I see that Kate’s FB post has been removed. Was there any resolution or verdict?
@beowulf - interesting, I wonder why? It was a very well written and balanced post as per Kates understanding…
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She posted a comment that the original post “was creating too much drama and that was not her intent” but that her situation is “still under protest”.
Some commenters had pointed out that maybe it was illegal due to use with the Figure 8 noseband? (edit: I’ve seen pictures of a few others using a similar rope over the nose shank bit with the figure 8 noseband on XC at Kentucky this year) It sounds like the GJ was pretty specific that it was a bit issue and not the noseband though.
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I think she removed the photo due to drama. The rest of the post remains.
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She had two separate posts about it, with separate photos. She removed the second one. The first one is still up (or was when I last caught up on comments).
My intent was to warn other riders that the bit we all think is legal- just got me eliminated for being illegal. Unfortunately the drama that ensued was not the intent of the post and by that time I think I reached the people that needed to see it. No verdict yet, appeal in the works but still time for them to reverse their decision if they think they are wrong. Def pressure to make a decision quickly due to several riders heading to Badminton that also use that set up. Hope to know soon 
The noseband is a problem if the cord is under it - mine was over the noseband- this was never in question.
The picture posted above was what they used to eliminate me from the tack app- it’s from the bit accessories/ items or changes added to the bit section. It shows a tightened cord with multiple extra knots (not as manufactured) and under a noseband- clearly a modified version of the bit.
The other Myler bit in that section is also with the cord under a noseband ( modified application of the bit as the cord cannot slide and increased pressure)
If the bit IS deemed illegal - which I think is inaccurate since myself and many others across the globe have had it approved for use by fei stewards in the last week- my second route for appeal is the fact that other riders in the same division did not get questioned or eliminated for using the same set up. I’ve learned that if I go this path those riders will NOT be eliminated - but mine will be reversed from unlevel application of rules. Which makes me feel better if I have to go those route.
I will keep everyone posted of updates when I get them.
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The post was public so the typical drama from people who’ve never seen a horse in person ensued.
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sounds somewhat promising! Fingers crossed for you!
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@RooTheDay. My comments about Oliver Townend are based on observing him ride multiple horses, on multiple days, at multiple BE events for more than 20 years. In my opinion, he has learnt, changed and grown.
Last year at Badminton, pushing a very tired horse, was the first such behaviour for several years. He was pointedly not selected for the 2023 European Championships GB team. As I recall he was first, or one of the first, out on a course that was made exceptionally testing by the biblical rain on the day before and many other competitors subsequently withdrew. That day doesn’t change my opinion of the man.
Honestly, ten years ago I probably wouldn’t have defended him.
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I can think of several top riders like this. People whom I couldn’t, wouldn’t root for many years ago, but now have grown into someone much easier to respect.
I think it’s part of a lot of people’s evolution and journey.
The important part is that they actually evolve. Some do, some don’t.
I also disagree with a sentiment mentioned upthread that it’s more important how a rider treats their horses than how they treat people. I think they go hand in hand. If you lack empathy for your fellow humans, how much empathy can you truly have for your horses? Also, no one is alone in this sport. You don’t get a pass to be an absolute d*ck to your staff and peers if you are a brilliant horseman or woman. We accepted that for too many years and look how it turned out (George Morris anyone?).
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Got back home Monday night with happy horses and a seriously tired groom. Was a lovely and perfect week, and I couldn’t be more proud of my horses and rider! They got a good night sleep and are now turned out in a field for vacation.
Anxiously awaiting my days off to elevate these tired feet 
man, the ground was hard, and the excessive amounts of concrete at the horse park always do me in by the end of the week. I walked a total of 72 miles from Tuesday to Sunday (and then my usual 12 miles yesterday while working).
Hope everyone had a blast and fulfilled all their shopping needs!
Luckily we are sitting Tryon out so I have some peace until June.
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Which horses/rider did you groom for?
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I don’t share who I am and try to keep under the radar since I don’t want any of my comments to ever come back on my riders. Sometimes I like to speak more freely if I feel a topic is going in a direction that really needs an “insider” viewpoint. I’ve been a member of the forum since before I was even a professional (and I’ve been a groom for 15 years now). I’m sure it’s probably easy nowadays with the way the internet works to sort out who I am but at least this way keeps me posting from time to time still.
Happy to answer anyones questions about the weekend or any other general grooming topics as always! If you have sorted out who I am and ever see me, I’m more than happy to lend you a hand if I have a minute or lend you something you forgot or put some quartermarks on your horse or show you how I braid, etc. Just ask!
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I get it! I was there as a photographer and was going to see if I had any photos of your horses. 
But I totally understand staying anonymous.
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This is such a generous and kind offer. Speaks volumes to your character.
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Don’t give me too much credit - almost all of the pro grooms are like me. We are a big family that helps each other out and stocks each others favorite drinks in our coolers. If you do it long enough, you WILL forget to pack every possible item at least once and you will have to have someone random hold your most valuable horse while you tend to some other chaotic happening
We all just love horses and want to see everyone succeed.
(And yes, Steph really is that cool and funny)
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I hope you weren’t referencing me, because I didn’t say that “it’s more important how a rider treats their horses than how they treat people”. What I said was “Also, personally I don’t loathe him because of the way he treats people - it’s how he treats horses that I have the problem with.”
Emphasis on the word “personally” and I never said it was more important to treat animals better than people. It was not my intention to imply that people can be nice to their animals and treat people like $h!t. My point was more actually the opposite - people can be nice to a person and still be horrible to animals behind closed doors. Normally I don’t get into a “he said / she said” match with people on here, but I do feel it is important for me to clarify.
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I have a lot more empathy and care for all my animals than I do for most humans.
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This, like a thousand times.
Heck, take a look at safesport and how many of these supposedly wonderful people that everyone loves are actually secretly abusing children. Being nice in public means NOTHING.
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Agree. I know someone that adores animals and will bend over backwards for them. But people? Nah. He’d prefer to have nothing to do with people.
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