Your post makes no sense.
Everyone knows Reining is quite popular stateside, no one would argue that. However it is not, as you contend, popular in Europe. It may be growing in popularity, but it lags way behind the Olympic disciplines.
Reining can not get into the Olympics on the back of being popular in just the US. If that was the case then Cutting, Rodeo and Tennessee Walkers would be Olympic sports.
[QUOTE=Drvmb1ggl3;3489486]
Your post makes no sense.
Everyone knows Reining is quite popular stateside, no one would argue that. However it is not, as you contend, popular in Europe. It may be growing in popularity, but it lags way behind the Olympic disciplines.
Reining can not get into the Olympics on the back of being popular in just the US. If that was the case then Cutting, Rodeo and Tennessee Walkers would be Olympic sports.[/QUOTE]
Reining is really growing in Europe. We have sold horses that are now competing in Germany.Sweden,Uk, and Switzerland… Anyone who watched the reining at Aachen Weg will realise how the sport has been correctly marketed and promoted in Europe. Australia and other pacific nations… ie NZ, New Caledonia, as well as dutch antilles etc are all fielding VERY competitive riders. The best thing to happen to reining recently was the fact that USA did NOT win the individual gold at WEG…proving that the sport can easily develop
I believe that unless the FEI take some responsibility and actually aproach the IOC with a plan to have permanent facilities on each continent, back it up by saying we will do this if you also add reining and endurance and maybe vaulting…it just might work!
Nah, Cutting is too expensive, all the cattle charges!
Seriously,It is prohibitive to the common person. Most people don’t have room for cows at home.Plus you have to rotate them out every 3 months or so, unless you want to get buffalo…Then there is the extra strong fencing…THere is a lot more to it, than just sitting there letting your horse keep the cow out.
Plus if you draw bad cows…:winkgrin:
You would need more cows than polo ponies!
Tn Walkers!!!:eek: Olympics, um, you are just silly.:lol:
Rodeo.Cows.:winkgrin:
I’m telling, ya. bull ridng! it would be The biggest draw for the GENERAL PUBLIC!!:winkgrin:
It IS a JOKE!!!:yes::winkgrin::lol:
With reining, the crowd can get into the whole run & yell DURING the run when the horse makes a good slide or spin , & the horses don’t get upset.
THanks belambi!
[QUOTE=Drvmb1ggl3;3489486]
Everyone knows Reining is quite popular stateside, no one would argue that. However it is not, as you contend, popular in Europe.
Reining can not get into the Olympics on the back of being popular in just the US.[/QUOTE]
Adding to that, the obvious aspect of getting a “new” sport into the Olympics requires henceforth that it be a global sport. That means measured interest from spectators and participation as well as the accessability (how much in cost and venue) with the sport. Yes, reining is huge in the US. You can add to that success in Italy and Germany. However without it being represented on all continents I doubt it will ever advance forward.
By comparison polo is far more global and part of many modest communities - from Pakistan to Argentina - yet it will never return to the Olympics no matter how much that sport’s organizers try. The size of the land required is a massive problem but also compounded with other cost and organizational problems.
The NEW FEI World REining Championships starts on the 10th , so I guess, we’ll see how that is received. There are teams from Great Britain, the US, Canada, THe Dominicn Republic, The Russian Federation, Germany, Italy, South Africa,Austria,Australia and more!
THere are 20 countries in the European affiliate list & those are only the ones who turned in membership lists! Then there are those in the South Pacific. Six continents are represented.You can go to www.NRHA.com
The Use of Greenwich Park, London for equestrian sports in 2012 Olympics
My response to the interview with Princess Haya and the article in the following week’s edition of H&H is that it appears that Greenwich was chosen for two reasons:- one, so that we have a site as close to central London as possible, and two, simply so that we have an impressive background with the Queen’s House encased in a grandstand. Little serious regard appears to have been given to the site’s overall suitability. Covering 183 acres this is the oldest Royal Park in London, and home to herds of deer and other wildlife. In addition to the pruning and possible felling of some of the ancient trees, at least one water complex will have to be constructed, as although there is a small lake at the top end of the Park there are no other natural water features. The damage to the park will be incalculable and will take years to recover. The site is accessible only on three sides and I understand the Blackwall Tunnel will be closed for part or all of the Games. The Park itself, in addition to the preparation period which, when you include the test event in 2011 (mandatory under the rules of the International Olympic Committee), will be closed for many months. With horse sports still viewed as “elitist” this is not the way to endear equestrianism to the inhabitants of South London, who will derive no benefit from these competitions as the site will be dismantled immediately after the Games.
Mr Mike Etherington Smith, who designed the cross-country course at the recent games in Hong Kong, has said that he is “absolutely sure Greenwich can accommodate a cross-country course”. However he appears to omit to take into account that these Games were divided between two sites. At Sha Tin Racecourse (where the dressage and show jumping took place) there was, already in place, seating for 18,000 in the grandstands, 13 schooling arenas, gallops for fast work, state of the art stabling, and the racecourse veterinary hospital. The cross-country course itself took place at Beas River Country Club, a 20 minute drive from Hong Kong. Greenwich is starting from scratch and is expected to find room for everything: cross country course, main arena, schooling and warm-up areas, stabling for over 200 horses (based on this year’s numbers), storage facilities for show jumps, tractors, levelling and raking equipment, media facilities, veterinary and first aid sites and a drainage system to be constructed. You only have to look at the Environmental Impact Assessment Report of 2005 put together for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, to realise the enormity of the site at Sha Tin, which is far greater than was visible on television. How can Greenwich accommodate a fraction of this, and erase all trace of it afterwards?
In addition I understand that 200,000 tickets were available for all disciplines in Hong Kong, with available tickets restricted to just 10,000 for cross-country day, in a country which, other than racing, does not have an equestrian tradition. That is not the case here, where Badminton regularly admits over 200,000 on cross-country day alone. Greenwich will not be able to accommodate a fraction of this number. How insulting to our own supporters if they are barred from their sport in their own country. And the spectators too will need facilities: toilets, catering, first aid stations and of course either parking or improved public transport facilities. Where is it all to go?
Views have been expressed that equestrianism in our Olympics needs an “iconic” backdrop. What is wrong with Windsor, with its 5,000 acres of parkland to play with, the Castle and the Copper Horse? The infrastructure is substantially already in place as it is host to the 2009 European Dressage and Showjumping Championships. It has easy access off the motorway and Heathrow is virtually next door. The venue fulfils the 30 mile radius from the host city requirement and it could be spectacular.
Although there will be a whole army of veterinary surgeons in attendance at the Games, any horse that requires more than first aid will have to be transported to a specialist equine hospital, of which there are several of world class standard near London. In all cases the journey time is considerably shorter and less stressful from Windsor where one has virtually instant access to motorways than from Greenwich which would almost certainly entail a journey through London. With horse welfare of paramount importance I am not sure if this has been fully considered.
Of course it would be regrettable if equestrianism were to be taken out of the Games altogether, particularly those held in this country. It is one of the few sporting areas in which we continually achieve on the world stage. However by insisting on pursuing plans for a venue which will be of no lasting benefit to anybody and, in addition, will cause permanent, lasting damage to a World Heritage Site, we will be playing into the hands of those people who oppose the inclusion of equestrianism at future Games. It should be remembered the Hong Kong Games were blessed by their Jockey Club subsidising a huge part of the cost. The Games in London are to be funded out of public money, via the National Lottery and Sport UK, which is accountable to the government. If the funding of the equestrian games here is under scrutiny and its future uncertain, then logic might indicate that it is sensible to reduce costs to the public purse by utilising existing facilities (as they did in Hong Kong). There is no reason why the venue cannot be moved now; some other sites have already been moved, e.g. rowing to Eton; perhaps another reason for using Windsor. Hong Kong was selected after it became apparent that Beijing could not hold these competitions there, and it was moved 1,200 miles. I am sure we could move it to Windsor, or anywhere else more suitable, just as easily.
[QUOTE=Beverley;3483570]
I vote in favor of keeping the equestrian events at the Olympics. For a number of reasons, including: first, precisely BECAUSE equestrian sports are low in spectator popularity in parts of the world (not in Europe), it is a friendly reminder that horse sports are still around. Second, it’s more fun to watch than rhythmic gymnastics. Third, for any athlete in any sport, just getting to the Olympics is an awesome experience. [/QUOTE]
I agree.
Being dropped from the Olympics would be a serious blow to the sport. Judging is a problem- then there needs to be pressure to fix it. Testing is a problem- then there needs to be pressure to fix it.
I am not opposed to dropping dressage however- even though personally I do love to watch it.
Excellent, well-informed and logical take on the issue Daffodil. I certainly hope that you are involved, somehow, in British horse sport and can make ‘your’ voice heard for the London games.
PS (edited to add) If ‘they’ can piss off the Brits re horse sport in the Olympics…‘they’ can piss off anybody!
You would think that if there was one thing the British could do really well, it would be the equestrian events. I fear space is the problem for them and spectators. Time to start re-cultivating relationships with relatives that I have sort of lost touch with over the years…
I can certainly see Eventing going for logistical reasons but jumping and Dressage are way too easy to pull off no matter where you go as long as you’re sensible about creating a good venue and it’s easier for some countries to field teams for both of those than it is for Eventing. I think dropping horse sports from the Olympics as a whole would be great but at the same time, it also would be a great loss, especially as a showcase for those countries like Japan who might not compete in equestrian competitions under normal circumstances.
Good question – why not Windsor? And what about Prince Charles - he has always been very committed to historic preservation (and restoration). Couldn’t he help?
[QUOTE=YankeeLawyer;3507162]
Good question – why not Windsor? And what about Prince Charles - he has always been very committed to historic preservation (and restoration). Couldn’t he help?[/QUOTE]
I think the question everyone is asking - at least over there - is “Why not Windsor?” Public perception over there is that the RF does NOT wish to have Windsor Great Park overrun w/ the hoi polloi. The RF really does need to step up to the plate on this one but, ill-advised as they are, I very much doubt that they will.
Also, I don’t think most Americans realize how very, very hard the winds of change have blown in the UK, with a vast majority of people now considering equestrian sport elitist and useless. We only THINK the U.K. still supports horse sports. Believe me, it does not. Put to a referendum in the U.K. tomorrow, horse sports would NOT make an appearance at the next Games.
Excellent post, Daffodil! BTW - what about that equestrian facility (the name escapes me, therefore I can’t find the link) which is located east of London somewhere? The one the British team trained at for Hong Kong? Is there enough room for an XC course there?
Windsor has BAD ground and is open to the public already.
It depends where you are in the UK when taking your referendum.
There is a HUGE city/country GULF/WAR and this is just another skirmish.
There are many more factors at work (besides horses), which have been woven into the British psyche over centuries. It’s very hard to remove them from the equation. Horse sports are merely a target for the outlet of many different prejudices.
The BEF POV;http://www.bef.co.uk/The_Olympic_&_Paralympic_Games/Frequently_Asked_Questions_about_Greenwich.html
The opposing view led by the Evening Standard; http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-olympics/article-23546123-details/Olympics+minister+orders+rethink+over+2012+plans+for+Greenwich+park/article.do(suggest you review the rest of the paper to see where they are coming from!)
I don’t think your “average city person” knows even that much about Olympic equestrian sport. From what is shown on TV, IF that ACP watches at all, s/he would just know that horses run around a ring jumping colorful jumps. At least that is my experience of ACPs.
That said, why not use Badminton? Or, as others here have said, Windsor? The “hoi polloi,” after all, come out in crowds for the Garter Ceremony and other events, and Windsor provides port-a-loos, etc., for them. Maybe those are only one-day events, but could not the same thing be done for the Olympics?
[QUOTE=Happy Feet;3484249]
As long as there is ping pong in the Olympics, I think Dressage should be also.[/QUOTE]
Exactly!
I must disagree with you, War Admiral. Windsor Great Park is made available by The Royal Estates for an immense variety of activities, mainly horse related, throughout the year. It hosts the Royal Windsor Horse Show for the best part of a week at the beginning of the season; and the National Carriage Driving Championships are taking place there this weekend; The Windsor Park Equestrian Club’s schedule for this year occupies every weekend and some weekdays for all disciplines (SJ, Dressage and Driving) and the European SJ and Dressage Championships are to be held there next year.
There is hardly a weekend when something is not going on! Add into that Smiths Lawn for the polo and BE one day events, and it’s a busy old place! The Queen is herself immensely supportive of all events which take place in the Park and is seen at some when she can attend. That said, as a member of the IOC and President of the British Olympic Association, The Princess Royal has yet to make a public comment on this discussion.
Originally Posted by Equibrit
I am quite happy that horse sports will never find popular support amongst the masses. It means we will probably never have to;
Wear sequins.
Make public appearances at grocery stores.
Appear in People Magazine.
Make TV commercials.
Have “Viagra” embroidered on a saddle pad.
Give clinics to large middle aged housewives.
Witness more horse abuse.
etc, etc, etc.
“Large [read “rotund”] middle-aged housewife” chiming in here:
You mean I can never ride in a clinic given by Hini Romeike? Oh, shoot, and here I’ve been practicing my equiGerman for weeks now!
Daffodil, I’m well aware of all the events you cite. However, I’m sure you’ll agree that none of them are the size and scope of the Olympics.
We’re on the same page as to the complete unsuitability of the present venue. Something else does need to be found.
[INDENT]Who’s “public perception” are you referring to exactly?
Bumper Royal Windsor enjoys five superb days
[/INDENT]
[INDENT]
Brilliant sunshine and record temperatures set the seal on a glorious Royal Windsor Horse Show 2008 with huge crowds enjoying five days of superb competition
[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The traditional start to the outdoor show season was given a boost this year with the return of international show jumping after 10 years. Fourteen senior British riders lined up against competitors from eight countries ‑ Ireland, France, Spain, Russia, Sweden, Jordan, Argentina and Portugal[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The international action began on Thursday and concluded on Sunday with a dramatic Royal Windsor Grand Prix being won by Michael Whitaker, Britain’s leading world ranked rider who partnered Amai to victory at the horse’s first three star FEI Grand Prix. William Funnell took second place with Cortaflex Billy Birr with Duncan Inglis and Sunkist in third[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Michael Whitaker said: "It has been a great show. The organisation has been good and the footing is superb. It is good to have another international show in this countryEdge of seat action in the Pimms-sponsored International Six Bar competition was one of the highlights of a packed Saturday programme with Peter Charles and Murkas Pom d’Ami scoring the only third round clear with the last fence set at just under 2m[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The Accenture-sponsored Young Rider classes generated huge interest as the final selection trial for the European Championship team and culminated on Sunday with the Grand Prix which was won by Nicole Pavitt with Maestro De Rend Peine[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Show jumper Mark Armstrong was among riders welcoming the return of international jumping to Windsor. “We are lucky to have this surface to jump on. It’s a show to be proud of. I’d rather be here than in La Baule”[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The international jumping followed 12 hours of National Jumping classes on the first day of the show. There was a truly international flavour in the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix with a top level international competition being won by Australia’s Boyd Exell. With the Dutch drivers competing in Holland, there was the opportunity for other leading drivers to pick up world cup qualification. This paid dividends for Benjamin Allaud of France who took first place in the marathon. Legendary British driver George Bowman and leading British women drivers, sisters Pippa and Karen Bassett were also in action as visitors soaked up one of Royal Windsor’s most exciting spectacles[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Onlookers lined the Copper Horse Arena on Sunday to watch as HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with HM The Queen’s Fell ponies led a concours d’elegance by the British Driving Society[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Show rings were packed throughout with record entries in some classes. One of the highlights from the showing classes came on the opening day as, with HM The Queen watching from the ringside, her homebred riding horse Petition and Katie Jerram took the riding horse championship. By Petoski, the six-year-old gelding was second as a novice at Royal Windsor in 2007. HM The Queen’s Highland filly Balmoral Bluebell stood reserve in the Land Rover Mountain and Moorland In-Hand Championship[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Meanwhile, there was a record third win in three years for Carol Bardo’s Silverstream II who headed the heavyweight hunter section[/INDENT]
[INDENT]In keeping with the military traditions of the show which was founded in 1943 to raise funds for the Wings for Victory Campaign, there were several competitions for the armed services ranging from tent pegging to skill at arms. In the show piece Land Rover-sponsored Services Team Jumping Competition, a clear round by Lieutenant Commander Kate Welch and It’s Himself secured victory for the Royal Navy A Team. Second place went to the Defence Animal Centre’s ‘A’ team, with the Army Medical Services ‘A’ Team in third[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The Household Cavalry Best Turned Out Trooper, sponsored by Hermes, was presented by HM The Queen to Windsor-based Trooper Chris Jackson and his horse William[/INDENT]
[INDENT]A series of demonstrations staged for the first time in the Copper Arena by the British Horse Society resonated with visitors who were treated to a snapshot of everything equestrian. This daily programme show-cased all aspects of the work of the Society from training to riding and road safety with the highlight being a Masterclass by British Olympic eventing team coach Yogi Breisner[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The British Horse Society was also in the spotlight early in the show when HM The Queen presented HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with the BHS Queen’s Award for his services to equestrianism. BHS Chief Executive Graham Cory said: "All the masterclasses have been very well received - the feedback from members of the public has shown that they have enjoyed it and learned a lot. From our point of view this is definitely something we would like to repeat[/INDENT]
[INDENT]With a packed array of showing classes and attractions including a fantastic range of 200 shops, the Land Rover 4X4 ‘experience’, The Royal Windsor Food and Drink Festival, entertaining displays in the main arena from tent-pegging to the Shetland pony grand national and Pony Club mounted games, the show proved a real crowd puller with thousands of spectators flocking to the show over the five days[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Royal Windsor Horse Show Organiser Simon Brooks-Ward said: "The glorious weather has brought out the best in Windsor. We have had fantastic crowds and packed stands. I have never seen so many people watching international show jumping and all the other displays and activities in the arena[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Despite what seems to be a recession, it has been a bumper year for Windsor. I am delighted that we have brought international jumping back for the first time in 10 years. This year’s programme is part of the build up to hosting the 2009 European Show Jumping and Dressage Championships next August which will be a huge event for horse sport in this country. The success of jumping at this year’s show will mean that it is something that we can build on for the future[/INDENT]
[INDENT]He added that both the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo and preparations for the European Championships had brought significant developments to the infrastructure of this year’s show[/INDENT]
[INDENT]We have increased places in the stands around the main arena by more than 2000 seats which means that more of our spectators can catch the action. We have installed several miles of metal tracking walkways all around the showground which is all part of improving conditions for spectators and exhibitors alike[/INDENT]
[INDENT]For the first time, the action in the main arena has been relayed live on a vast TV screen. "Royal Windsor is already one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. All these elements are part of our vision to become a first-class international show jumping venue[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Next year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show will take place from 14th-17th May 2009 and will be a test event for the 2009 European Dressage and Show Jumping Championships which are set to take place on the Royal Windsor showground from 25th-30th August[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Royal Windsor Horse Show Facts and Figures:[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Outgoing Royal Windsor Horse Show Committee Chairman Michael Bullen was presented with The Geoffrey Cross Memorial Trophy by HM The Queen. He will be succeeded in the role by Col Stuart Cowen[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The Daks-sponsored Pony Club Mounted Games was won convincingly by the England team of Francesca Reeve (Bramham Moor), Georgia Drummond (Cheshire Hunt North), Patrick Crane (Devon & Somerset), Katie Barrett (Oakley Hunt West), Amber Williams (Old Berkley Hunt North), April Wilson (Banwell) with Wales; Chloe Edwards (Berwyn & Dee), Sophie King (Sir W W Wynn’s Hunt), Olivia Corbett (Sir W W Wynn’s Hunt), James Dawson (Tanatside Hunt), Bethan Johnson (Tredegar Farmers), Owain Williams (Banwen) in second and Republic of Ireland; Ashley O’ Sullivan (Kildare), Ben O’Connor (Kildare), Helen Keatley (Kildare Hunt), Kate O’Connor (Tipperary), Kate Muluihill (Tipperary), Simon McKeever (Meath) in third place[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The show played host to the ever-popular Shetland Pony Grand National Accumulator contest now in its 27th year[/INDENT]
[INDENT]There were 2500 equine entries to the show over five days[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The new arena seated 5000 - this will be expanded to 8000 for the 2009 European Championships[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Refreshments consumed included[/INDENT]
[INDENT]2500 bags of ice[/INDENT]
[INDENT]25,000 litres of mineral water[/INDENT]
[INDENT]2.1 tonnes of salmon[/INDENT]
[INDENT]5,000 pints of beers[/INDENT]
[INDENT]30,000 soft drinks[/INDENT]
[INDENT]rubbish bins around the site were served by a team of 200 staff[/INDENT]
Some interesting discussion going on here:
http://www.the2012londonolympics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12262&highlight=equestrian
