Simon Reynolds on how he’s been impressed by a prime eventer, why the equestrian world wants to drag collectively now greater than ever, and constructive steps ahead
Occasions are altering quickly; the horse world and the folks concerned have modified past all recognition. With the current cloud of controversy surrounding the Olympics, we should all bear in mind that equestrian sport is beneath a microscope, and sometimes from non-horsey, social media-driven mouthpieces. Whereas some claims are fairly legitimate, others are worrying.
Following the Olympics protection, I noticed some feedback stating that as a result of a horse was “frothing on the mouth”, this should be merciless. Others had been calling for a blanket ban on using.
Nonetheless, we mustn’t be drawn into the sensationalism of present equine affairs, and we should look ahead as to how we will make constructive adjustments to the game. Right this moment, individuals are inspired to talk out, and to have an opinion on virtually something, and I do suppose that the voices that basically matter are the members of any society.
With out the membership, there isn’t a society.
As a board member of the British Present Horse Affiliation, I feel that there have been some constructive adjustments this 12 months, and I hope there are extra deliberate on the horizon to assist drive in the direction of a fairer and stage enjoying subject.
I wish to reassure the members that the formulation of the brand new committees is working properly. Members are inspired to contact or method a board member on a sure committee (the main points of that are on the web site) the place a matter might be mentioned after which introduced ahead to the entire board.
It’s constructive that no single particular person is in command of decision-making, and it’s a collaborative and democratic course of, which is working properly.
It was actually time for a shake up, and there’s room for extra enchancment. Communication is vital. I feel some folks have the notion that societies are a “closed store” so to talk, and prior to now, I feel this will likely have been the case, however now fortunately instances are altering.
We have now sadly had a number of accidents this 12 months within the exhibiting world, and it’s a stark reminder of the hazard we will all face and highlights a sobering perspective. I do want David Ingle, Kimberley Minchin and Sarah Walker swift recoveries.
“We may be taught so much from Ros”
With the lows, additionally come the highs. I’ve been impressed not too long ago by eventer Ros Canter. The best way she dealt with the frustration of her Olympic cross-country penalty was pure class. She was not drawn into controversy and accepted the choice gracefully, particularly on digicam, just like the true skilled that she is.
We may all be taught so much from Ros’s angle; a masterclass in composure and professionalism, regardless of disappointment and stress. She is proof that onerous work and dedication repay, as she has secured phenomenal outcomes of gold medals on the Olympics and Europeans and has received at Badminton and Burghley.
A breed spectacle
It was fantastic to see the inaugural Irish Draught courses on the Royal Worldwide. Enormous thanks should go to collection sponsor British Horse Feeds for supporting a brand-new class and believing within the idea; additionally, to Hickstead for internet hosting the courses, and the Irish Draught Horse Society for working so onerous within the organisation of it.
It was encouraging to see such an enormous variety of high quality horses ahead, and it drew fairly a crowd of spectators. What a momentous step ahead to showcase and future-proof the breed. I urge anyone who has a horse with Irish Draught breeding to look of their passport and think about the category for subsequent 12 months. The factors for a part-bred is 25% Irish Draught.
What a momentous step: Simon celebrates the inaugural Irish Draught finals on the RIHS, the place Goosey Gander and Katie Jerram-Hunnable reigned champions. Credit score: Alex Robinson
● How do you’re feeling societies may contain their members extra in choice making? Tell us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and nation, for the possibility on your letter to look in a forthcoming difficulty of the journal
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