PapaverFollis
Well-Known Member
The German women should have retired gracefully. Her coach should have pulled her out. The officials should have pulled the horse out and offered a replacement. Lots of layers. I think the athlete herself had got herself into such a state that she wasn't going to be able to pull herself out of there. One of the other adults in the room should have been able to step up to the plate for the sake of the horse.
A horse in emotional distress should be considered lame for the purposes of the rules. The riding test should be about riding a willing and capable horse. Not having 20 minutes to undo the damage a previous competitor has done to a horse's confidence.
I only watched the mens competition and I didn't see anything too too bad, but I didn't watch it all so I don't know. Just one guy bouncing on the back of the saddle, who I would I have eliminated for incompetence if such a thing was possible. And it should be. Add a horse welfare judge whose responsibility it is to eliminate the incompetent. Have them be strict with clear infractions to eliminate for. Have the horses as the first event. If you're shite your whole competition lasts 5 minutes and you don't even go in the ring. That would create some focus.
A horse in emotional distress should be considered lame for the purposes of the rules. The riding test should be about riding a willing and capable horse. Not having 20 minutes to undo the damage a previous competitor has done to a horse's confidence.
I only watched the mens competition and I didn't see anything too too bad, but I didn't watch it all so I don't know. Just one guy bouncing on the back of the saddle, who I would I have eliminated for incompetence if such a thing was possible. And it should be. Add a horse welfare judge whose responsibility it is to eliminate the incompetent. Have them be strict with clear infractions to eliminate for. Have the horses as the first event. If you're shite your whole competition lasts 5 minutes and you don't even go in the ring. That would create some focus.