Equisearch.com (brought to you the makers of such gems as EQUUS, Dressage Today, and Practical Horseman) just posted up a WONDERFUL article by eventing legend Jim Wofford. He talks about the evolution of the sport, the trends he sees, possible answers as to why accidents are all too common these days as well as a few solutions,and of course entertains us in his usual witty way.
I recently took a clinic with Jim and my only lament from the experience was not having the chance to record all of his valuable advice, training tips, and experience for me to treasure. Though Jim has ridden in three Olympic Games, two World Championship teams, and won the U.S. National Championships five times, he still manages to provide a genuine fresh outlook on our sport. This piece is TRULY an intriguing work of art… here’s just a brief little snippet, so you’ll have to refer to the online article for the rest of the story:
"First of all, don’t even think of competing without competence. You are in this sport because you treasure the partnership the sport gives you with your horse. Work on your competence to the exclusion of any competitive desires. Bert de Némethy said, "A good feeling after the round is better than any ribbon." That statement is as true today as the day he made it, over half a century ago."
Enjoy!
By Doug Payne
Walking amongst the crowd I heard a lot of comments, suggestions and complaints about eventing and it’s safety. Everything from the courses are too technical, too big, too long…where are the officials and why didn’t they stop that rider…
Eventing has the most diverse, friendly and supportive group of participants in all of equestrian sports. People want to see others do well, and if that means they are defeated that day so be it. It’s about doing your personal best, and helping others do theirs. You don’t see this cut throat, out–to-get-you attitude that is so prevalent in other disciplines. Eventers spend so much time with their horses, feeding, grooming, conditioning and training, they have a bond that is difficult to match. Seldom do you see riders showing up at the ring to meet their groom and get on their horse like they’re just a vehicle; hopping off when finished to resume social activities. There is a personal tie that will not be broken. When successful it’s rewarding beyond an outsider’s comprehension. When there is a tragic accident, we are reminded of how precious life is.
Unfortunately, the sport’s popularity and financial boom is a double edged sword. It has allowed more and more people to choose eventing as their discipline of choice, some very well qualified and some not. I believe some riders take too many risks, knowingly or not. Unfortunately, as in every sport, dollars can trump reason. There are some coaches who have the balance between business and safety skewed. As a result, in an effort to progress with the competition, clients who want results at higher and higher levels may leave a confident coach who gives their objective assessment for one who may bow to pressure and allow inexperienced horse and rider combinations out on course.
The same holds true for the relationship between horse owners and riders; many would like to see their horse at the next Olympics even though the horse may not be mentally and physically ready until the Olympics four years hence. In the world in which we live, instant gratification is the name of the game, but for horses this spells impending trouble, patience, dedication and time will get your there.
Over the years cross-country courses have become increasingly complex, requiring a higher level of proficiency. The questions asked now require a greater depth of knowledge in dressage, the foundation of the horse’s training; many riders look at dressage simply as a necessary evil whose completion is an obligatory step before jumping. The instant gratification mentality, so prevalent in modern society, has triggered a bidding war for horses who have been successful at the top levels. Once this hundred thousand dollar horse is purchased, some feel this animal should go out to compete at the upper levels; unfortunately a significant majority of these riders are lacking key skills learned at the lower levels. The consequences of this can be grave.
National and International organizations have focused an enormous effort on making the sport safer, but unfortunately it’s not only the responsibility of the organization, but of the riders themselves. The consequences are real, and should be respected. Time should be taken to make sure a solid foundation is in place. Riders should seek the opinion of other well respected seasoned riders at the international levels. Rider should be observed, and follow the advice given staying honest to themselves regarding their abilities, knowing the instructor has their best interests at hand.
The answer does not lie in the hands of the officials, the show management, course designers or the federation. While all of above can help mitigate the risk, the solution lies in the hands of the competitor. Riders have to become infinitely more objective and honest with themselves, their horses and their collective abilities. Like any sport or any activity, it is important to be realistic and keep the risks in perspective. Safety will always be paramount, and constant improvements have been made. Eventing will continue to flourish and its increasing popularity will make its greatness obvious as long as each rider can truly see who’s in the mirror, not just the remnants of last night’s dream.
Based in Oldwick, NJ, Doug Payne is the oldest child of Marilyn Payne, who recently judged the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* and will judge at the 2008 Olympics in China. Doug grew up on his parents’ horse farm & was exposed to competitive riding from an early age. He successfully competes at the international levels of dressage as well as eventing, and also shows in hunter/jumpers. This January Doug became the youngest person to receive the ‘r’ Eventing Judge and ‘r’ Technical Delegate licenses which allows him to officiate through the preliminary level. He trains horses and offeres instruction at the 14-acre facility he leases. Visit his website at www.dpequestrian.com
John Nunn (of Nunn Finer Tack & Bit of Britain Saddlery) is one of the USEA’s longest sponsors (as well as one of the nicest guys around!) & normally I don’t do specific blogs on all of our sponsors - unless they’ve done something really awesome. But I couldn’t let this press release slip by - there’s a HUGE sale going on now at Bit of Britain… 50-80% off!
Bit of Britain has generously allowed for USEA members to get a 5% discount on their purchases - and in return, that money comes back here to help support the programs we all love and enjoy like the AEC’s, Young Event Horse program, ICP program, etc… We owe it to the one of the best of tack shops in the world (yes, world) to lend our support!
So jump over to the Bit of Britain website to snatch up these goodies before they’re all sold out!
Oh, and speaking of goodies - if you haven’t added Tack of the Day (also one of John Nunn’s amazing inventions) as one of your "favorites" then you’re missing out. Each day a couple of AMAZING products are offered for sale at super cheap prices (think 50-80% off…yeah…that good). But you have to hurry - the stuff sells out quick, and it’ll be gone in 24 hours! Forever! And it’s not bottom of the barrel junk, this is top quality tack, clothing, equipment, blankets, etc. GOOD stuff. I know where my tax return’s going this year!
One last little scrumptious site to feast upon - Horse Froogle.com. Weird name, awesome deals - and free shipping! Can’t beat that! Brought to you by the makers of TackoftheDay.com, so you KNOW it’s good!
By Amy J. Daum
Listen to the news, go on-line, open a magazine … everywhere you look there are increasingly pessimistic evaluations of today’s economy, with even worse predictions for the future. Don’t despair though. First, economies are by nature cyclical and historically have a way of turning themselves around (fingers crossed!). Second, there are lots of ways to cut corners during this currency crunch. Here are a few…
Read the official press release here - and see the complete results here. More photo galleries & Blogs to follow!
Jersey Fresh as a Daisy
Author: Emily Daily
Heads up! Jersey Fresh CCI2*/CCI3* at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown, N.J. is this weekend - so if you’re in the general area, you’re definitely not going to want to miss one of the biggest events of the year. Hold the phone, you say, isn’t Jersey Fresh usually held on one of the last weekends in May/first weekend in June? Normally it is, but the date was changed for many user-friendly reasons such as the hope for less-sweltering weather, and a chance to allow horses to run in the Bromont (which will be running a CCI3* as well as a CCI2*, CCI*, CIC2*, and CIC1*!) in June.
So, off I go this weekend for my virginal visit to the Garden State, with photographer boyfriend (a must-have accessory for journalists!) and token Jack Russell in tow! I’m packing up the car with coolers, tent, Cliff bars, and lanterns, because we’re camping, believe it or not (I hear they have showers… hooray! I might not be basking in my sweat all weekend, after all)! If you see a frazzled-looking blonde girl with camera in one hand, and dog leash in the other - come introduce yourself!
Who am I rooting for? Who are you rooting for? Well, let’s go over the roster, shall we?
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