WAtched some videos on line and then saw the NBC special and taped that.
I love that Hickstead won, but yes, that bit looked scary!!!
Hickstead showed in that snaffle/hackmore combo and hacked in a different bit in the mornings. I believe I have photos of both - will have to find them.
Well, now I feel a little better. Went back and replayed the ending that I missed. Think the right guy won it, liked the nice quiet way he rode. Noticed that he was giving Hickstead little pats all through the warmup. Just have to like someone who kisses his horse when it’s all over.
I really wanted Phillipe to win. A great, quiet rider that I think was a bit overshadowed by Eric & Rodrigo and the young Arab… And I LOVE his horse (and he does too!)… I actually told the Chef de Mission for the Belgium team that if Vigo missed his flight home, I’d make sure he was well taken care of LOL!!
Hickstead has been in that hackamore/bit combo in the show ring for a while. I don’t think it’s anything new for him, at least in the last year.
Thanks - very interesting shots. I feel I should write to the media and ask them to tell their cameraman to spend more time filming the horses and their tack and not always the riders, as they film them. Not that they would listen since probably few viewers are interested in those details (not like us!)
loved it loved it loved it! How fun to watch phillipe ride so well and show such obvious affection for Hickstead and his wonderful vigo! Rare sight to see such emotion! :yes:
I loved Philippe’s interview when he was singing the praises of Hickstead and Vigo. Loved the hugging of everyone around him…
Great pictures!
Is that electrical tape on the bit converter? Love it. :lol:
[QUOTE=MHM;5151874]
Great pictures!
Is that electrical tape on the bit converter? Love it. :lol:[/QUOTE]
Looks like it. Since it extends over the bit I wonder if its purpose is to keep the rein from sliding on the bit ring.
New question: There appear to be two rein stops on the near-side rein. A conventional one on the “wrong” side relative to the martingale and a wider one between the martingale ring and the bit. What is the purpose of that?
