Ambers Echo
Still wittering on
Well it sounds like he is having a break from the sport which is a good thing I am sure.
His behaviour was inexcusable but to me both the behaviour and how he comes across in that H&H article dont sound 'poor me' but a man on the edge of a breakdown. He talk about the pressure he was under, about his fear the horse would be taken away etc.
And knowing how the great British public bay for blood on far smaller transgressions I don't doubt he did receive horrific abuse online.
I can't imagine the stress and pressure of life as a pro rider unless you are born into it and have financial security and some control. Eg your own yard/horses.
Riders have the risk of losing the horses any time. Have to win and win and win to keep the rides and to afford to keep the whole thing going. The risk of horses getting injured or developing behavioural issues that stop you winning. Plus an exhausting, high stress lifestyle and isolation/loneliness as it's not really a team sport.
Then there is the online abuse which must be hard to bear. I am sure rates of depression and anxiety must be sky high in professional riders and I would not be at all surprised if abuse of the horse is a sad side effect of someone who is simply not coping.
His behaviour was inexcusable but to me both the behaviour and how he comes across in that H&H article dont sound 'poor me' but a man on the edge of a breakdown. He talk about the pressure he was under, about his fear the horse would be taken away etc.
And knowing how the great British public bay for blood on far smaller transgressions I don't doubt he did receive horrific abuse online.
I can't imagine the stress and pressure of life as a pro rider unless you are born into it and have financial security and some control. Eg your own yard/horses.
Riders have the risk of losing the horses any time. Have to win and win and win to keep the rides and to afford to keep the whole thing going. The risk of horses getting injured or developing behavioural issues that stop you winning. Plus an exhausting, high stress lifestyle and isolation/loneliness as it's not really a team sport.
Then there is the online abuse which must be hard to bear. I am sure rates of depression and anxiety must be sky high in professional riders and I would not be at all surprised if abuse of the horse is a sad side effect of someone who is simply not coping.