The state of show jumping

[horsiegurl]

Has anyone noticed that the quality of our sport is rapidly deteriorating? Here are a few examples:

1. A rider under a 6 month suspension in Germany for blistering his horses was still allowed to compete at Spruce Meadows BUT

2. A rider who used drugs when he was not subject to the rules of the sport is now not allowed to compete at SM.

3. When riding at Henderville, a rider was allowed to stay in a private barn since her stalls weren't ready, but was then accused of theft when a bridle from that stable went missing.

These are just a few examples, and I'm sure some of you have many more. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject... and your possible solutions.

[Maci]

I never heard about the German rider being suspended in Germany, yet aloud to compete at Spruce Meadows?! That's awful what he does to his horses! If you're truely concerned about the issue, e-mail/mail Spruce Meadows expressing your concern, and ask them what they plan (if anything) to do about it.

I don't quite understand the last one- this rider was automatically accused of theft when a bridle went missing, just because she was new to the stables?

Maci :)

[horsiegurl]

Actually, the rider who blistered his horse did it last year, otherwise I probably would have made a big stink about it.;) And yeah, for the other one as far as I know that is what happened. Apparently they got the police to investigate and they didn't find anything. (Big surprise there, eh?) I did hear about the theft second hand, but it was from a reliable source. The blistering really disturbed me though, because earlier that year, he had beaten out my favorite rider in a huge class (the duMaurier International) and I have to wonder if he was doing the same thing back then. One thing that does impress me about the sport, however, is the way SM is dealing with the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Still, I personally think that there need to be some other changes made to our sport if it is to continue to improve.:p

[Maci]

Yes, SM is being quite tight on security and taking many precautions on the spreading of F&M into Canada, by foreign horses!

This is off topic but, right now I'm watching this horse movie I just flipped to on TV called "Running Free". Haven't got a chance to watch it all, but I hope it's on again, as it seems interesting!

Just Thought I'd Share!
Maci :)

[horsiegurl]

Sounds like a good movie, but I think The Horse Whisperer will always be #1 in my heart:) I love Rimrock, he is so gorgeous! As for my friends who only think the actors are good, THEY JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND!!!!! lol:D :D

[Maci]

Yes, the movie was good, but have you ever read the book? It's amazing! Very different from the movie! I prefer the book over the movie......that's just my opinion! If you haven't read it, I recommend it!

I also like Black Beauty (the movie and the book)! His story is so touching and sad!

Maci :)

[fionahogg]

Yes, I agree, the Horse Whisperer book is much, much better than the film!

With regards to the state of show jumping, I'm afraid I wouldn't know…!

Fiona.

[horsiegurl]

I have read Black Beauty (of course) and I do love it:) As for The Horse Whisperer book, my parents think I am too young to read it, although neither of them have read it... (I'm only 14) What do you guys think? Is it "appropriate," keeping in mind I have overprotective parents?:rolleyes:

[Maci]

Well, there's nothing too graphic in it, except for a few "romantic" parts (if you catch my drift....)! But if you skip those parts, the book is fine, I'd say! The accident part really describes the events leading up to/during the accident, which will probably make you sad. Maybe a few bad words.....all in all, I'd say it's a PG13 book! Since you're over 13, you'll be okay!

If you still can't convince your parents otherwise, then just wait a while until 15, which is when I finally ended up reading it!

I'm Almost 16, And I'm Fine After Reading It!
Maci :)

[horsiegurl]

Ok, sounds decent, I've read worse;) Don't you just LOVE over-protective parents?!:rolleyes: Anyway, maybe if my one of my parents read it first... then again, maybe not! I'll figure out a way, I make it my personal mission to read all good horse books:P Speaking of which, know of any other good ones?

[Silvia]

The Red Pony by Steinbeck. But it's soooo sad. It makes me cry every time I read it.

[Showjumper]

The Horse Whisperer (the book) is amazing. There are a few graphic bits, but not many - it's an amazing book - get it out of the library and read it without informing your parents - you don't want to miss out - it's that good!:)

[horsiegurl]

Heehee, sounds like something I'd do anyway if I wanted to read a book;) I'll have to look around for The Red Pony, I hope they have it around here!:D