From the FEI’s showjumping Instagram. I don’t know how much notice the MP people will take but I hope they step up.
Unfortunately UIMP don't seem willing to consider such a fundamental change to their sport.I personally feel that since the UIPM has declined expert help in the past AND failed to make any improvements in the Olympic horse welfare/rider qualification standards since at least London, they cannot be trusted to fix this now. The fact they referred to the ridden portion as a "dramatic spectacle" and that it what makes their sport great proves they're not taking any of this seriously.
I think horses should be pulled from the competition entirely and replaced with some kind of equipment that they can't physically/mentally scar. Unless the IOC is willing to force FEI standards and approvals, and babysit to enforce, it's just not worth it.
Haven't read the whole thread. I watched the modern pentathlon live, and it made for uncomfortable viewing. Whilst I totally admire the raw guts these athletes have to front up to 1.20m on an unfamiliar horse, I do feel the current format simplifies the relationship between horse and rider to one similar to a person and a 'tool', something that can be picked up and wielded by anyone. This undermines a lot of what makes pure equestrian sport so special, requiring enormous levels of empathy from riders to their equine partners. I was horrified to read FB comments from no the non-horse community, think the display they watched was the pure showjumping, or an example of how pure equestrian works, perpetuating the nonsense that 'The horse does all the work, anyone can sit on it and jump stuff'. Considering the sport was designed for CAVALRY officers, it's now a far cry to the current participants. Time to bring the sport into the 'modern' times, where horses are recognized as an equal athlete partner, and managed under strict welfare rulings (such as excessive use of whip, elimination after fall of rider, riding standard...)
yup it's been commented on a few times as 1) not current, 2) not same horse- though I have seen white coronets cited for this and it just looks like peripole to me as well as the club foot 3) it's winter, 4) horse doesn't look very comfortable if that is your everything is fine promo pic![]()
Public reaction seems completely dependent on whether an incident is caught on camera or not.
The social media effect? If its on camera it can be quickly shared everywhere in a way that captures attention.Public reaction seems completely dependent on whether an incident is caught on camera or not.
EORTH?Is it just me or does it look like this horse has worn it’s teeth away ?
I never watch the Olympics, but happened to be waiting around in a hotel room before a wedding I was attending, and caught a small amount of the equestrian Pentathlon. Watching the treatment of Saint Boy was horrifying, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The horse was clearly terrified and should have been removed from the situation immediately for the sake of his welfare.
My partner is not horsey, but even he was shocked by how terrible the standard of riding was. I particularly recall one of the riders (I think Italy) having absolutely terrible jumping posture, she pretty much remained upright going over the jumps - it was amazing that she stayed on. My OH described her as looking like a 'floppy rag doll'.
I'm very concerned for the welfare of Saint Boy, and I sadly suspect he has been euthanised. The whole event was disgraceful and I hope that there is some justice for how that poor horse was treated.
I had no idea that this sport even existed, but looking at past footage it is a disgrace.
- look at 1:46:37 - she looks like she is pulling out his back teeth. I mean who on earth would lend horses for the event after watching this? Poor horses.
we can pull up ugly photos of literally everything you can do with a horse. if people are wanting to ban the riding in the MP in order to stop the general public calling for the end of all horse sport i think that's a pretty short sighted idea tbh because everything has indefensible moments.
we need to strive to make it all better (or quit riding and encourage others to do the same...)
I had no idea that this sport even existed, but looking at past footage it is a disgrace.
- look at 1:46:37 - she looks like she is pulling out his back teeth. I mean who on earth would lend horses for the event after watching this? Poor horses.
I don't agree. All they need to do is change the equestrian test to something that doesn't involve outright abuse of the horse if the riding is not up to standard. Failing to open a gate, for example, instead of crashing through a 1m 20 oxer.
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but we know eventing is high risk for horses and humans, to the extent we don`t sell horses for eventing, 40 years ago my friend refused good money for a horse, `they will only kill xxxxx` i was offered good money for a youngster a national stud mainland europe wanted him as a potential stallion, eventing as he is close tb, but no he`s out there now, munching grass and polos, and yes i`ve been moaned at for not letting him have his chance, but thanks very much i bred him for myself and have no interest in eventing or seeing anything i breed meeting an early end or being locked up in a stable 22 hours a day, he very much needs to live out and does, so we are completely aware of the cons of eventing but adding on the disquiet of mp showjumping
its this pushing horses to their limits that people, horsey and non horsey, don`t like, its so ugly and obvious
and saying there are horses near you that are suffering is true, we have one out there that lived through a nightmare, as people we are doing what we can to help those near while at the same time watching closely as horse sport cuts its
They have replaced the pistols used in the event with Electronic ones, F1 drivers practice on incredibly realistic and reactive simulators, as do pilots. It would in my humble opinion be much fairer to remove the lottery of which horse you get or mistreatment of the animal issues.
Denny is so in love with the sound of his own voice these days (and is so happy to delete those that disagree) it's hard to know what to do with anything he posts anymore. Again, the "Yeah, but what about THIS OTHER THING" doesn't help the welfare concerns in MP, nor does it help eventing. This is the blame game, in equestrian format. Useless.