Olympic Dressage

[MsM]

Love Dalera. Just lovely to watch.

If I ran the Olympics, (and maybe it is only me) I would format it differently.
First, four horse teams.
All four can go in the Grand Prix. The three highest scores determine the Team score and the Team medals.
Then each country can declare at most 2 horse/riders for GPS and two for Freestyle. When they are declared can be changed depending upon how you like the strategies. The top scoring 20 in each continue to their discipline.
The GPS decides the individual dressage medals.
The Freestyle decides the Dressage Freestyle medals.

I know there is pressure not to add more horses, but I think this would be a great show and highlight different strengths. I love the freestyle, but it does bother me that a rider with access to great artistic advice, choreographers etc (and that the judges appreciate their artistic vision) can win over one that is technically better at dressage. I think there should be rewards for both.

[Bogey2]

Loved the victory laps by all 3!

[sascha]

@alicen

Should spectators at swimming events show up in bathing suits? I thought Martha
Stewart was cooler than that.

Dressage was not special. This was done for all kinds of events - because humour, solidarity, entertainment are important for athletes as well as for garnering support and recognition for sports that don’t ordinarily get tons of coverage.

Was it a bit over the top? Sure, but isn’t that kinda what the US is known for?

[sascha]

@alicen

They’ve all done this before, What’s super difficult about it?

Simone Biles has done her floor routine before, what’s super difficult about it?

It’s a tough test that is meant to be a tough test to sort the top level wheat from the top level chaff by its level of difficulty - amount of super-collected work and transitions between, tempis on the centre line, etc.

[alicen]

@Rumorhasit93

I think it’s also apropos considering Martha is an actual equestrian and also real life friends with Snoop.

I guess I just get so tired of celebrity ostentation, but what then what would one expect from one who likes Shaker furniture.

[sascha]

@alicen

but what then what would one expect from one who likes Shaker furniture.

Does this make sense in any context whatsoever?

Please note that this ostentation is meant to bring notice to various sports and to provide support to athletes and entertainment for the masses. It’s not just a couple of attention whores seeking more of the same. Take a look into what Snoop Dogg has done for various charities and sports. Take note that he started out trying to stay as much ‘behind the curtain’ as possible and only came forward when asked because coming forward could make an even bigger difference to the people tries to help.

[Carly_W]

I’ve run two marathons. The second one sure wasn’t easier than the first!

It’s easy to downplay. I think it’s important to remember that even if YOU don’t think it’s hard, others can and will find it difficult.

[punchy]

Wait—y’all know that the Snoop-Martha gig is a joke, right? Like a funny little thing NBC is doing. If you’ve watched other events on network TV, they are doing little skits like eating in a Michelin starred French restaurant, etc. Its just a little cute and funny thing. I think it’s adorable.

[sascha]

Exactly, and bringing joy to those of us that don’t have sticks up our butts

[shall]

Snoop’s clothes look off the chart tailored, classy and high end. Once upon a time NYC department stores had an equestrian department - tweeds etc. Martha and he do look very nice. Thanks!

[Bogey2]

When I see Snoop and Martha at the olympics I don’t think “ostentation”…I think camaraderie.
And I had no idea Snoop was in to Shaker furniture!

[alicen]

@Carly_W

I think it’s important to remember that even if YOU don’t think it’s hard, others can and will find it difficult.

I thought the wording sounded as though the GPS test was made especially difficult for the Olympics.

[HoolieB]

Agreed. Any favorable attention shone on dressage right now is a win.

And I don’t mind Randy Moss at all. If someone is channel surfing and lands on Randy covering dressage, they hear a familiar voice and may pause. Did I roll my eyes when he said prancing instead of passage? Of course I did…and promptly told my inner elitist to get a grip and recognize he merely took an esoteric word and made it more accessible for viewers unfamiliar with the sport. (My inner elitist also told me that last sentence was too long.) Maybe a few new viewers will be intrigued enough to learn more about the sport. Randy Moss and his nescient enthusiasm is rather charming.

[Annie_Burton]

Dante Weltino’s freestyle reminded a little of Suppenkasper’s energy in the qualifier…
And Emma Kanerva’s freestyle was a pleasure to watch.

[catzndogz22]

@HoolieB

Agreed. Any favorable attention shone on dressage right now is a win.

If viewership is one of the drivers in the IOC’s decision whether or not to keep equestrian sports in the games, we should all be thankful for the positive attention Snoop Dogg brings.

Not sure if anyone has shared this yet. NYT describes how well the horses are cared for.

Equestrian Is Having an Uncomfortable Moment. Its Olympic Horses Are Not. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/world/olympics/equestrian-horses.html?unlocked_article_code=1.AU4.D9JG.RVpc2sQlL92a

[Bogey2]

Have watched 4 of the freestyles so far…loved a lot of the music except Basquins music. It was too choppy.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

So I can’t find the GP Freestyle on Peacock to replay, has anyone else found it?

[Bogey2]

watching it now…its there but it is not called musical freestyle. It’s under GP Individual

[Bogey2]

Loved Kanerva’s ride

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Is it dated with today’s date?