Per some discussion on H & H. It seems there is a rule that prohibits using the whip after the last fence. He apparently did. It’s in the discretion of the ground jury whether or not to take action.
Also after an appeal, the French scores have changed.
gee, you’d think he would know that…
I saw him do that and was horrified… as I figured this would come up. Wondered if he would be penalized somehow.
No. Not allowed.:no:
Yes, you would think he would know.
Just watched the replay, looks like he went to the stick twice. What will happen now?
The FEI rule is as follows (Article 520):
Don’t forget that Toddy was retired for about 8 years or so, could it be a rule that came into effect during that time? Doesn’t excuse him of course, he still needs to be aware of the current rules. What is the usual penalty for this infraction? I have a feeling they won’t do much to a big name like Mark Todd though.
I guess if the ground jury doesn’t decide to eliminate him, they will bring horse abuse charges against him at the FEI or maybe just give him a yellow card.
I don’t read it that way. The Ground Jury has the discretion to eliminate him, or not. There is no definitive “must have horse abuse charges” or “must have yellow card”.
If the Ground Jury decides it’s horse abuse, they can impose any of the following:
Yellow card if anything. Will mean nothing other than he can’t compete in fei for two mos. but starts after comp. is over. I think that’s right.
The rule has no teeth if the ground jury has the unlimited discretion whether or not to apply it at all. There is no intent requirement in the “after the last fence” language. It’s very clear and specific that using the whip after the last fence is WRONG. So if a rider does something WRONG and does it deliberately, there must be SOME consequence, even if it isn’t bad enough to trigger what we would think of as horse abuse. Otherwise the rule is just words on a page.
[QUOTE=Leprechaun;6467742]
Yellow card if anything. Will mean nothing other than he can’t compete in fei for two mos. but starts after comp. is over. I think that’s right.[/QUOTE]
No, that is only if they get two yellow cards within 12 months. Check FEI Eventing Rules Article 520 (linked above).
At the discretion of the Ground Jury seems to leave some room for punishment other than elimination, perhaps something that would keep the Kiwis and MT still in contention? I didn’t even know that rule existed.
Oh. If it’s two then nothing will come of it. Too vague.
I wonder if one of the other countries has to make an official protest to the ground jury?
How To Go From Horseman of the Century to Yellow Card in 24 hrs . . .
I hate when things get sticky.
For those who watched his run, any idea why he felt it necessary to go to the whip after the last fence? Obviously we don’t know what was in his head, but what appeared to be the intent?
His horse was beginning to slow and he was within less than two or three seconds from the finish line. With the whip, he still finished .6 seconds over.
[QUOTE=BAC;6467768]
At the discretion of the Ground Jury seems to leave some room for punishment other than elimination, perhaps something that would keep the Kiwis and MT still in contention? I didn’t even know that rule existed.[/QUOTE]
Yes, there is room for punishment other than elimination - I quoted it above. 
Not at all. He could get a verbal warning, he could get eliminated, he could get a yellow card. (See above.)
What sort of protest?
“Mark Todd should be punished.”
“What’s it to you?”
“Well he’s in medal contention. Do something.”
“We did. He got a verbal warning.”
[QUOTE=2bayboys;6467784]
For those who watched his run, any idea why he felt it necessary to go to the whip after the last fence? Obviously we don’t know what was in his head, but what appeared to be the intent?[/QUOTE]
His horse made a horrible jump at the last fence (could easily have hung a leg). Riders will sometimes school a horse by kicking or hitting it after the fence - the message being “pick your feet up and pay attention.”
I noticed this was done a few times over the course of the day by various riders.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
