What makes you a lurker?

I think the vet ones are tricky if they are specific, and we have lost some of our more experienced posters who would have known more about some of the stuff in there.

re. the comp reports I do try and remember to reply, but if I'm on phone I tend to just browse but I pretty much do read them all and enjoy them :D
 
ester said:
I think the vet ones are tricky if they are specific, and we have lost some of our more experienced posters who would have known more about some of the stuff in there.

re. the comp reports I do try and remember to reply, but if I'm on phone I tend to just browse but I pretty much do read them all and enjoy them :D
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Me too Ester. . I love the comp reports :)

My vet one was on coughing though which is fairly mainstream lol..

I could post one tonight though, about a child's pony with a groin strain.... Bit of a niche post, wouldn't you agree ;)

Fiona
 
I did nearly reply to your vet one, but only with a I'm no good on coughing sorry!


ah well, cally managed to give herself groin strain when she spilt her legs putting one in a dry ditch because of a tractor so :p
 
Interesting thread. I don't know why I'm such a lurker because I fully expect people to respond to my thread lol selfish. Although 25,000 views on my ongoing thread and 10) replies, many of which are mine. That's a lot of lurkers! Not devastated though it's more of a record for me than anything else.
 
I lurk for a couple of reasons:

1) I'm a fairly mediocre rider, I don't feel confident giving people advice
2) the points I am confident on reveal my identity a little bit too much for me to want to make myself known for this knowledge. And besides, many people can answer just as well on these topics without my input.
3) Fear of other users. I've been burned on forums before by my apparently innocuous comments inciting the occasionally unduly venomous response and even just a casual put down of my opinion leaves me hopelessly demoralised.

The number of times I've spent an hour debating whether to post my perfect worded and reworded question or reply to a post is frankly ridiculous!
 
milliepops said:
I feel a "resurrect C&T" mission coming on... I rarely have interesting photos that I can add as I'm usually tootling around on my own which is what puts me off doing more reports.
this is going to sound terribly snooty and I don't actually mean it that way, but I felt it was better when it was called Competition Riders, it seemed to pull in a lot of experienced people rather than invite really basic training convos about how to get a horse to load or lead nicely. (no offense to recent posters!! :o) That was the stuff I really enjoyed in CR, debates about eventing etc, constructive criticism (no one ever asks for that now :p) and the usual reports.

Facebook really has robbed the forum a bit and some of the old guard who were good for in depth discussions have gone. Can we fight the tide though?

FWIW I deleted this comment once and then thought I better post it after all, lol
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I'm glad you posted it, I completely agree. And yes, we should try to resurrect :D
I don't think I've ever done a proper comp report (slapped wrist), because what with work, financing and horse PSSM issues I've never had much to write about. As much as I adore my horse I'm not sure anyone else would've been much interested in:
"Went to dressage today, did novice 24 and managed to scrape 60% with only three comments about lack of impulsion"
Or
"Went to local clear round, horse decided that their fences were particularly terrifying so lovely centre staff had to convert half the course to poles on the ground, and even then we struggled"
Which would have been my main contributions last year (generally with no pics).

Hopefully this year should yield something a little more interesting though, so watch this space.

I don't know when it happened, but I think the general appetite for discussion in C&T has wombled off. I was going to post a discussion topic in there a couple of weeks ago, but then just thought, nah what's the point? The 'get a decent instructor' phrase irritates me too...firstly finding a 'decent' instructor is a bit of a mine field so it's not that useful a piece of advice, but also it just seems to shut down any decent discussion on what is often a perfectly reasonable training question.
 
I'm never convinced the views figures are accurate, I wonder if they increase them somehow so it looks better for advertising.

Maybe I'll borrow a little of your careful consideration (I can do the rewording bit, but the whether to post it is definitely a work in progress ;) ) and throw you a little more rash impulsivitiy KF95? :)
 
DabDab said:
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I don't know when it happened, but I think the general appetite for discussion in C&T has wombled off. I was going to post a discussion topic in there a couple of weeks ago, but then just thought, nah what's the point? The 'get a decent instructor' phrase irritates me too...firstly finding a 'decent' instructor is a bit of a mine field so it's not that useful a piece of advice, but also it just seems to shut down any decent discussion on what is often a perfectly reasonable training question.
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I think we could do with some more of the training musings we used to have, without a specific person/issue as such just a pondering to kick it off. Some people used to be really good at that. I think it should be the sort of place where not everyone needs to agree, people come from different backgrounds with different experiences, we don't need to generate a consensus of opinion that someone should absolutely then follow to the letter etc if that makes sense.
 
I go through stages, sometimes I post quite a bit but then I can go a while without. I haven't really got much to say, my horse has been on/off lame since March, not sure why as yet, veterinary and farriery interventions continue. I don't even know how to explain it to myself so I stopped trying. I do type out a lot of responses and then delete them, or get distracted by something else which is probably just as well, don't feel I truthfully add a lot of value to most topics :)
 
ester said:
I think we could do with some more of the training musings we used to have, without a specific person/issue as such just a pondering to kick it off. Some people used to be really good at that. I think it should be the sort of place where not everyone needs to agree, people come from different backgrounds with different experiences, we don't need to generate a consensus of opinion that someone should absolutely then follow to the letter etc if that makes sense.
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Yes, agreed.
Hmmm. Will ponder on some things, let's resurrect it a bit. And dabdab, make with the comp reports! :D
 
Time mainly.

But also, I'm just a happy hacker who dabbles in low level schooling and online dressage competitions (an accident with my boy in a lorry means he doesn't travel again yet, if ever). I often post pretty snapshots of my pony on FB, but I'm under no illusions that an 'I love my pony, we hacked 10 miles & look how pretty he is ... :D ' isn't exactly riveting to others or post worthy when there are far better riders achieving far greater things than I. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do with my horse and I think he's the bee's knees, but we are never going to be world beaters.

I love reading other people's posts and following their progress and try to post where I can though. I also hugely appreciated the help I've been given when I have posted. I know Milliepops advice on the odd post I've created about a schooling issue (there were others who commented, but they stand out in my memory), helped massively and I really appreciate the time it took to post help from a 'proper' rider to someone like me.
 
gunnergundog said:
I was quite enamoured at first, but have become a lurker as I am in the minority being both old and predominantly old school. A lot of questions crop up time and time again and having typed out replies eons ago I now just can't be bothered. Lazy I know. (Ooooo.........as an aside, am I right in thinking that CBA = can't be arsed??)

Also, there are some antagonistic posters with whom I choose not to do battle; thought I had identified them all, but nope! It appears to be the done thing to regularly change your identity so one never really knows who one is talking to. Life is too short and whilst open to new ideas in a face to face environment where you can judge both the intent and credentials of an individual more easily, I prefer the company of like minded individuals on line.

Now off to OAPs anonymous...
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Don't underestimate the value of your replies. There are some posters who I will open a thread that is only 50% interesting to see what they have to say, you are one of those (if I see "last Post is XXXX"). I find your replies to be down to earth, and I wonder where you are and if we have met, as we seem to agree on a lot, and know some of the same people.

ester said:
I was just saying to someone else that I miss reading comp riders, I learned so much from people posting in there.

re. multiple idendities, when you know quite a lot of people on here in real life and you are struggling with stuff but wouldn't plaster it over facebook and perhaps don't want it coming p on a search on here. I'm more open about what was going on at the time now but it wouldn't have been appropriate to post some of that stuff as 'me'. Ordinarily yes you do need another email address but they are easy to set up and never actually use.
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I quite understand threads where people are having fuss in their lives, such as domestic disasters, being anonymous and using a different username for advice, but it really annoys me when someone says outrageous things, people learn to ignore them, then they come back as something else, usually create fuss again, are called out on being the other user because of the similar posting style, then accuse people of spying, stalking, etc etc..., then deny being the other person even though it is plain to see.

I too am old and can't keep up with the deceptions! I hate being lied to.
 
I haven't been here long but will post a reply if I think I have something useful to add. I do find there's a few members that will try and turn everything into an argument so will avoid those sorts of posts. I tend to stick to problems I have direct experience with. When I've posted myself I've had knowledgeable replies which is helpful.

Does anyone know if there is a 'block user' function?
 
MuddyMonster said:
Time mainly.

But also, I'm just a happy hacker who dabbles in low level schooling and online dressage competitions (an accident with my boy in a lorry means he doesn't travel again yet, if ever). I often post pretty snapshots of my pony on FB, but I'm under no illusions that an 'I love my pony, we hacked 10 miles & look how pretty he is ... :D ' isn't exactly riveting to others or post worthy when there are far better riders achieving far greater things than I. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do with my horse and I think he's the bee's knees, but we are never going to be world beaters.

I love reading other people's posts and following their progress and try to post where I can though. I also hugely appreciated the help I've been given when I have posted. I know Milliepops advice on the odd post I've created about a schooling issue (there were others who commented, but they stand out in my memory), helped massively and I really appreciate the time it took to post help from a 'proper' rider to someone like me.
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But if only world beaters were allowed to post, there would be a very small membership on here!

I think the beauty of HHO is that there is a real breadth as well as depth of experience and it is a shame when people don't feel experienced enough to post. I like looking at photos of other people's equines and their exploits, whether that is competing in whatever discipline or hacking but don't post my own as I can break any camera you care to mention, so don't really have photos available. There are some threads which I can't see the point of, so don't post on them and others which I have nothing to add to. But as all of us are interested in horses, whether we have our own or not, we really should be prepared to read and consider other members' ideas.
 
Yes there is a 'user ignore' function, but having experimented with it, I don't actually bother with it as it doesn't actually obliterate the poster from existence (;) :p) and you can still see their posts if people quote them. It does however stop people from being able to PM you, which can be useful if someone takes agin you.

If you want to give it a go, click on the user name to the left of a post by the poster in question. A box should come up and you need to click on the 'view profile' option. Then on the left under their profile avatar is an option called 'add to ignore list'.
 
Faracat said:
Yes there is a 'user ignore' function, but having experimented with it, I don't actually bother with it as it doesn't actually obliterate the poster from existence (;) :p)
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Ooh, fires off quick post under Feedback and Suggestions ....... :D :D I'm sure TFC will oblige!

But in reality it's better once you've identified a poster you are uncomfortable with just to avoid reading their comments. Unless as Faracat says they are giving you grief by PM.
 
You know, I've always suspected that TFC had been a sniper in a former life...

*goes off to find a bullet proof vest and tin hat, just incase*
 
Sometimes the threads are very seasonal - (flies, sunburn, laminitis, mud fever, poached ground, etc, etc) or come up so regularly that you kinda get bored of replying with the same thing, but I do love some of the threads and have from time to time been amused/got interesting info, etc so just because not many people reply to a thread doesn't mean that it isn't appreciated.
 
I don't reply to threads that often because being overseas there is a huge time difference and often what I would have commented has already been said by others. I hate piddling around with photobucket so don't do show reports. I try to reply to threads where someone has obviously spent time posting photos etc ie competition reports etc, they are generally good to read anyway.
 
Hi all, I lurk a lot, search a lot but rarely post - I hadn't appreciated how this affects the forum and possibly annoys other users, so will now make the effort....!

Reasons for not posting too much:
Not sure anyone would be that interested in my opinion (just a 'normal' horse owner, low level competition, juggling a busy job with two horses at livery, an ancient horsebox where things drop off regularly and no facilities!
Being stuck at the bottom of Cornwall means not a lot going on down here
I have found that being an 'unknown' means when I do post, it's maybe eclipsed slightly as replies seem to focus on the very regular posters (only one way to fix that, I know, and definitely not meaning to cause offence, but just being honest!)

So, thanks for the nudge, and Hi everyone :)
 
I sort of lurk these days.
I will post about what's going on in my little world and join in the amusing threads but I don't do advice anymore. Like gunnerdog, I'm old school and CBA to defend my opinion plus I'm sure if I said what I felt was the issue I would quickly become even l more unpopular. Most of my replies would be 'rider issue'
 
I tend to lurk as I don't really feel confident posting a lot of the time. I am also a fairly regular horse owner with nothing interesting or exciting going on! I can't get out and compete as I have no transport, so I do all online stuff, and the rest of the time I spend clicker training my horse or going out on hacks together.

I do always enjoy reading the threads on the forum during my day at work when it gets quiet. I really must make more of an effort to post more often, as I know I have always really appreciated it when people have responded to any questions I have asked.

Posting in the C&T forum is something that I have often entertained the idea of, but all I do is online Intro tests and my scores are depressingly around the 54% mark. I'd love to get advice from others about how to improve / where I am going wrong but the thought of posting is somewhat intimidating when I see the calibre of the other horses on there compared to my slightly chubby pony!
 
Taliesan said:
Posting in the C&T forum is something that I have often entertained the idea of, but all I do is online Intro tests and my scores are depressingly around the 54% mark. I'd love to get advice from others about how to improve / where I am going wrong but the thought of posting is somewhat intimidating when I see the calibre of the other horses on there compared to my slightly chubby pony!
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It's not what you ride, it's how you ride it. Never be afraid to post in C&T looking for advice. We all started as beginners, we all have lots to learn, we can all learn from those sorts of threads. Get posting :)
 
Taliesan said:
I tend to lurk as I don't really feel confident posting a lot of the time. I am also a fairly regular horse owner with nothing interesting or exciting going on! I can't get out and compete as I have no transport, so I do all online stuff, and the rest of the time I spend clicker training my horse or going out on hacks together.

I do always enjoy reading the threads on the forum during my day at work when it gets quiet. I really must make more of an effort to post more often, as I know I have always really appreciated it when people have responded to any questions I have asked.

Posting in the C&T forum is something that I have often entertained the idea of, but all I do is online Intro tests and my scores are depressingly around the 54% mark. I'd love to get advice from others about how to improve / where I am going wrong but the thought of posting is somewhat intimidating when I see the calibre of the other horses on there compared to my slightly chubby pony!
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If you post a video you will get support and advice, please don't feel intimidated the C&T pages are rather lacking at the moment so you may be pleasantly surprised, I used to enjoy looking at a test video and giving tips on how to improve the scores, it is far easier to help with sub 60% than with ones getting over 70 and it will be done in a positive way.
 
Cornish said:
I have found that being an 'unknown' means when I do post, it's maybe eclipsed slightly as replies seem to focus on the very regular posters (only one way to fix that, I know, and definitely not meaning to cause offence, but just being honest!)

So, thanks for the nudge, and Hi everyone :)
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yup, you've identified the problem! get posting and help us all get to know you :)


PaddyMonty said:
It's not what you ride, it's how you ride it. Never be afraid to post in C&T looking for advice. We all started as beginners, we all have lots to learn, we can all learn from those sorts of threads. Get posting :)
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^second this.
 
PaddyMonty said:
It's not what you ride, it's how you ride it. Never be afraid to post in C&T looking for advice. We all started as beginners, we all have lots to learn, we can all learn from those sorts of threads. Get posting :)
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Thank you PaddyMonty - that is very encouraging! I shall go and dig out my test video now (and maybe a couple of previous ones as well) as constructive feedback is always welcome. Even though the feedback on my test sheets is fair it is somewhat difficult to always decipher what exactly it is they are looking for improvement wise.

be positive said:
If you post a video you will get support and advice, please don't feel intimidated the C&T pages are rather lacking at the moment so you may be pleasantly surprised, I used to enjoy looking at a test video and giving tips on how to improve the scores, it is far easier to help with sub 60% than with ones getting over 70 and it will be done in a positive way.
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Thank you be positive. It is always somewhat nerve-wracking opening yourself up for criticism but, without help and advice from those more experienced, improvement is nigh on impossible. :)
 
Taliesan said:
Thank you PaddyMonty - that is very encouraging! I shall go and dig out my test video now (and maybe a couple of previous ones as well) as constructive feedback is always welcome. Even though the feedback on my test sheets is fair it is somewhat difficult to always decipher what exactly it is they are looking for improvement wise.



Thank you be positive. It is always somewhat nerve-wracking opening yourself up for criticism but, without help and advice from those more experienced, improvement is nigh on impossible. :)
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Don't think of it as opening up for criticism but as another test being judged with the probability of constructive comments rather than the generally conservative approach given by most judges on a test sheet, it is amazing how much the marks can be improved by someone pointing you in the right direction and showing you how to really ride a test to pick up those extra marks.
I helped someone in real life fairly recently, with just a few tweaks in her warm up the marks increased dramatically when she did her second test, riding purposefully at the start sets you up for a good test, makes the judge feel positive from the outset and can improve the overall score.
 
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