Naming and hopefully shaming.

F

Festive_Felicitations

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 October 2004
Messages
6,739
Location
Earth, somewhere....
Visit site
I realise that few people on here ride/compete Western, but I don't think it hurts for people who ride like this to be publically slammed as much as possible by as many people as possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en_90D5TOKA&feature=player_embedded
I have no idea of the truth of comments at the end of the video, and suggest ignoring them, but I think the vid speaks for its self.

Unlike some of the rolekur pics this isn't just a 'moment in time' this is his warm-up, schooling session in public. I have worked for a very good Western trainer and he would be shocked by this use of the bit, and the over bent head carriage doesn't score more marks.

Oh and the bandaged knee - not a good look.

Ok rant over.
 
Last edited:
I am completely ignorant of all aspects of western riding - and training techniques. But, surely, these horses cannot have a long competitive career if competing at this level - especially as many are started as two year olds.

I appreciate the quarter horse is built, and moves, very differently to that which we would perceive as a modern riding horse, and I am sure we can learn a lot from the use of the seat as an aid (when done correctly) but, no, don't think I will ever be able to stop wincing when viewing many western disciplines.
 
Bertthefrog said:
I am completely ignorant of all aspects of western riding - and training techniques. But, surely, these horses cannot have a long competitive career if competing at this level - especially as many are started as two year olds.
Click to expand...

I echo this. I'm ignorant about western riding but that just looks so wrong :(
 
I'm not clicking on the link because if it's that Epona vid then it's VILE and I couldn't watch more than a few seconds without having to switch it off!
 
There are always bad with the good. I have seen just as cruel events at english shows. I think I have witness some of the best riding at western shows (I used to compete in Western as well as my show jumping & showing). So please dont judge the sport by one mindless rider but at the same time, he deserves for this video to be released. I am hoping he may rethink his methods.
 
Amymay - sorry didn't see the other thread.

I'm not judging all Western riders just this particular one, at FEI level he should know better, and not be allowed to get away with it.
I have been to a few comps in different countires and seen some great riders, all who took great pride in the fact that they could take their bridles off and get the same results just neck reining.
 
Felicity_09 said:
I realise that few people on here ride/compete Western, but I don't think it hurts for people who ride like this to be publically slammed as much as possible by as many people as possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en_90D5TOKA&feature=player_embedded
I have no idea of the truth of comments at the end of the video, and suggest ignoring them, but I think the vid speaks for its self.

Unlike some of the rolekur pics this isn't just a 'moment in time' this is his warm-up, schooling session in public. I have worked for a very good Western trainer and he would be shocked by this use of the bit, and the over bent head carriage doesn't score more marks.

Oh and the bandaged knee - not a good look.

Ok rant over.
Click to expand...

This video is not indicative of "Western Riding" nor is it of "Reining". That's like saying that all English riders are Show Jumpers, and rapping is what all show jumpers do...or that all dressage riders use Rollkur etc. And that all saddleseat riders practice soring and use huge chains and built up shoes like Tennesee Walkers etc.

Most people who dabble in Western riding wouldn't dream of using practices like this any more than an English Rider would overuse the whip when jumping etc.

I do hope that the rider in that video gets some sort of punishment - the methods are pretty appalling to watch. But sure do hope that people watching it don't think that is what Western riding is all about.
 
I haven't read all the replies, so may be paraphrasing someone, but I watched this and yes, uncomfortable viewing, especially the shots of the stewards.

However from there I went on to watch some other Epona videos, and OMG at the righteousness of some folk. Epona clearly has an agenda, but the holier-than-thou harpies seem to tar all with the same brush. They need to get a grip.
 
And another thing (sorry, will go out shortly!), why is riding a horse behind the verticle a more heinous crime than banging up and down out of balance on a horse with a hollow back? Or tugging on the reins every time you rise to the trot? Pfff. Nowt against you Felicity, all to do with the harpies on that channel.
 
PucciNPoni said:
This video is not indicative of "Western Riding" nor is it of "Reining". That's like saying that all English riders are Show Jumpers, and rapping is what all show jumpers do...or that all dressage riders use Rollkur etc. And that all saddleseat riders practice soring and use huge chains and built up shoes like Tennesee Walkers etc.

Most people who dabble in Western riding wouldn't dream of using practices like this any more than an English Rider would overuse the whip when jumping etc.

I do hope that the rider in that video gets some sort of punishment - the methods are pretty appalling to watch. But sure do hope that people watching it don't think that is what Western riding is all about.
Click to expand...
Nowhere did Felicity claim that this video is indicative of Western riding or make any sweeping statements.
 
zefragile said:
Nowhere did Felicity claim that this video is indicative of Western riding or make any sweeping statements.
Click to expand...

~Sorry, wasn't trying to imply that she was. Just my way of wording didn't actually put across what I was trying to say. Was actually agreeing with the overall sentiment but also trying to steer anyone from thinking this was a Western way ;)
 
Felicity_09 said:
Amymay - sorry didn't see the other thread.

I'm not judging all Western riders just this particular one, at FEI level he should know better, and not be allowed to get away with it.
I have been to a few comps in different countires and seen some great riders, all who took great pride in the fact that they could take their bridles off and get the same results just neck reining.
Click to expand...

This is why I think we have a lot to learn from some of the western techniques!

Wish I could get mine to stop just by shifting my weight in the saddle!!
 
EPONA do have a bit of a mission/vendetta which is why I suggested ignoring the comments at the end.

FEI Offical Post - thank you for the information and link. I hope no footage like this emerges from the next WEG. Felicity.

Tigers-Eye I agree they are equally as henious crimes, and it would be lovely to be able to stop everyone who commits these 'crimes' - mainly out of ignorance. Everyone should be taught to ride by my mum my ears still ring with "leave that bloody horses mouth alone!".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top