We have a digital converter and get Universal Sports. I loved watching this competition. The horse and the riders were all superb! Congratulations to them all! I think Rodrigo Pessoa should get a sportsmanship award for the detail he imparted to Al Sharbatly.
Sorry, I thought more areas had Universal Sports television coverage. We have Comcast in Pennsylvania. The coverage was perfect. Just in case it helps anyone, these are the areas that get it -
http://www.universalsports.com/tv-listings/Universal_Sports_on_TV.html
Yesterday I recalled why I enjoy the Final Four so much. For me, it’s not cheap thrills (that would be a Gambler’s Choice class, lol). It’s inspiring (and humbling) to see how well four riders handle different horses, and how adaptable the horses are. Before last night, I wondered if the Saudi rider belonged in that group, and he sure proved himself.
I get Universal through Cablevision in NY. Cablevision is owned by Debbie Dolan Sweeney’s family, maybe I have her to thank for it. Its just part of my regular pkg.
My parents get the Universal Sports TV station in PA…they have Comcast, but I’m not sure what package.
[QUOTE=TheBandit;5148700]
Was the feed OK for you? We had nothing but problems, it was constantly freezing. At least for the most part we had audio. Several other people were complaining of the same thing.[/QUOTE]
No, it was awesome - maybe the odd momentary skip at the beginning but that’s all. I paid for the feed after a friend in the Ottawa area raved about it. Maybe it’s a local internet provider issue?
The best part was the British commentators - knowledgeable, fair, positive - and they really add to the excitement. I watched some of the Universal Sports clips today and the commentary was…eh…
It was wonderful! The horses were great (I loved the mare but that Belgian horse looked great.) and the riders were such great sportsmen.
And I’m glad Hickstead won, altho I loved the mare. Well maybe she’ll be in London in a couple of years.
[QUOTE=farfel;5149320]
The best part was the British commentators - knowledgeable, fair, positive - and they really add to the excitement. I watched some of the Universal Sports clips today and the commentary was…eh…[/QUOTE]
I agree the British commentators were great!
Who were they?
What is the contraption Hickstead is ridden in? I’m watching it right now and have never seen that bitting system.
[QUOTE=moonriverfarm;5149402]
What is the contraption Hickstead is ridden in? I’m watching it right now and have never seen that bitting system.[/QUOTE]
IT looks like a mechanical hackamore and an eggbutt snaffle, and they are combined to one rein with a converter (i.e, like how both parts of a pelham are sometimes converted to one rein instead of the proper two).
Would never convert both those to a single rein personally, for a multitude of reasons, but I guess it works for Lamaze. The other riders have to ride each horse in it’s bridle, though they could change to their own saddle.
Looks like it does work well and from the looks of the two rounds so far, Hickstead is a handful!
I couldn’t figure out what Hickstead was wearing! I would be terrified to ride that horse:lol:
[QUOTE=MHM;5149342]
Who were they?[/QUOTE]
Philip Ghazala and Stephen Hadley 
The commentator on NBC seemed really critical of the Saudia guy…what was up with that:confused: The female one at least did.
I don’t think the male commentator knows much about the sport. He probably mostly reads the notes in front of him. The woman (Melanie Smith-Taylor) is the one who used to compete at the international level. She has a pretty good idea about the subject. 
[QUOTE=MHM;5149455]
I don’t think the male commentator knows much about the sport. He probably mostly reads the notes in front of him. The woman (Melanie Smith-Taylor) is the one who used to compete at the international level.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, but, why does she only have bad things to say about the Arab guy yet is all gushy over the other guys:confused:
Because she knows what she’s talking about? And because the other three riders have long, extensive winning records, including decades at the top of the sport?
[QUOTE=MHM;5149463]
Because she knows what she’s talking about? And because the other three riders have long, extensive winning records, including decades at the top of the sport?[/QUOTE]
Oh well Arab guy got the silver so poo on her:D:D:D
Hickstead comes out in all sorts of different bitting rigs - whatever - they seem to work for that combination. Variety seems to be what he needs.
[QUOTE=TheBandit;5148700]
Was the feed OK for you? We had nothing but problems, it was constantly freezing. At least for the most part we had audio. Several other people were complaining of the same thing.[/QUOTE]
The FEI TV coverage was flawless for me. No freezing, no quality issues, nothing. I also have very speedy internet, though, which I’m sure doesn’t hurt anything.
