Is it just me...

Well done for posting this I don't post much as don't feel qualified to express and opinion most of the time!! :DI was frankly astounded by some of the opinions expressed and gave up reading. Plus still totally lost with the new format. Have also been on the recieving end of some true pearls of wisdom about subjects i do profess to have a little knowledge about.:rolleyes:

But being an arch thread killer, who has very lovely warmblood, kept on SJ yard who is far too brilliant for me (HHO speak all the gear and no idea, plus draw reins at every opportunity) and having some connections to showing (HHO speak obese, abused and obviously ruthlessly exploiting connections to win) I must be the equivalent of the forum anti-Christ so will shut up and go back to lurking!!:D:D
 
help1 said:
Well done for posting this I don't post much as don't feel qualified to express and opinion most of the time!! :DI was frankly astounded by some of the opinions expressed and gave up reading. Plus still totally lost with the new format. Have also been on the recieving end of some true pearls of wisdom about subjects i do profess to have a little knowledge about.:rolleyes:

But being an arch thread killer, who has very lovely warmblood, kept on SJ yard who is far too brilliant for me (HHO speak all the gear and no idea, plus draw reins at every opportunity) and having some connections to showing (HHO speak obese, abused and obviously ruthlessly exploiting connections to win) I must be the equivalent of the forum anti-Christ so will shut up and go back to lurking!!:D:D
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I bet you do Parelli/don't turn out 24/7/365/put too many rugs on as well. ;-))) xx
 
totally agreed. was horrified by the comments on the badders post.
Of course everyone has a right to an opinion etc but it was horrifically nasty and bitchy at times.
I did post about how I thought it was fab, corners highlighted where people had become more slack RE accuracy to non filled in things and how fab that it wasn't a dressage comp. But I refrained from defending those riders that were being slated because I felt I would get taken down ;)

All those riders have worked so hard to get there and qualify for that level, that they are undoubtedly very good.

Hey ho :P Good on you for posting baydale!
 
I read the thread without posting. I think everyone has the right to their opinion, but a little tact would go a long way in expressing those opinions. At the end of the day the riders are only human, with feelings like everyone else - if I had been being commented on in that way, it would have upset me.

It is not hard to express an opinion without being deliberately nasty, and I really can't understand why some people have a problem with doing so.

FWIW, I really enjoyed my day at Badminton, and saw some fantastic horse and rider combinations going well:)
 
I agree mostly with what everyone has said. On the other hand you don't have to be an expert or pro rider to distinguish between what is good, bad, and damn right ugly! {for example, my brother who knows as much about eventing as a toothbrush commented on exactly the same sort of things people have written on this forum about Badminton}. Its just whether you decide to keep the thoughts in your head or put your hands on the keyboard and let everyone else know what your thinking. I think some people are rather brave to write what they have thought about Badminton 2010 {riders in particular} on an open forum for the whole world to read...... YOU HAVE GUTS!...... and I am not saying it is necessarily a good thing or a bad thing to do.

Now time to retreat to the bathroom to brush teeth then bed.

Sleep well everyone.

X :D X
 
Thank you soooo much for having this 'rant' BD I was totally shocked, angry and almost upset for the riders at th ecomments :( I was there on Sunday and thought what an awesome XC day it was the leader board totally shook up from the dressage a 'proper' Badders!!
Some people are incredibly bitter, I really hope Louise and Mary dont read these comments as I would be incredibly embarressed, this is 4* for crying out loud imagine the blood sweat and tears and not to mention the qualifications to get there. grrrrr it really irritated me they should be ashamed!!!
 
Little Flea of course a whiff of grass once a month, princess and the pea type rug arrangements, no parelli but have been acussed of lunging my horse in the stable, as at my advanced age it takes me so long to get organised - if that counts!!:D
 
Fiona and little_flea - I think you must both be glass half-full people, and I must be glass half-empty.;) I just have a problem with people being so down on others who put themselves out there and dare to have a go at such a high level. I know it's all relative and one person's Intro is another's Badders, but generally I feel that HHO has a positive vibe about it, don't you think (see, I can do glass half-full :D)? I suppose I was disappointed that no-one butted in on any of the Badders threads to say "hang on, folks, what if it wasn't like that, it could have been like this..." just to get some balance on the subject.

Sorry if I've offended you pinktiger, but anyone walking the walk that I know of (I'm not psychic, so they need to have posted a report usually for me to know about it) on here gets my utmost admiration. It matters not whether that's leaving the ground, hacking on their own, competing or whatever, it's just the hyper-critical Badminton comments that particularly riled me.
 
jemima_too said:
I had the perfect company! This is my husband "watching" the showjumping.

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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).
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:D:D:D Love it!!
 
oh crikey, since i started that thread i thought this was aimed squarely at me, and just had an "oh ****, what did i say?" moment, have re-read it all to check...
i saw lots of posters praising a lot of brilliant riders and horses, and some crit of a couple. okay, some of the comments were a bit brutal but isn't it more about horse welfare than aesthetics, in a way? those fences are difficult enough without certain riders perhaps (inadvertently i'm sure) making them even harder for their horses? maybe i'm barking up totally the wrong tree here though, but i don't mind seeing someone rough and ready but effective in any sport that doesn't involve an animal...
fwiw, the only one i criticised was Mary King, and that was really in an attempt to deflect crit away from another rider. as for Mary (who is of course the absolute best ambassador for the sport etc) i really don't think that someone who has ridden at the last 5 Olympic games iirc, is a multiple team medallist, winner of 4*s, consistently doing very well at top level, etc, is going to be upset by what a little nobody on an internet forum says about her... ;) ;)
anyway, sorry if i started something on here that people didn't like. there's always the 'avoid' option - if i see a thread i don't like the look of, i sometimes manage to control myself and step away from the keyboard... ;) ;) ;)
 
It's quite funny that the OP said *Any behavioural experts out there care to shed some light on pack mentality* and BANG it could be said that the same thing has happened here ;)

Fact is it is unfair to say that it is *pack mentality* if people agree with one another. Live and let live and all of that.

I have re-read what I wrote and I 100% stand by it all....Clayton IS looking chubby and if he reads this and thinks *stupid bitch* then that is his prerogative! ;) ;) ;)

As with anything - people should only write what they are happy to say to that person's face.

I also think that people do have a right to comment. I have never ridden at Badminton, but that is because I have absolutely zero desire to event, but I do hunt, ride XC, etc., I do know how fences should be ridden, I accept that sometimes there are failings and things do not go according to plan, and I happily accept that *pretty* is not always effective. I think what I am trying to say is, I feel confident and happy to crit as I am 100% that I can back up why I am critting and offer a solution to the prob, or an alternative way to deal with a problem/fence/etc....and no, I do not think I need to have ridden the fences to be allowed to have a decent, constructive opinion :)
 
kerry I really don't think it's aimed at you!!!!
As I was going to say whenever I next spoke to you, good on you for what you said defending the other rider!

:P :)

''Spread the love'' comes out again me thinks :P
 
Weezy said:
It's quite funny that the OP said *Any behavioural experts out there care to shed some light on pack mentality* and BANG it could be said that the same thing has happened here ;)

Fact is it is unfair to say that it is *pack mentality* if people agree with one another. Live and let live and all of that.

I have re-read what I wrote and I 100% stand by it all....Clayton IS looking chubby and if he reads this and thinks *stupid bitch* then that is his prerogative! ;) ;) ;)

As with anything - people should only write what they are happy to say to that person's face.

I also think that people do have a right to comment. I have never ridden at Badminton, but that is because I have absolutely zero desire to event, but I do hunt, ride XC, etc., I do know how fences should be ridden, I accept that sometimes there are failings and things do not go according to plan, and I happily accept that *pretty* is not always effective. I think what I am trying to say is, I feel confident and happy to crit as I am 100% that I can back up why I am critting and offer a solution to the prob, or an alternative way to deal with a problem/fence/etc....and no, I do not think I need to have ridden the fences to be allowed to have a decent, constructive opinion :)
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Sums up my sentiments perfectly... I did name and shame one rider in the other thread with regards to how they rode, but quite frankly, from what I saw I had safety concerns, which are obviously unfounded as rider in question has got to this level but still was my opinion, and something I'd be quite happy to repeat to said rider personally, obviously with great tact!
 
Kerilli - that's very brave of you to take responsibility for everyone who has posted anything about Badminton over the last few days:p, but it wasn't aimed at anyone in particular nor was it purely about Badminton, more about the underlying tone of the forum and how brash and forthright some of the comments on the more "popular" threads have been.

Weezy - my comment about "pack mentality" is how one post can seem to lead others into a frenzy of similar posts that get more and more heated as they go on, much like the most interesting and animated conversations one would have in real life. I don't think I have said anywhere that if you can't do it, you can't have an opinion, more that you should perhaps consider what it would feel like to be in that person's shoes when you post your opinion.
 
Thanks for posting so eloquently Baydale!
My deepest respects and admiration to all competitors, who got there because of hard work, dedication, talent, and from whom I keep learning.
Good, and accurate final comment from meardsall_millie!
 
I can understand where you are coming from but it is the same with any sport and any horsey sport for that matter- if you look at any of the racing forums or listen to any of the racing people discussing the big races/big trainers/best jockeys etc there are similar 'levels' of discussion likewise with any type of sporting event?

Why should criticism be wrong? its like people are now saying we should all say only nice things about each and every rider. The world does not exist like that unforunately. For me, when I watch an event like Badminton I want to know the reasons why each little thing went wrong. Why a rider did what she/he did. Why the horse did this or that. Why this happened. Etc etc. I want to be able to feel that I can discuss this RATIONALLY somewhere.I want to learn from every single little thing that has happened, and understand why it happened. How else am I going to progress my own skills otherwise?! Surely that is how you learn- by watching, analysing, and fairly criticising riders and horses at these top events??
I've looked back on my comments about Badminton- I've made coments like 'at the hexagon hedges why were so many riders loosing their reins, flapping and getting in front of the movement and then ending up in a heap/falling off when people who sat there with reins short and leg firmly on and kept their cool did a nice easy jump?' I make a comment like that because I want to know if other people thought the same thing about the way that particular fence was ridden!! - then you see, if I ever(?!) have to do a similar kind of fence at a competition then I will have a better idea of how to jump it well.

I'm sorry if I do come across as a holier than thou attitude in my posts, but it is not meant to be like that- just a genuine wish to learn from the stituation, to see what works and what doesnt, and to inevitably improve my own riding skills in the long term. If I, or anybody else for this matter, went about this with the attitude 'that every single rider at Badminton was so amazing to get there therefore I should not dare to consider criticising them' then I would never get anywhere-to go about believing that every single top rider and horse were faultless and flawless in every performance is not a recipe for success!!
 
jemima_too said:
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).
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Brilliant :)
 
I may be wrong, but I don't think it is 'being critical' or 'wanting to learn why' which is the problem, more the fact that some posts openly said some people shouldn't be riding at that level and were dangerous, when in fact unless you've sat on the horse and aimed it at a fence how can you possibly know how it needs to be ridden or what its way of going is? And that being the case, perhaps some insight and tact could have been deployed in the comments - Louise Skelton may not be Toddy in terms of style, but hell, she looks like a pea on an elephant and year in year out pilots two enormous horses round the toughest course in the world whilst being ridiculously small on them, so fair play to her! I know I couldn't do it in a million years.
 
seabiscuit has put into words exactly what i should have said - criticism/discussion is about questioning and learning, for me. i started that thread with questions and comments, e.g. that i thought more horses than usual were leaving legs, did anyone else think that? sometimes i get too analytical and lose the bigger picture ;) so i genuinely wanted to know what other people thought. i read today that Sian Wynn Morris's horse had a sore mouth so she was trying to use her body more than her hands to rebalance/slow down, resulting of course in an excellent clear, first within the time, all credit to her. noticing that Buzz had a snaffle in, nothing stronger, interested me. things like this will hopefully increase my knowledge and make me a better rider and trainer. (i really hope i don't come across as 'holier than though' though, i know most of my many faults, when it comes to riding at least!)
the thing is, isn't the crit thing a question of degrees? say a riding clubber or happy hacker goes to watch a local Novice event. those fences are waay bigger than they've ever jumped, but are they not allowed to say "the one on the grey looked really smooth and made it look easy, how did they do that? but the next one on the chestnut was flopping about a bit and pulling a lot, the horse looked uncomfortable and maybe that's why they had a stop...?" (no offence meant to anyone riding chestnuts! ;)
isn't that what most of us are doing here? learning by 'conversing' about it. some of the comments were a bit bitchy i guess but i doubt the Pros would give a **** even if they were brought to their attention... after all, they're there, we're not!
btw, can I just say re: Louise Skelton, anyone who gets 2 homebreds to 4* deserves ultimate respect, i've been trying for decades and only got one to 2*! the fact that she's a bit bionic after being rebuilt following a very serious car crash possibly/probably explains her unique style... but i maintain that about 7 stone of her on the ends of the reins is NOT the same as 10+ stone doing the same thing. i don't know her at all, i'm not defending a friend, i just think that others, bigger and with no excuses/reasons, were doing v similar things...
 
Gosh this has all got very serious.....

I think there are lots of people apologising for things they have said that to me seem fairly reasonable. I agree there were one or two posts on the Badminton thread that could/should have been worded better and a couple of posts that seemed to be a little over the top towards certain riders, but that is the nature of the beast in any sport unfortunately (in fact the world).

This does not mean that people like Seabiscuit should not be able to put up a point such as style of riding for discussion, does it? (Sorry SB don't mean to pick you out, just you are towards this end of the thread!)

In eg someone commented that Mark Todd had not rode a very good round, this comment made me go back and look at his round again as I had been impressed with the way he nursed the youngster on and my own feeling having watched again was that he had indeed IMHO rode a good round - I did not feel the need to respond to the poster telling them I disagreed, we are all entitled to our own opinion.

FWIW I take my hat off to all the 4* riders that are out there doing it day to day, but remember there are still many excellent and capable riders out there that perhaps did not get the break they needed to make it at 4*, sponsors, family commitments/pressure, illness numerous reasons - just because lady luck or circumstances didn't fall right for them does not mean they ride inadequately for 4*.

I see both sides and some need to word what they say more carefully and others need to be more tolerant, there will always be differences of opinion on a forum - you can either join in or move to the next thread, but I think everyone has a right to express an opinion.

Happy Wednesday everyone!
 
Viewing, analysing/critiquing and discussing is how we all learn for god's sake, lighten up a bit!
 
I put my comment on there about Andrew N because if it was Oli everyone would of jumped on his back just like they did the other year. Also for my Clayton comment it was a standing joke last year at aston with everyone including himself. I hope that explains everything i wrote. x
 
SpottedCat said:
I may be wrong, but I don't think it is 'being critical' or 'wanting to learn why' which is the problem, more the fact that some posts openly said some people shouldn't be riding at that level and were dangerous, when in fact unless you've sat on the horse and aimed it at a fence how can you possibly know how it needs to be ridden or what its way of going is? And that being the case, perhaps some insight and tact could have been deployed in the comments - Louise Skelton may not be Toddy in terms of style, but hell, she looks like a pea on an elephant and year in year out pilots two enormous horses round the toughest course in the world whilst being ridiculously small on them, so fair play to her! I know I couldn't do it in a million years.
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Well said SC, I guess that was sort of what I was trying to say. I have been jumped on for saying what I meant, badly.

I know how hurtful it is to read derogatory comments about your family on the internet, I just think some people need to think how it may feel to read some dreadful comment about themselves before they post! After all, even the top riders are just human beings after all (well apart from Louise Skelton is is apparently part bionic!).

Nothing wrong with well informed discussion, but just think before you post!
 
Ironically, I think the people that have rushed to defend themselves weren't the main ones at fault... there were some very damning comments about a particular male rider which weren't constructive or analytical! I don't think anyone protests about constructive observations, or analysing in a curious way, but it's the "so and so is a **** rider, I can't understand why no-one else sees it" type of comment about a 4* rider is a bit pointless and daft when actually they obviously AREN'T a **** rider as they wouldn't have got to that level in the first place ;) :p
 
Should I Bah or howl as not sure if I'm a sheep or in a wolf pack :confused:
Not commented on any of the threads so here goes.
I had an opinion on every single round I watched as did my dressage diva wife. I distinctly remember commenting on several occasions to her as riders turned in to the double of corners that it wasn't going to be pretty. No I couldn't do it but I can see when its wrong.
However, I know exactely what I do wrong every time I screw up in a comp and I'm sure the vastly more experienced riders do as well. Ergo they do not need me to tell them where they went wrong ;) Hence no ciomments from me.

EXCEPT

Baydale, can I showjump HH :p
 
SpottedCat said:
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 :(
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My old pony had a dutch gag when going XC and i used to have ONE rein, caused no issues!
I just love the fact that people crit 4star riders style of riding, i.e. Louise Skelton! shes only small bless her and i think she did rather well on her 2 rides this year at Badders! I think that Badders was fantastic this year and had a fantastic course!
 
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