"0.85m Grand Prix"...Do words have no meaning anymore?

[Cascades]

Okay, so I posted about this on another thread, but I really think it deserves it’s own discussion, particularly in light of Katie Prudent’s now notorious views on the matter…

The Plaid Horse recently had a post on Facebook lauding the winner of the “0.85m Grand Prix” at this week’s Midsummer Classic Horse Show. 0.85m GRAND PRIX.

Do the words Grand Prix mean nothing anymore? Now I can hop around the puddle jumpers and call myself a Grand Prix winner? Is this a result of the “dumbed down” culture that Ms. Prudent had so much to say about?

To me, riding in a Grand Prix should have meaning. I shouldn’t have to clarify that I mean the ACTUAL Grand Prix, not the 0.85m one…

Discuss?

[StormyDay]

I have been seeing 1.30 and 1.40 GPs for years now. I even saw a 1.20 grand prix once. (And yes, they are advertised as this)
An .85m Grand Prix is a fun way to draw jumpers to horse shows. Considering how lame the jumper divisions can be in some parts of the US that can be needed. I don’t think we should be getting all worked up over something like this. There have been 2’6" and even 2 foot derbies in shows too but I don’t see anyone freaking out over those. I am pretty sure everyone knows that if someone is jumping at the Grand Prix level they aren’t jumping .85m

[mmeqcenter]

Wow, I’d barely consider that a Mini Prix, much less a Grand Prix.
Baby Prix.
Puddle Prix?

[ladyj79]

It’s simple: don’t compete at shows that offer classes that you find abhorrent. For as much as KMP and GM are complaining, I don’t see them boycotting these shows. They should.

[lynne]

Words actually do have meaning; grand prix literally translates to grand prize. So if that class offered the most prize money of the show, it was the Grand Prix. But considering I could not stop autocorrect from capitalizing that, it is clear that the term has taken on greater connotations in our sport and many others. I do agree the show should have billed the class as a mini prix or classic.

[StormyDay]

@lynne

Words actually do have meaning; grand prix literally translates to grand prize. So if that class offered the most prize money of the show, it was the Grand Prix. But considering I could not stop autocorrect from capitalizing that, it is clear that the term has taken on greater connotations in our sport and many others. I do agree the show should have billed the class as a mini prix or classic.

Despite two years of French class in high school I still didn’t put that one together. :lol: Thank you for informing us, especially me!
I think this answers OPs question perfectly.

[supershorty628]

Who cares? Why does it matter? Does it affect your riding ability if a different class has a name that’s different from the norm?

There was a brief period of time where the National Horse Show had low, medium, and high junior jumpers, and for whatever reason, they called the classics the grand prixs instead. For some reason, I feel like it probably didn’t alter anyone’s life.

[SeeJaneGo82]

When I go see the bumper car ring at Six Flags and there is a sign/poster hanging that says “Daytona 500” i don’t run to the internet and say BUMPER CARS ARE NOT THE DAYTONA 500.

No kidding the .85 isn’t a real Grand Prix with national or FEI specs.

Relax.

[DrBeckett]

What does it hurt if someone like me who is not comfortable jumping over 2’6" anymore is jumping something called Grand Prix at 0.85m? Am I hurting your feelings. It’s supposed to be fun. Are we missing the point of all of this? Fun, enjoyment, accomplishment. If I can get all 3, I’m happy.

[Cascades]

Call it a classic, call it a mini prix, but, imo, calling it a Grand Prix is inappropriate. Alas, I also find shadbellies in the pony ring somewhat inappropriate, so I’m obviously behind the times. Still, to me, Grand Prix still means something. If we start calling everything a Grand Prix or a Derby, those words will eventually lose all meaning, which to me is a bit sad. :shrug:

[eclipse]

If you’d like to take I’d literally, it is the “Gand Prize” I’d the .85m division ! But really, what does it matter what they decide to all a class? You can bet if I won a cooler you’ve deemed so terrible at such a lowly height I’d have my horse wear and use it with pride… it’s an accomplishment AT ANY HEIGHT to go out have fun, do a good round at this sport we all are lucky enough to partake in and a win is a cherry on top… let’s stop this elitism snotty mcsnootism attitude, and hey here’s an idea, maybe instead of turning a nose up at those of us enjoying ourselves at these lowly heights, stop on by, and relearn what made you love this sport in the first place! (Hint… it wasn’t $$$$$$$ horses or trainers it JUST the love of horses no matter what!)

[Cascades]

I’m taking issue with calling anything and everything a Grand Prix. No where have I taken issue with the existence of low fence height classes. It isn’t about money or looking down on anyone, it’s about I think it’s stupid to call every class a Grand Prix.

And I love my horse just fine, thanks. :rolleyes:

[supershorty628]

What do you deem an appropriate height to earn the right to call itself a GP, OP?

[ladyj79]

@supershorty628

What do you deem an appropriate height to earn the right to call itself a GP, OP?

Right?! Cause the 1.15 five year old finals are the five year old grand prix. The 1.25 six year old finals are the six year old grand prix, and so on and so forth. And this is FEI. It’s so maddening when people who AREN’T riding at the top complain about stupid meaningless garbage that no one at “the top” cares one whit about. Ugh, stop complaining! Go ride!

[Cascades]

Aren’t the Grand Prix heights defined in the rule book - Regional, National, International?

[Madeline]

@eclipse

If you’d like to take I’d literally, it is the “Gand Prize” I’d the .85m division ! But really, what does it matter what they decide to all a class? You can bet if I won a cooler you’ve deemed so terrible at such a lowly height I’d have my horse wear and use it with pride… it’s an accomplishment AT ANY HEIGHT to go out have fun, do a good round at this sport we all are lucky enough to partake in and a win is a cherry on top… let’s stop this elitism snotty mcsnootism attitude, and hey here’s an idea, maybe instead of turning a nose up at those of us enjoying ourselves at these lowly heights, stop on by, and relearn what made you love this sport in the first place! (Hint… it wasn’t $$$$$$$ horses or trainers it JUST the love of horses no matter what!)

…and everyone gets a prize for participating…

[Cascades]

I’m really enjoying the personal attacks though. Super fun. Next time I’ll ask what I’m allowed to care about before starting a discussion topic. Apparently you’re only allowed to “discuss” if everyone agrees with you? I wasn’t aware.

[supershorty628]

@Cascades

Aren’t the Grand Prix heights defined in the rule book - Regional, National, International?

Sure, and some horse shows have a 1.40m prix, or a 1.30m prix, or a 1.35m prix. As I said above, the National Horse Show had a 1.20m low junior jumper grand prix (and a medium jr gp, and a high junior gp, and a real 1.60m gp).

Somehow, everyone survives all this GP business.

Edited to add, no one is personally attacking you, just seems like there’s more dissent than agreement with you.

[mmeqcenter]

I’m pretty sure riders can enjoy themselves just fine in a “Classic” or a “Mini prix.” What’s the point of calling it a Grand Prix? Isn’t that making them the “elitist”, the person who wants to feel all super special that they rode in a “Grand Prix”? Pure definitions are one thing, expectations in the community the terms are used in are another. If someone tells me they’re a Grand Prix rider, I assume they’re active competitors at 1.5m+. Not 0.85m. And I’m sure I’m not alone in that.

By all means, rock that cooler you won in a “low height” class; I am ALL FOR the lower heights and I compete in them. Not agreeing with calling it a Grand Prix doesn’t mean thinking the classes shouldn’t exist at all.

Grand Prix is defined in dressage. You won’t see a show bill offering a “Grand Prix Intro A” class. Why can’t we maintain a standard/definition for show jumping?

[Cascades]

I can think it’s stupid without implying it’s a life or death issue.