Tokyo Eventing Cross Country

I’ve had a quick look and I think 15 definitely are (16 if you count Ludwig who got subbed out), 2 are in Ireland and there are 3 or 4 I think might be but I’m not sure.
 
Finally getting caught up on the iplayer coverage. Really enjoying the commentary, Starky is a legend! Good banter between them (off to get happy pills for grumpy!).

the uk rides are class

now nervous wait till Monday.
 
I've had a very inconvenient text to say my surgical consult has been brought forward so I won't be able to watch the SJ live ? will pop in to catch up once I've watched tomorrow. Everything crossed for Laura to pip Oli to the post for gold but would be happy even if things stay as they are as long as everyone comes home safe and we get that team gold ?
 
TPO said:
I don't know if you're agreeing with me or if I dodnt write what I meant clearly because I think I agree with you.

His parents were both horsey and competed. I'm sure his father also dealt in horses so OT had a lot of horses through the yard. All of that is invaluable experience and connections that is often overlooked. So while he didnt have a silver spoon he did have a leg up in other areas. That in no way is to take away from his talent and huge success.

The story spun us often about this young Yorkshire lad that came from nothing with no one and he made it. That's not entirely true because of his parents and their business. But I agree he wasnt bought made horses or opportunities.

However hes probably closer to "us" than other eventers that have had stacks of money behind him them and that's possibly why (some) people felt so let down/angry at OT because they rooted for him as "the peoples champion"?

Regardless I hope how hes conducted himself since that badminton and his spectacular performances at Tokyo so far are enough to finally leave all that in the past

I think we mean the same thing about his background
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I think you think that his parents had rather more behind them than was the case. They certainly kept horses on the family farm, were part of what passes for the 'hunting set' around here and scratched a living from the land/animals but apart from being put on a horse from a very young age, I wouldn't say that OT had much of an advantage over other people who ride. The family weren't even as well off as the Whitakers, who owned their own farm. His main advantage has been horsey connections, really.
 
Also having surgery this afternoon but planning on hopefully watching SJ while waiting. Fingers crossed for the trot up for all!
 
Pearlsasinger said:
I think you think that his parents had rather more behind them than was the case. They certainly kept horses on the family farm, were part of what passes for the 'hunting set' around here and scratched a living from the land/animals but apart from being put on a horse from a very young age, I wouldn't say that OT had much of an advantage over other people who ride. The family weren't even as well off as the Whitakers, who owned their own farm. His main advantage has been horsey connections, really.
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Nah, I dont think that. I know his dad dealed and OT had the opportunity to ride and produce more horses than the average kid. That his parents had connections, were horsey, had horses at home and that helped over the average kid with none of those things.

I don't think that he had anything handed to him and I do think he worked hard to get where he is.

But I do think some people underplay the advantage that getting to ride lots of different horses and the importance of connections in this sport.

I don't think he had the advantages of many GB Elite eventers but that he did have some over the average kid who would liked to have been an eventer. That doesnt take away from him at all.

The whole money-talent-hardwork triangle had been discussed many a time over the years on here regarding "making it". The pros and cons of those who've self made horses compared to those who've only had good horses and all that comes with that.
 
I would say of OT is biggest advantage and disadvantage is his temperament .
He’s talented, driven and has made money from his sport he has of course owners like 99% of top riders but he has developed a system of developing and acquiring horses that allows him to paddle his own canoe .
I often think he just lacks one filter when talking to the press .
He does not do the false humility that many others can do effortlessly .
He is his own man .
He can read a horse quicker than anyone I have ever met .
 
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Laura and Tom were doing FEI ponies at the same time as my daughter, Laura was an absolute standout talent on Noble Springbok, fab pony, super rider. Tom started off on Matthew Wright's ex pony, Con, who was a XC machine but very strong. TBH in those days Tom didn't look stand out talented but he certainly had guts and later rode a couple of younger ponies that he was producing himself. However, it was clear that both had very good connections, access to the best training and were under the eye of selectors. OT wasn't on that scene and will have had to make his mark on his own! It is such a tough sport, finding owners and keeping them when you are less established. I know a couple of pro riders who have brought on talented young horses for owners only to see them moved on to a "name" once they are getting good results. This is a sport that is full of disappointments and setbacks and a lot of talented riders just can't hack it. OT is one who seems able to cope better than most but is doesn't necessarily make for someone who is good at PR.

Apologies, OT did do ponies (I am getting old!)
 
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