Nice to see (WEG)....

[MagicMelon]

Riders being SO delighted with their horses! Especially in the dressage, the were absolutely over the moon as soon as they'd finished their test (before they'd even got their marks!). They seem more happy with their horses performance than anyone in any other disipline! Even Zara when she won - yes she cried after a while but where was the big beaming smile straight after she crossed the finish line?! Quite a few of the eventers were obviously thrilled with their rounds, but quite a few just didn't look to bothered! I know everyone tries to stay professional but a big smile and hug of the horse automatically puts viewers respect 10 times higher for them!

 

[eventrider23]

I would imagine that Zara was more than a little shell shocked. From what Is aw when she crossed the finish line was that she looked up at the crowd and proceeded to canter around around with her hand over mouth in shock. Afterwards she didn't even got off her horse for ages as she was curled over his neck crying and hugging him. On getting off the first person she hugged....Toytown.
I think the biggest thing is that the cameras do not continue to follow then once they have left the ring as I know very few who do not thank their horses. With the dressage, as the riders have got to walk their horses out of the ring I would imagine it gives the viewers more of a chance to see the rider's reactions. Withe the XC and show jumping, the generally exit the screen at trot or canter and so the viewing immediately jumps to the next entry.

 

[Thistle]

I don't think Zara realised at first that she had done it. I think she was checking the time faults.

 

[0]

i thought that Zara was very thankful to Toytown, as it has been said, at first she looked very shocked and then she cried (into Toytown's neck) - i think you have to remember the personal circumstances surrounding this win - she was trying to win for her friend who had died, so of course when she did win she was delighted BUT it will have been a VERY bittersweet feeling for her. Any win is great, but i would imagine that if you have put pressure on yourself to do it for a friend who has just passed, then you are not going to be immediately elated as she would have very mixed emotions.

I don't think Zara's reaction to winning should be analysed as it was very complex and i'm sure she was just shell-shocked that she had done it for Sherelle. She obviously has a great bond with her horse (just watch the cross country, you can see it - all the times that he tried so hard to help her out) and so he must be happy with the relationship they have. to have a true bond with a horse and to truely have its trust and affections takes more than a big pat at the end of the test (obviously this doesn't go amiss - but i think you'll find she did pat him) but anyway it takes work all year round and she obviously loves her horse and does right by him and him her.
i don't think its fair to look to much into the fact that she was not 'shout it to the roof tops' elated given the circumstances.