think sadly (or not?!) with the introduction of the internet, and super quick communication, people have to take the rough with the smooth. The internet is a great way to get yourself lots of 'airtime' I don't know the link/relationship with Kit279 and Phoebe Buckley, but she has a great website that is all about promotion etc (I think) and helping her progress professionally, as well as keeping fans (for horses or people) up to date. So she is benefiting from the internet, adn being to upload pics/blogs quickly. At some point, that may turn into posts on a forum such as this saying not so good things :)

I only watched the highlights of badminton, and am far too much of a skinflint to go (I'm more a bramham girl ;) ) so couldn't really comment on people, only that Nicola Wilson and Buzz are excellent - but then I know that without watching her :)
 
[and we are what exactly?:confused: A bunch of clever clogs who can talk the talk but, with only a few exceptions, can't walk the walk.[/QUOT


and ofcourse that would be your opinion of hundreds of people you actually know nout about!!!! bless baydale your not a happy bunny are you!!!!!!! You put yourself under the spotlight your not gonna please eveyone, and if your confident in your ability at that level why the chuff would you give a toss about a number of people on a forum, you just wouldnt would you not in a bazillion trillion years!!!!!!
 
pinktiger said:
[and we are what exactly?:confused: A bunch of clever clogs who can talk the talk but, with only a few exceptions, can't walk the walk.[/QUOT


and ofcourse that would be your opinion of hundreds of people you actually know nout about!!!! bless baydale your not a happy bunny are you!!!!!!! You put yourself under the spotlight your not gonna please eveyone, and if your confident in your ability at that level why the chuff would you give a toss about a number of people on a forum, you just wouldnt would you not in a bazillion trillion years!!!!!!
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Ummmm pinktiger I think you have missed the essence of what is being said on this thread.....
 
SF - I had probably better clarify that.. I know P as a friend and I'm probably a bit more computer nerdy than she is so I am acting webmaster. When we did Phoebe's website, I said 'if you put yourself out there, you've got to realise that some people are going to slate you' and she just said 'well, I'd just rather people saw the real me and if they don't like it, then fine.' Strangely, I think she'd be more offended if someone was rude about one of her horses!!

And I hope noone feels they can't say what they think about P just because I'm on here - not everyone likes the same thing and that's fine by me. ;)
 
But how is HHO any different from a lot of other forums or sites which allow comments. Take the Racing Post website - every news item allows comments, and some are fairly near the knuckle (I wouldn't think AP enjoyed some of the stuff written about him after he 'put Denman on the floor'). I also believe there were some fairly insensitive things said in the comment section of Melanie Reid's first article after her accident in the Times.

I loved reading the Badminton thread in Comp Riders and commenting on my fave horses (def didn't plough my way through the one in New Lounge though as it was huge). If I were Tony Warr or Francis Whittington or Caroline Ryan-Bell I would be delighted to read the comments about my riding and my horse, and surely the fact that the winner was not slated as in previous years (Nicholas T) for whizzing round the arena in a 'no reins' lap of honour suggests to me that HHO in some ways is less bi***y than it used to be.

OK - comments about some riders said that they didn't make a 'nice picture', but I'm sure everyone on HHO appreciated that we are not privy to background to horses/riders and do not know the full story as to why a particular horse is perhaps a difficult ride.

It didn't offend me, maybe if I knew the riders personally though it would.

Fiona
 
Perhaps I am being selective in what I picked up, but I think the "thoughts on Badders x-country" thread (which I assume the op is referring to) was generally very positive, with people being full of admiration for horses and riders. To me, as a non-eventer it made interesting reading just because it isn't edited or censored. I doubt anyone thinks it is easy to ride round Badminton, but I too love the football analogy and I think everyone is entitled to their opinions and observations. Also, whenever a rider receives critique from one poster, there is usually someone else there to defend them.

Again, I think analysing is helpful and educational and not something just reserved for the experts - how would the rest of us learn if we didn't observe and discuss? Bitchiness is if course unneccessary but that really wasn't how I interpreted that thread! But perhaps I am just being naive.
 
Jemima_too - that is a classic! Does he know you've posted it on here? :eek:

kirstyhen - then we will all brown-nose you and brag to our friends that we "know" you, even if it's only in a cyber way. :)

kit - too true, but it seems that when the opinions are flying around all the wise HHOers take cover rather than gathering ammunition and joining the fray.:rolleyes:

only_me - the only part of my reply to you that was pointed was the sheep accusation, but that's another example of how things can be misinterpreted. If I wanted to call you rude names (like troll:eek:) I would have pm'ed you;) and we could have had a private spat; after the day you've had you probably deserve to let off some steam.:p
 
I guess there will always be people who are jealous and think they know better. You just have to ignore it. I seem to remember some one on here (have no idea who!!) critised me when I came off at Burghley (infact my horse had broken down 2 strides infront of the fence so not much i could do... ) but you just have laugh at how pathetic they are, I am really focused and would never let it bother me but its not that nice when I have grown up with that horse and produced her myself and I probably know what I am doing with her!
I know other pro riders on here that have been slated before and they all just rise above it and think how sad and pathetic that people have to be so destructive. It really is such a shame though that the internet can be such a wonderful portal to the insights of eventing and yet so derogatory...
2 sides of a coin I guess!
 
Kit, I wasn't trying to pick on her - it was just the first example I thought of (and if I'm honest - knew of :D )

I sure she is big enough to take some criticism, no-one gets to badminton without a fair bit of that I wouldn't have thought. And thinking about it, on my scale as an amateur, if someone who knew little about horses (as in the closest they had been to an equine was a beach donkey) criticised me - if it wasn't valid, and backed up - I most likely wouldn't take any notice. Thats the same for the pros being picked apart by a bunch of nobodies - although I accept that some of you actually may know what you're talking about ;) :D
 
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