Olympic showjumping

PolarSkye said:
Um . . . Wonderboy was produced by Ben Maher and AFIK bred here. I'm not sure we were ever the rich kids and we've only just, after a long period in the wilderness, pulled together a top team . . . I just think it must be gutting for someone like Ben Maher to have a horse like Wonderboy sold underneath him to a country who hasn't previously figured on the world stage . . . i.e., Syria.

At no point did I intimate that the riders who these horses were bought for were previously "sat on the sofa" . . . and I did acknowledge that countries have to find a way to break onto the tour somehow . . . but when I watch the Nation's Cup I don't see Syria or Saudi Arabia up there, so the only conclusion I can draw is that horses like Wonderboy are bought FOR the Olympics.

P

P.S. And, um, how do you know who I'm talking about . . . ?
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Have to correct you here...Wonderboy was ridden in age classes by Adam Cove before going on to Georgie Strutton (now Crumley) who produced him further and brought him up to Young Rider Internationals. He then went to Ben already established at a pretty high level
 
Not enjoying this last girl belting round for Japan.:( They seem to have bought very keen horses in general (ie, eventing also) that they just can't quite keep up with, and if something goes wrong and the horse doesn't get them out of it, it all goes pear shaped!
 
Honey08 said:
Not enjoying this last girl belting round for Japan.:( They seem to have bought very keen horses in general (ie, eventing also) that they just can't quite keep up with, and if something goes wrong and the horse doesn't get them out of it, it all goes pear shaped!
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Agree.

And this was sort of my point about countries buying up "made" horses specifically for the Olympics. Neither KSA or Syria did the horses they bought and rode justice.

P
 
You did mention the Saudis, who have been sending riders to the Olympics for some time now and in fact have an individual bronze to show for it. They have some new riders and they do not have the infrastructure western nations have so they train out of established nations, in the way that other countries' riders have done and continue to do.

Traditionally the US, GB and the like have been the wealthy nations, with the tradition and money to support equestrian sport. Early antipodean riders famously had to sell their horses if they brought them the UK to compete. A surprising number of horses changed hands in the past with various championships in mind, not to mention horses that changed hands within countries to favour particular riders, often at the behest of selectors! My only point was that people have always gone to the Olympics on the back of other people's efforts.

Wonderboy was indeed born here but he is BWP and Warrior, for instance, was not. Again, where do you draw the line? I understand the frustration of losing top horses but it's happened all the time, the only difference now is 'new' nations have deep pockets.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions and again, I understand the frustration. But Britain has, relatively speaking over the last hundred years, spent an enormous amount on horse sports and had the results to show for it.

More recently countries like Brazil have had a few individuals based overseas and parlayed that into domestic programs but over decades and decades.
 
Shame for Peter, horse looks another keen strong one. Doesn't look an easy ride. Got better towards the end.

Do all scores count or is there a discard?



Its also interesting how few HHOers are watching this - there were loads commenting on the eventing - even on a weekday, and more than this on the dressage. Have people gone off show jumping? I'm not a major fan, but this course has been nice to watch - in such a big arena with interesting fences. Such a shame this won't be a perma venue.
 
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PolarSkye said:
Agree.

And this was sort of my point about countries buying up "made" horses specifically for the Olympics. Neither KSA or Syria did the horses they bought and rode justice.

P
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Totally agree with all of this, the Japanese girl looked rather over-horsed although the horse really looked to be trying his best for her.
 
Agreed this thread seems a bit *slow*
Have to say I am appreciating the world class combinations we are seeing , in many cases, not all.
I feel sorry for the lovely horse that jumped for Japan.
It could be that dedicated HHO ers are actually at the venue?.
 
TarrSteps said:
You did mention the Saudis, who have been sending riders to the Olympics for some time now and in fact have an individual bronze to show for it. They have some new riders and they do not have the infrastructure western nations have so they train out of established nations, in the way that other countries' riders have done and continue to do.

Traditionally the US, GB and the like have been the wealthy nations, with the tradition and money to support equestrian sport. Early antipodean riders famously had to sell their horses if they brought them the UK to compete. A surprising number of horses changed hands in the past with various championships in mind, not to mention horses that changed hands within countries to favour particular riders, often at the behest of selectors! My only point was that people have always gone to the Olympics on the back of other people's efforts.

Wonderboy was indeed born here but he is BWP and Warrior, for instance, was not. Again, where do you draw the line? I understand the frustration of losing top horses but it's happened all the time, the only difference now is 'new' nations have deep pockets.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions and again, I understand the frustration. But Britain has, relatively speaking over the last hundred years, spent an enormous amount on horse sports and had the results to show for it.

More recently countries like Brazil have had a few individuals based overseas and parlayed that into domestic programs but over decades and decades.
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I'm not saying it's wrong . . . just that it's frustrating. It seems like ages since we had a British SJ team with even a chance of a medal . . . and, as I said before, it must be gutting for a rider like Ben Mayer to lose a potential Olympic horse. Yes, nations have to start somewhere . . . yes, horses change hands - it's the nature of the sport . . . but it does seem as though horses like Wonderboy were sold/bought purely with the Olympics in mind and for the more established nations (France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, etc.) it's not just about the Olympics.

I will concede that my view is narrow and prejudiced. My initial post was a knee-jerk reaction . . . and I do get that it's the reality of the sport.

Changing the subject . . . how hugely frustrating is it for us to have a combined 12 faults between Scott Brash and Peter Charles - c'mon boys, get your fingers out.

P
 
I do understand the concern about people not doing their horses justice but again, that's the reality for all but a handful of nations. Having someone - anyone - is what drives development of the sport. That profile brings interest and money and more people into the industry and allows the development of an infrastructure.

It's a bit like the four minute mile effect - until someone does it, no one thinks it's possible. And the poor sucker who goes first is all on their own, without the support system of coaches, selectors etc people in places like the UK take for granted. The beauty of the Olympics is it does allow these nations a taste of the REALLY big time, which raises their game. It's actually easier to get into this competition than, say, the Super League so yes, you are going to see lesser riders. And those riders are going to need 'schoolmasters', horses that have been there before with other people, same as at other levels.
 
TarrSteps said:
I do understand the concern about people not doing their horses justice but again, that's the reality for all but a handful of nations. Having someone - anyone - is what drives development of the sport. That profile brings interest and money and more people into the industry and allows the development of an infrastructure.

It's a bit like the four minute mile effect - until someone does it, no one thinks it's possible. And the poor sucker who goes first is all on their own, without the support system of coaches, selectors etc people in places like the UK take for granted. The beauty of the Olympics is it does allow these nations a taste of the REALLY big time, which raises their game. It's actually easier to get into this competition than, say, the Super League so yes, you are going to see lesser riders. And those riders are going to need 'schoolmasters', horses that have been there before with other people, same as at other levels.
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Agree! :D

P
 
Didn't think much of the Germans behaviour to his horses stop, late hit then several harsh jab in ribs with spurs.
 
In other news . . . that round was completely unexpected from Christian Ahlmann . . . horse just didn't want to know. Wish he hadn't smacked it when he did though - not sure the horse would have understood why.

P
 
KatB said:
Do these scores count? Or are they just to qualify for the rounds that WILL count?
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They only count for individual places not team scores. The results decide team start orders for tomorrow. Fingers crossed for some more GB clears tomorrow!
 
PolarSkye said:
In other news . . . that round was completely unexpected from Christian Ahlmann . . . horse just didn't want to know. Wish he hadn't smacked it when he did though - not sure the horse would have understood why.

P
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Was out of order, no need for harsh digs in the ribs with spurs either, crowd didnt sound too pleased either
 
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