Women Pentathlon

must admit, it's a bit of a joke being so fussy about the welfare of the horses in the Equestrian events, and then letting this go on. at the very least there should be a vet-check between the rounds, a proper jog-up before the next rider is put on.
trouble is, i don't think a lot of these are experienced enough to feel if a horse is a bit wrong in the warm up, and say something about it.
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poor horses.
 
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But, see my post above, the women have got the better horses from yesterday. The 6 most useless ones were withdrawn so not really such a fair comparison. I felt really sorry for the guy(s) yesterday who drew the grey that couldn't jump to save its life.

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The women are riding the horses than managed to survive yesterday. Its no wonder there are some damn sore horses this morning. The grey was gorgeous and the first guy kept thudding on its back and mouth over the jumps. I don't know if it was lame when it started but it sure was after he'd finished with it.
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It is a shame that the actual officials at this event obviously do not have the knowledge to consider what is best for the horses - i'm sure this would be handled better at 2012, with more appropriate veterinary cover etc. It is saddening to see stiff horses being used.

Equally, all these horses have been produced for this competition in china, where they don't have the same kind of access to good farriery and veterinary care that we do too.

Today I think that most of the riding is good, most of the horses are honest and trying (and several I'd quite like to have myself) it's just the running of the competition on the day which is spoiling the event.
 
on another forum, a chinese based rider recognized the grey, and assured us that it was a nice horse and a perfectly capable jumper. Simply BAD riding yesterday.
 
Apparently they have to leave the arena after the SECOND horse fall but can continue after the first! I mean really - who would want to get back on and re-present their horse at a showjumping course immediately after it had fallen.
 
I certainly do not profess do be able to do better than the riders BUT i am not representing my country in the olympics. Whilst the women are marginally better IMO their standard is appalling. Whilst they are strange horses to them surely there is a level of competence to be reached!!!! They were not pick to compete a week before the event!!! And as part of the run up to the event surely they have trained!!!! The picture this portrays to the world will also reflect on how non horsey people precieve pure show jumping and other equine disciplines. I am just damn right disgusting this as been aired to a world wide audiance - Not an olympic ideal to me
 
I honestly do not think that most these women are appalling. Most of them ride better than people I watch training for the BHS stage 3 or 4 (and that includes me!!)
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Jumping a 1m10 course on a strange horse is a big ask for anyone... and in my opinion these girls are in the main not kicking and pulling their way around the course, and are showing plenty of consideration for pace and balance. There are some cr*p rounds, but then I have some cr*p rounds that are entirely my fault on a horse that I have known for 10 years and have showjumped endless times!
 
I agree Kerilli. I also wonder if there is, with some of the riders, an element of 'it's not my horse so I don't care what state it ends up in as long as I complete my round'. A bit like when you have a hire car and are not so worried about thrashing the gear box! If any of our show jumpers, eventers etc had a niggle about a horse they would probably save it for another day whereas these riders don't need to worry whether the horse trots up sound tomorrow or not.

I hasten to add I am sure this is not the case for the majority of the riders though!
 
GT, I think that was absolutely true for the men (what a surprise!!
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) and I think were approaching with an attitude of forcing the horse around course. Today really is a hell of a lot better.

I think the blame lies more with the rules than the riders in that they don't seem to have much consideration for the horse - rules re. horse falls and refusals really should be brought in line with FEI standards.
 
I'm glad you said that, I was thinking the same. They're doing as well as can be expected considering what's being asked of them. No upset looking horses, and after yesterday these horses must have had their confidence knocked a lot. Well done to the women.

Spoke too soon, horse fall. Sounds like it was just bad luck. Yet they put her back on to carry on???????
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Agreed - I saw yesterdays and it was dreadful! I can't say I've seen enough pentathlon to know if this is a fair representation of the sport, but yesterday really wasn't a good advert.
 
just abysmal event management
and I imagine, not enough emphasis from pentathlon governing body regarding horse welfare
not the horses or the riders faults.
 
I'm just hoping that the poor bu**er that fell isn't due back in.
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ETA Good, its finished! Well done to all the women. Good results for the Brits too.
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I didn't think the horse who fell looked sound before he went down
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Quite shocked by a lot of what I saw, felt very sorry for those tired horses. Was lovely to see the American girl make such a fuss of her horse though.
 
i can't believe that you lot are actually still watching this stuff, if it's SO terrible.....

unless it's for the entertainment value?...and the inane whinging on here
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International Olympic Committee
Château de Vidy
1007 Lausanne
Switzerland

Think this is the place to complain too, found it on another forum.

Big kisses, hugs and tlc to all the horses xxxx
 
I would like to know what happens to these horses once the Olympics are over.
Were they brought in especially for the competition?
Given that animal welfare is almost non-existent there i am seriously worried about them.
Does anyone know?
 
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