IT'S NOT JUST DRESSAGE GETTING STICK...

[philamena]

This just tweeted by one of the broadsheets' section editors....

"Look, BMX, fantastic athletes, yada yada, but honestly, if the obstacle course had “nicking a handbag off the granny”, we’d say “uh-huh”."

 

[Kat]

Oh dear, it was only a matter of time I guess......

 

[BeesKnees]

This just tweeted by one of the broadsheets' section editors....

"Look, BMX, fantastic athletes, yada yada, but honestly, if the obstacle course had “nicking a handbag off the granny”, we’d say “uh-huh”."

And of course because I don't care about BMX, that made me chuckle

Thanks for the reality check. I think maybe we need a sense of perspective and accept that not everyone gets, cares, or could give a toss about Equestrianism.
And why should they?

 

[Double_choc_lab]

I expect Stephen Clarke on the BBC talking about the horse "being in balance" lost a few non horsey types. They have a leg at each corner don't they!

 

[Rowreach]

OH is getting great mileage out of the "equestrianism is not a sport" thing, as I am usually having a go at him about fishing, even though he has just represented Ireland at the World Championships

That'll teach me .........

 

[Honeylight]

One of my friends thought it was cruel as she thought the horses were being forced to do unnatural movements & that the test was too long & arduous. She's never ridden a horse, but does volunteer at the RSPCA shop.
A common reaction I am sure.
Mind you WE both chuckled at the cycling with that funny white bike going slow with a man in uniform on it. That is as baffling to me as I am sure dressage is for many.
Must say also that those BMX bikes do look a bit like scallies bikes.

 

[madmav]

Almost any sport, apart from running fast from one point to another, is baffling if you don't understand the rules, or better still take part in it. That's why, if the equestrian teams want to stay a part of the Olympics, everyone has to do their part to explain and encourage non-participants to see how amazing all three disciplines are. Do think dressage have the biggest journey, but, now amazingly, have the biggest opportunity to show that those horses and riders are the equivalents of human gymnasts.
Show-jumping has an easier curve in that it is not difficult to follow, has instant excitement, winners and losers, like horse-racing. Eventing, I think, falls somewhere in between.
But I passionately want to people to understand horses better and the whole environment of it. Up until pre-war, most people would have had contact with horses. Now, not so much.

 

[philamena]

Almost any sport, apart from running fast from one point to another, is baffling if you don't understand the rules, or better still take part in it.

So true. A friend just posted on Facebook how his wife had gone from 'Boxing's the one sport I wouldn't have wanted Olympic tickets for' to 'go on - he had his guard down then, thump him... ' in about 46 seconds. And that's cus it's nice and simple - you whack them until they hopefully fall over. Thimple!

 

[Dancing Queen]

equestrianism is the only sport where male and female compete on a level playing field.

and for that reason I think its the best sport.

 

[Shutterbug]

I was watching the BMX racing when they got to a corner and there was a pile up I dont see how this is any different to the cycling to be honest - different kind of bike and course but 2 wheels and moving fast just the same. I will stick to my horse though

 

[philamena]

I was watching the BMX racing when they got to a corner and there was a pile up I dont see how this is any different to the cycling to be honest - different kind of bike and course but 2 wheels and moving fast just the same. I will stick to my horse though

I thought it looked pretty good fun actually. Though my knees wouldn't be up to it ha ha!

 

[Shutterbug]

I thought it looked pretty good fun actually. Though my knees wouldn't be up to it ha ha!

Absolutely - just knowing me I would be in the middle of one of those pile ups lol

 

[skewbaldpony]

equestrianism is the only sport where male and female compete on a level playing field.

and for that reason I think its the best sport.

Precisely, and age is no bar, as has been proven.
And the paralympic form is pretty darn cool too.

It enrages me that this is all overlooked for a cheap shot at the 'posh'.

 

[madmav]

Precisely, and age is no bar, as has been proven.
And the paralympic form is pretty darn cool too.

It enrages me that this is all overlooked for a cheap shot at the 'posh'.

So that's why everyone that cares has to keep explaining reasonably and trying to engage the non-riders. Good intelligent argument, and those amazing Olympic results... we will win the day! Who couldn't love a horse if they spent a bit of time with one?

 

[Pale Rider]

It doesn't matter about other sports, ours is Equestrian, it is up to us that the sport is free of welfare issues with a governing body we can trust to do its job.

People must put pressure on the FEI.