Isn't life a competition? Doesn't every day present a challenge? Some do not like competition or challenges and that is fine others thrive upon it. Some like me, compete against themselves and go to socialise with like minded people. Don't make excuses as to why you can't win. All horses are different, thank goodness. Like us they come in all sizes, types, breeds and temperaments and like us they have different personalities. If you love the horse you have it does not matter a fig if he is the next Totilas or Sally shitland! But, lets not forget, it is the training and the quality of the paces that the judges will be marking. They will not be marking how cute he is,or how nicely you have plaited, or what a cute derrier you have as you turn away from C! I only managed one day at the nationals this year but I have to say I saw all shapes and sizes of horses and riders! I saw super talented horses misbehaving as the atmosphere got to them and beautifully produced ordinary horses behaving impeccably. At no stage in my dressage journey have I been led to believe that I have a right to a rosette just for turning up! Nor would I want to. So to all those lovely but misled people that cannot understand competiton and how it works, just think of it as the X factor! Some of the more deluded tone deaf contestants just don't get it but talent will out!
The reason I didn't get back to the nationals is due to a health problem that I haven't talked about much but its probably time to come clean. I have chronic fatigue syndrome as a side effect of fibromyalgia. Basically my muscles are sick and on bad days the pain and stiffness are excrutiating but worst still is the lethargy and lack of energy.It is very depressing and very annoying! No I am not looking for sympathy. Each day is a challenge but I continue to do the same work and ride as much as I have ever done and I try to find humour in the situation, like today for instance. My parents are getting on and do frequently forget things, dates, times, messages etc. so I write these things down for them. My mother asked me what was wrong and did I have a cold coming? I said no, its a flare up of my condition. 'Oh dear, what condition is that?' I said the one I was diagnosed with last year and she said,'well you could have told me!' I just burst out laughing while my father wrote it down! Some days we have the same conversation 3 or 4 times within half an hour! There is always a positive to any situation and mine is the house work! If I don't feel like it I put it down to lack of energy! That said, once I am on my horse after the initial 10 minutes I feel just fine. I think the other positive is that I have stopped pulling! It takes too much out of me, which means she has stopped leaning too. Well as Peter Storr said the other day as I struggled to get on saddle, 'you've finally made it as a judge Gloss, old and decrepit!' I will get him back for that! Many riders struggle every day with some sort of health problem, from fighting with cancer to severe back problems and let us not forget our amazing para riders who inspire all that watch them. So yes, each day is a challenge and life is a competition and for that I am grateful. It is what keeps us going, that, and good friends and laughter, oh and plenty of gin of course!
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Friday, 16 September 2011
Letter to Mr Cameron
Dear Mr Cameron
When are governments and prime ministers going to realise that you are all caretakers of this country. It is a temporary job and we the people allow you this privilege in return for caring for our interests. This does not mean taking what you want and destroying our society and Britishness. There has been a lot of taking and very little caring with the last government. It is time to put straight the wrong doings and get to grips with the policies that matter to the BRITISH people. Note I said BRITISH. It may be politically incorrect to make this statement but I think it better to be honest.You wish to change the planning laws and build all over our countryside and you have declared war on our National Trust. Why? Because we need more housing. Why? Because there are too many people living here. Why? Because our borders are open to every scrounging, benefit grabbing, non English speaking person going! That is not to say there are honest, hard working legal immigrants that come here for a better life and integrate with the rest of us and become British citizens. These though are a minority. There are many houses deserted in the cities that could be developed or demolished and new estates built if you really need more homes but I assure you if you close the borders and turf out the criminals and illegal imigrants then you will not need many new homes anyway. As for the builders, you could employ all those on benefits and prison inmates.
Don't you think it is time to address the real problems in this country? Crime for instance and the laws that allow the criminal to walk free or do a very short sentence. And what about 'an Englishmans home is his castle?' Time to allow people to protect what is theirs. And what about the same laws that govern us governing the travellers that ride rough shod over everyone?
How about dismembering human rights? Basic human rights are the right to food,water and hygene. The rest is utter rubbish, Cherie Blairs law gone mad! Abandon it! Then you can turf out these wretched people who are costing the NHS and tax payers millions. Since when do paedophiles, murderers and rapists have any rights or voting powers?
You see Mr Cameron its quite simple really. We gave you a job. The job description is caretaker. You are taking not caring therefore we will sack you and put someone else in the position. Now, labour, Conservative and Liberal have had their day and its time for a change, so my advice to you is carry out the above and leave our countryside alone. UKIP are becoming very popular, don't you think?
Yours sincerely
British citizen born and bred.
When are governments and prime ministers going to realise that you are all caretakers of this country. It is a temporary job and we the people allow you this privilege in return for caring for our interests. This does not mean taking what you want and destroying our society and Britishness. There has been a lot of taking and very little caring with the last government. It is time to put straight the wrong doings and get to grips with the policies that matter to the BRITISH people. Note I said BRITISH. It may be politically incorrect to make this statement but I think it better to be honest.You wish to change the planning laws and build all over our countryside and you have declared war on our National Trust. Why? Because we need more housing. Why? Because there are too many people living here. Why? Because our borders are open to every scrounging, benefit grabbing, non English speaking person going! That is not to say there are honest, hard working legal immigrants that come here for a better life and integrate with the rest of us and become British citizens. These though are a minority. There are many houses deserted in the cities that could be developed or demolished and new estates built if you really need more homes but I assure you if you close the borders and turf out the criminals and illegal imigrants then you will not need many new homes anyway. As for the builders, you could employ all those on benefits and prison inmates.
Don't you think it is time to address the real problems in this country? Crime for instance and the laws that allow the criminal to walk free or do a very short sentence. And what about 'an Englishmans home is his castle?' Time to allow people to protect what is theirs. And what about the same laws that govern us governing the travellers that ride rough shod over everyone?
How about dismembering human rights? Basic human rights are the right to food,water and hygene. The rest is utter rubbish, Cherie Blairs law gone mad! Abandon it! Then you can turf out these wretched people who are costing the NHS and tax payers millions. Since when do paedophiles, murderers and rapists have any rights or voting powers?
You see Mr Cameron its quite simple really. We gave you a job. The job description is caretaker. You are taking not caring therefore we will sack you and put someone else in the position. Now, labour, Conservative and Liberal have had their day and its time for a change, so my advice to you is carry out the above and leave our countryside alone. UKIP are becoming very popular, don't you think?
Yours sincerely
British citizen born and bred.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Soap boxes.
I am becoming a political vampire! I am all things UKIP and have now been proven right about the Euro and joining the EU. Reading the newspapers in the evening is sending my blood pressure sky high as I plot how to change things and install a better government. It has become so bad that my friends have bought me a box to stand on, preferably in Hyde Park as far away from them as possible! Don't get me started on crime or illegal gypsy camps or some bod from the EU coming here and preaching human rights, I will go off the richter scale! When exactly are the police force going to be able to arrest criminals and not the victims? Why can't laws be changed quickly? Why can't new laws be introduced now? And how can judges be so soft? Do me a favour every body, next election please vote UKIP! We have had labour, or did they have us? Sold us out down the swanee big time! We have had Conservative/Liberal, about as useful as a chocolate teapot! How about trying something new? Ok off the box now, well I had to give it a try didn't I, since they bought it for me!
Went to Stoneleigh today and had a really relaxing time with friends and associates. Some lovely horses, riders, shops and food! I especially liked the new saddle Equipe, that Charlotte made me try. When I finally managed to get on the saddle horse with the help of Simon, the saddle, which has memory foam instead of flocking, was comfortable and immediately put my legs in the correct position. I was stunned by the price, £1600. Blimey, only a bit more than a star spangled hat! Lovely Simon also made me struggle on to the deep seated version which was even better, another grand but worth every penny. Can't wait for Whoopi to grow up so that I can have one! Its nice to know that Simon and associates have done their homework on the structure of the horses back and I feel I can reccomend them to clients with confidence. I was then dragged around the shops by my friend Dan looking for bridles. He found what he wanted in Morgan Equine and I stopped to chat with Suzy who owned Pascal the sire of Pikeur. Of course she remembered him and I had to relay the tragic tale. Bless her she was really kind and quite sad to hear the news. On the way out I spied some hair nets with bling! I was just asking if they came in blonde when I was rudely dragged away! Seems when you shop with a man its all about them not you! Same as yesterday when I met Glen in town. I thought it would be great to have a gay friend to help me shop! Talk about reluctant! I think I am best shopping alone at least then I have time to think about what I want! Even in Guernsey I had to find an outfit in 15 minutes and was timed by wannabe Gok Lihou!
The judges course with JLC was brilliant! We only had 6 horses to look at but she is a legend and was so clear with her marks and great fun to be with. I learnt a lot in a short time despite the fact I learnt the new Inter II for 2012 instead of the current one. What a good job I wasn't judging the class. Reminds me of the last disastrous eventing dressage I ever judged at Mattingly a few years ago. The day went from bad to worse to 'I'm never judging eventing again!' (and I never have)the last straw was when a handsome chap arrived at our arena in his scarlet jacket (I think this denotes International) and proceeded to track the wrong way! I tooted the horn, he stopped and shouted, 'I'm doing horse trials test *A.' By which time I'd had enough anyway, so I shouted back, 'You might be sweetie, but we are doing horse trials test *B !!'
There are some great characters in the horse world. I came across one only the other day! I was doing some test riding with a bunch of great people when in pops a lady of more mature years on a nice chestnut horse. She informs me that there is a hurricane outside, in case I haven't noticed, and she hasn't worked in. So as we only had half an hour slots I suggested I helped her work in and then she could do the test. Well, first she said she didn't need help so we sat back and waited. Eventually she managed to trot round and have a canter, then she stopped and asked for advice so as he wasn't in front of the leg I suggested some short sharp transitions, to which I got told that she was not going to hassle her horse for anyone as it would make him tight over the back. Over the back would have been nice as that would have meant there was some connection but I just smiled sweetly. Anyway to cut a long story short she never did get to do medium 75 as she said she would rather that I helped her with the lateral work postioning! I'm not sure if she was happy or not with her lot. Sometimes you just have to accept there are some people who just don't want to be helped!
Right, time for bed. I read that early risers are slimmer than night owls so on that premise and the fact that I ate two pancakes for lunch, I will get up before 7am and lose a pound or two!
Went to Stoneleigh today and had a really relaxing time with friends and associates. Some lovely horses, riders, shops and food! I especially liked the new saddle Equipe, that Charlotte made me try. When I finally managed to get on the saddle horse with the help of Simon, the saddle, which has memory foam instead of flocking, was comfortable and immediately put my legs in the correct position. I was stunned by the price, £1600. Blimey, only a bit more than a star spangled hat! Lovely Simon also made me struggle on to the deep seated version which was even better, another grand but worth every penny. Can't wait for Whoopi to grow up so that I can have one! Its nice to know that Simon and associates have done their homework on the structure of the horses back and I feel I can reccomend them to clients with confidence. I was then dragged around the shops by my friend Dan looking for bridles. He found what he wanted in Morgan Equine and I stopped to chat with Suzy who owned Pascal the sire of Pikeur. Of course she remembered him and I had to relay the tragic tale. Bless her she was really kind and quite sad to hear the news. On the way out I spied some hair nets with bling! I was just asking if they came in blonde when I was rudely dragged away! Seems when you shop with a man its all about them not you! Same as yesterday when I met Glen in town. I thought it would be great to have a gay friend to help me shop! Talk about reluctant! I think I am best shopping alone at least then I have time to think about what I want! Even in Guernsey I had to find an outfit in 15 minutes and was timed by wannabe Gok Lihou!
The judges course with JLC was brilliant! We only had 6 horses to look at but she is a legend and was so clear with her marks and great fun to be with. I learnt a lot in a short time despite the fact I learnt the new Inter II for 2012 instead of the current one. What a good job I wasn't judging the class. Reminds me of the last disastrous eventing dressage I ever judged at Mattingly a few years ago. The day went from bad to worse to 'I'm never judging eventing again!' (and I never have)the last straw was when a handsome chap arrived at our arena in his scarlet jacket (I think this denotes International) and proceeded to track the wrong way! I tooted the horn, he stopped and shouted, 'I'm doing horse trials test *A.' By which time I'd had enough anyway, so I shouted back, 'You might be sweetie, but we are doing horse trials test *B !!'
There are some great characters in the horse world. I came across one only the other day! I was doing some test riding with a bunch of great people when in pops a lady of more mature years on a nice chestnut horse. She informs me that there is a hurricane outside, in case I haven't noticed, and she hasn't worked in. So as we only had half an hour slots I suggested I helped her work in and then she could do the test. Well, first she said she didn't need help so we sat back and waited. Eventually she managed to trot round and have a canter, then she stopped and asked for advice so as he wasn't in front of the leg I suggested some short sharp transitions, to which I got told that she was not going to hassle her horse for anyone as it would make him tight over the back. Over the back would have been nice as that would have meant there was some connection but I just smiled sweetly. Anyway to cut a long story short she never did get to do medium 75 as she said she would rather that I helped her with the lateral work postioning! I'm not sure if she was happy or not with her lot. Sometimes you just have to accept there are some people who just don't want to be helped!
Right, time for bed. I read that early risers are slimmer than night owls so on that premise and the fact that I ate two pancakes for lunch, I will get up before 7am and lose a pound or two!
Monday, 12 September 2011
Tales of the unexpected
To all those who rode out today or schooled outdoors, I salute you! Sorry I can't take my hat off to you due to the 3 point harness! With winds of 65 mph and tree branches blowing across the fields I decided to leave my horses in and gave them both massages instead.The muck arrived at the muck heap well before the wheel barrow and it was hard work all round to stay on my feet when the stable doors were being whipped out of my grip. I am hoping it dies down tonight as I dont fancy the drive down to Crofton Manor tomorrow in gale force winds! Oh for an indoor school!
This time of year I always find my energy and enthusiasm start to fade and everything becomes a bit of a chore. However, with the long dark evenings approaching I have set up the old TV in my boudoir and sorted all my training videos out and intend to spend many hours watching and learning all that I can. If all else fails Reiner Klimke is a cure for my insomnia. He has that deep slow drawl and I find I never get to the second horse before nodding off. I have also bought Stephen Clarkes new DVD on Grand Prix which is great but the volume does not really go high enough to hear him clearly. Years ago before I was a listed judge, a friend of mine dragged me off on a freezing morning to sit in an outdoor school and watch training. It was a judges course and the trainer was from some far off land and spoke with a thick accent which I found hard to understand. In my attempt to keep warm and stop my feet from becoming blocks of ice I was wiggling my feet and seat when he suddenly shouted something at the rider that sounded like,'Shit hard'. I whispered to my friend,'Bloody hell! Is that a new movement?' Needless to say we ended up giggling uncontrollably! The worst thing was he did have on the tightest pair of breeches I have ever seen in my life and my friend was mesmerised by them. Indeed, at lunch she made the comment,'the budgie has escaped his cage,' which I had never heard before. Needless to say I didn't learn a lot about dressage that day! Not that I was that interested then, my heart was still in the show-jumping ring and I missed the quick wit and camaraderie of the riders I mixed with on the circuit. There was Nick, missed again, Turner and Ross the Goss Irvine and Alan Oliver and so many more. I can remember coming off night duty after 7 shifts and loading my two horses up and driving miles to a show, jumping 4 classes driving home and then partying until 4am! Ah for the energy of youth!
Some of the demos I have been on have been brilliant and others not so good but isn't that the same throughout life? How many of us have been taught the wrong thing early in training? or gone down the wrong route with a horse? How would we know that it was wrong until of course we learned otherwise? I watched a video clip today that someone put up of the Baucher system that is supposed to train horses to be light in the hand. I understood the premise but goodness the reins were long and although the horses did improve they were never over the back, quite hollow in fact. The video was made in USA so I'm wondering if this is a new fad or if they have it a bit wrong. Im sure Baucher did not mean to introduce collection before the horses were truly over the back. Anyway I would just like to say, to anyone reading, do not look any further than England for the best trainers. We are infinitely lucky to have some very talented trainers and riders. No longer do we get excited by foreign sounding names and run for the cheque book to sign up for a day of wisdom. Now we can just pop down the road and see fabulous horses and riders at shows or at home.
As we get older, and yes it does happen to all of us, it would be easy to become bitter and cynical. Life does not always work out the way we dreamed it would. If this was so I would be married, a famous show-jumper and have an indoor school! Rather than mourn the fact that we are on a downward slope our mature years should be spent passing on knowledge and wisdom. That is not to say that we shouldn't have a lot of fun too! I was intoduced to a lady a few years ago who has the nickname Granny Gange. Now she is in her later years but boy does she know how to have fun and is always the last to bed and the first up in the morning. I will eventually have to hang up my boots, well from competing anyway, and then I intend to travel to all the international shows across the world and partaay,partaay,partaay!
Not that I don't already of course!!
This time of year I always find my energy and enthusiasm start to fade and everything becomes a bit of a chore. However, with the long dark evenings approaching I have set up the old TV in my boudoir and sorted all my training videos out and intend to spend many hours watching and learning all that I can. If all else fails Reiner Klimke is a cure for my insomnia. He has that deep slow drawl and I find I never get to the second horse before nodding off. I have also bought Stephen Clarkes new DVD on Grand Prix which is great but the volume does not really go high enough to hear him clearly. Years ago before I was a listed judge, a friend of mine dragged me off on a freezing morning to sit in an outdoor school and watch training. It was a judges course and the trainer was from some far off land and spoke with a thick accent which I found hard to understand. In my attempt to keep warm and stop my feet from becoming blocks of ice I was wiggling my feet and seat when he suddenly shouted something at the rider that sounded like,'Shit hard'. I whispered to my friend,'Bloody hell! Is that a new movement?' Needless to say we ended up giggling uncontrollably! The worst thing was he did have on the tightest pair of breeches I have ever seen in my life and my friend was mesmerised by them. Indeed, at lunch she made the comment,'the budgie has escaped his cage,' which I had never heard before. Needless to say I didn't learn a lot about dressage that day! Not that I was that interested then, my heart was still in the show-jumping ring and I missed the quick wit and camaraderie of the riders I mixed with on the circuit. There was Nick, missed again, Turner and Ross the Goss Irvine and Alan Oliver and so many more. I can remember coming off night duty after 7 shifts and loading my two horses up and driving miles to a show, jumping 4 classes driving home and then partying until 4am! Ah for the energy of youth!
Some of the demos I have been on have been brilliant and others not so good but isn't that the same throughout life? How many of us have been taught the wrong thing early in training? or gone down the wrong route with a horse? How would we know that it was wrong until of course we learned otherwise? I watched a video clip today that someone put up of the Baucher system that is supposed to train horses to be light in the hand. I understood the premise but goodness the reins were long and although the horses did improve they were never over the back, quite hollow in fact. The video was made in USA so I'm wondering if this is a new fad or if they have it a bit wrong. Im sure Baucher did not mean to introduce collection before the horses were truly over the back. Anyway I would just like to say, to anyone reading, do not look any further than England for the best trainers. We are infinitely lucky to have some very talented trainers and riders. No longer do we get excited by foreign sounding names and run for the cheque book to sign up for a day of wisdom. Now we can just pop down the road and see fabulous horses and riders at shows or at home.
As we get older, and yes it does happen to all of us, it would be easy to become bitter and cynical. Life does not always work out the way we dreamed it would. If this was so I would be married, a famous show-jumper and have an indoor school! Rather than mourn the fact that we are on a downward slope our mature years should be spent passing on knowledge and wisdom. That is not to say that we shouldn't have a lot of fun too! I was intoduced to a lady a few years ago who has the nickname Granny Gange. Now she is in her later years but boy does she know how to have fun and is always the last to bed and the first up in the morning. I will eventually have to hang up my boots, well from competing anyway, and then I intend to travel to all the international shows across the world and partaay,partaay,partaay!
Not that I don't already of course!!
Friday, 9 September 2011
Another day...
Time is flying by and it looks like winter is going to be a long one. We may not get snow as I have ordered snow tyres this year as I don't want to be caught out again or feel unsafe. The biggest bug bear will be the school freezing. There must be an invention somewhere that can prevent this! Maybe I will think up one and make my millions by the end of this year.
There is a serious topic about vaccinations on BD. I have not broached it for ages as the wounds are still raw. Reactions to these beastly jabs are on the up and are causing suffering and worry for both horses and riders. Despite reporting these reactions it appears that the fat cats in the pharmaceutical companies couldn't care less. Our governing bodies dictate that to compete we must have up to date vaccinations. Do riders have a yearly flu jab? Do people get vaccinated for tetanus on a yearly basis? Tetanus in horses is a hidious desease but they are protected for up to 5 years with one vaccination, so cut the cost and the interaction between 2 vaccinations and ask for a seperate flu jab. Turning out on grass after the flu jab can have dire effects ie. laminitis as I found out to my cost. Helios is a well known homeopathic manufacturer who will make up rememdies for horses prior to having the toxin injected into their bodies and will also make up remedies to remove the toxins after the vaccination. I have found doing this does prevent the reactions although I would rather not vaccinate at all or at least not yearly. So if you are having problems, please, make a noise, a very big noise!
Nationals this coming week. Im off to do JLCs judges course and look forward to her sharp observation and quick wit. There are a lot of stands I want to visit. Centaur biomechanics have a new jacket that is said to help with riders position so I will be sampling that. Patey's Hats will get a visit from me to show support for their long term sponsorship of our sport which now will probably end, sadly. The Equestrian Film is showing a preview so that to will be on the card as well as the usual shopping spree! My enthusiasm however is a little dampened this year so I may restrict myself to one visit only. I do think it is time that the classes at the nationals are re-thought. Do we really need Preliminary and Novice restricted? I would rather have a longer master class or a bigger GP. Next year are we going to see air jackets being worn in these classes along with the skid lids? If the forum and H&H are anything to go by we surely will. Elegance will be a thing of the past as Mr Blobby takes to dressage! Really, if all these safety gadgets are necessary isn't it time to rethink your sport? Maybe take up golf instead? Horses are and always have been unpredictable but thats the risk you take when getting on one. Limitation of risk should be through thorough training and yes head protection too but also buying the appropriate horse for your skills. Everyone wants a Totilas, Uthopia or Vallegro but not everyone can train or ride these horses. Its no good having WOW movement if you are terrified everytime you get on. Perhaps reinforced underpants and tena ladies will now be a must along with valium and beta blockers.
I too have had my moments on horses that give the feeling of an electric time bomb. I have sat in tears in a lesson as the damned horse won't budge and had to be led by some kind soul around the arena, but he did get better eventually and I didn't resort to an air jacket and actually never came off him in all the time I had him. Would I buy another like him? Not on your nelly!! Not for all the movement in the world! I would much rather have a kind temperament and trainability than WOW factor. Its my enjoyment and my hobby so why add stress to an otherwise already stressful life? Leave that to the professionals who are the future of British Dressage and our Teams. The rest of us will watch in admiration, dream what if, and generally support from below, after all we all know our place dont we?
There is a serious topic about vaccinations on BD. I have not broached it for ages as the wounds are still raw. Reactions to these beastly jabs are on the up and are causing suffering and worry for both horses and riders. Despite reporting these reactions it appears that the fat cats in the pharmaceutical companies couldn't care less. Our governing bodies dictate that to compete we must have up to date vaccinations. Do riders have a yearly flu jab? Do people get vaccinated for tetanus on a yearly basis? Tetanus in horses is a hidious desease but they are protected for up to 5 years with one vaccination, so cut the cost and the interaction between 2 vaccinations and ask for a seperate flu jab. Turning out on grass after the flu jab can have dire effects ie. laminitis as I found out to my cost. Helios is a well known homeopathic manufacturer who will make up rememdies for horses prior to having the toxin injected into their bodies and will also make up remedies to remove the toxins after the vaccination. I have found doing this does prevent the reactions although I would rather not vaccinate at all or at least not yearly. So if you are having problems, please, make a noise, a very big noise!
Nationals this coming week. Im off to do JLCs judges course and look forward to her sharp observation and quick wit. There are a lot of stands I want to visit. Centaur biomechanics have a new jacket that is said to help with riders position so I will be sampling that. Patey's Hats will get a visit from me to show support for their long term sponsorship of our sport which now will probably end, sadly. The Equestrian Film is showing a preview so that to will be on the card as well as the usual shopping spree! My enthusiasm however is a little dampened this year so I may restrict myself to one visit only. I do think it is time that the classes at the nationals are re-thought. Do we really need Preliminary and Novice restricted? I would rather have a longer master class or a bigger GP. Next year are we going to see air jackets being worn in these classes along with the skid lids? If the forum and H&H are anything to go by we surely will. Elegance will be a thing of the past as Mr Blobby takes to dressage! Really, if all these safety gadgets are necessary isn't it time to rethink your sport? Maybe take up golf instead? Horses are and always have been unpredictable but thats the risk you take when getting on one. Limitation of risk should be through thorough training and yes head protection too but also buying the appropriate horse for your skills. Everyone wants a Totilas, Uthopia or Vallegro but not everyone can train or ride these horses. Its no good having WOW movement if you are terrified everytime you get on. Perhaps reinforced underpants and tena ladies will now be a must along with valium and beta blockers.
I too have had my moments on horses that give the feeling of an electric time bomb. I have sat in tears in a lesson as the damned horse won't budge and had to be led by some kind soul around the arena, but he did get better eventually and I didn't resort to an air jacket and actually never came off him in all the time I had him. Would I buy another like him? Not on your nelly!! Not for all the movement in the world! I would much rather have a kind temperament and trainability than WOW factor. Its my enjoyment and my hobby so why add stress to an otherwise already stressful life? Leave that to the professionals who are the future of British Dressage and our Teams. The rest of us will watch in admiration, dream what if, and generally support from below, after all we all know our place dont we?
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Democracy is dead!
British Dressage dropped a big bombshell yesterday by announcing rule changes for 2012. The one causing the biggest stir is the hat rule! According to BD we are not responsible enough to make our own decisions on head gear in dressage! Having been asked our thoughts on wearing skid lids (crash hats) they went ahead with the minority and have made the ruling that up to advanced all riders must wear one! Now I am not generally one for breaking rules but I do object to the way this was done and how quickly it has been introduced. Firstly having been 'consulted' and having chosen the FEI ruling: for young horse classes and young rider classes crash hats should be worn. 24% of members chose this option.
This was added to those who wanted these hats across the board which gave a majority (even though we were not voting merely consulting).This is my grouse as this is manipulation of figures and not a true picture at all. Even though I am happy to wear a skid lid when riding unknown or young horses and wear a beagler competing my older horse and a top hat when riding in advanced classes, I would like the freedom of choice. All riders at advanced and above may wear their top hats in the arena, so does that mean they are incapable of falling of in the arena? We have had no statistics relating to head injuries during dressage competitions in the last ten years ( I doubt there are any)so what is this ruling about? It has also been introduced very quickly leaving many poorer riders having to find funds for a new hat, many who have already just purchased at great expense a made to measure Patey.
Obviously if one wishes to compete then the new hats must be worn, however, if examples are to be set I would like to see all trainers wearing them at demos and at home and insisting that clients wear them when having a lesson. You cannot have a safety rule at competitions that does not follow suit at home, in my opinion, as if your head is at risk at competition then it surely is more so at home. Lets not forget that 99% of accidents happen at home!So no double standards please!
The forum is a place for opinions so all should be able to have one! I cannot understand why those who are against the rule or against the way it was brought in are being shouted down by those for the rule, after all they have got what they want. Seemingly it has been noticed that before the rule was announced several pros suddenly started wearing the skid lid, so were they privy to the information before the rest of us? Were they asked to wear the hats as an example? I don't have anything against that but do think it was suspicious. Shouting me down on a forum does nothing for credibility but talking over a coffee may earn respect.
The FEI talk about 'transparancy' in judging, shouldn't every thing to do with rules have the same?
Anyway I will be wearing the 'mushroom' that makes me totally deaf, so no callers for tests will be able to get through, perhaps the powers that be will allow radio mikes to be inserted into the new hat so that we can hear? We could also tune into FM radio whilst working in or phone a friend.
But what about the spectators, surely they should be protected from rampaging loose horses? Whilst doing a prize giving at the Area Festivals several over horsed ladies jumped off because they could not control their excited mounts. Unfortunately for the rest of us they were more incapable of controlling them from the ground! Which beggars the question that Dane Rawlings brought up, shouldn't we be looking at developing better seats so that these ladies don't fall on their pretty heads? Sadly over horsed riders are quite common because they think that it is big paces that will win. Some do of course, if correctly trained, but so do horses with lesser movement and better temperaments. First point of training: the horse must respect you on the ground.
Thats all I have to say on the matter. The subject is now closed and has been fiesty to say the least. I am off to Tescos to look at their skid lids and hope that those businesses that have had inside information and ordered in their very expensive hats manage to profit greatly from the new rule.
Happy hat hunting!
This was added to those who wanted these hats across the board which gave a majority (even though we were not voting merely consulting).This is my grouse as this is manipulation of figures and not a true picture at all. Even though I am happy to wear a skid lid when riding unknown or young horses and wear a beagler competing my older horse and a top hat when riding in advanced classes, I would like the freedom of choice. All riders at advanced and above may wear their top hats in the arena, so does that mean they are incapable of falling of in the arena? We have had no statistics relating to head injuries during dressage competitions in the last ten years ( I doubt there are any)so what is this ruling about? It has also been introduced very quickly leaving many poorer riders having to find funds for a new hat, many who have already just purchased at great expense a made to measure Patey.
Obviously if one wishes to compete then the new hats must be worn, however, if examples are to be set I would like to see all trainers wearing them at demos and at home and insisting that clients wear them when having a lesson. You cannot have a safety rule at competitions that does not follow suit at home, in my opinion, as if your head is at risk at competition then it surely is more so at home. Lets not forget that 99% of accidents happen at home!So no double standards please!
The forum is a place for opinions so all should be able to have one! I cannot understand why those who are against the rule or against the way it was brought in are being shouted down by those for the rule, after all they have got what they want. Seemingly it has been noticed that before the rule was announced several pros suddenly started wearing the skid lid, so were they privy to the information before the rest of us? Were they asked to wear the hats as an example? I don't have anything against that but do think it was suspicious. Shouting me down on a forum does nothing for credibility but talking over a coffee may earn respect.
The FEI talk about 'transparancy' in judging, shouldn't every thing to do with rules have the same?
Anyway I will be wearing the 'mushroom' that makes me totally deaf, so no callers for tests will be able to get through, perhaps the powers that be will allow radio mikes to be inserted into the new hat so that we can hear? We could also tune into FM radio whilst working in or phone a friend.
But what about the spectators, surely they should be protected from rampaging loose horses? Whilst doing a prize giving at the Area Festivals several over horsed ladies jumped off because they could not control their excited mounts. Unfortunately for the rest of us they were more incapable of controlling them from the ground! Which beggars the question that Dane Rawlings brought up, shouldn't we be looking at developing better seats so that these ladies don't fall on their pretty heads? Sadly over horsed riders are quite common because they think that it is big paces that will win. Some do of course, if correctly trained, but so do horses with lesser movement and better temperaments. First point of training: the horse must respect you on the ground.
Thats all I have to say on the matter. The subject is now closed and has been fiesty to say the least. I am off to Tescos to look at their skid lids and hope that those businesses that have had inside information and ordered in their very expensive hats manage to profit greatly from the new rule.
Happy hat hunting!
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