Teams for the Paris Olympics

[CatchMeIfUCan]

I do actually know a bit but obviously keep what I know under wraps since it’s not my information to share and they are being really tight lipped about the entire process this year. It’s definitely an interesting year for the selectors - we have quite a few choices that would make sense. My commentary is more on who I want to cheer for as there are a few mentioned who I do not want to represent us from a horsemanship perspective

I’m just dying to know so I can plan my summer! Only a few more days!

[MHM]

How extensive is the vet check for the potential team horses?

[Madison]

@CatchMeIfUCan

I do actually know a bit but obviously keep what I know under wraps since it’s not my information to share and they are being really tight lipped about the entire process this year.

Ha, I forgot that background I likewise would be happy to cheer on the team you threw out, so I’ll hope this is positive foreshadowing LOL!

[CatchMeIfUCan]

My “team” is purely for selfish reasons so don’t read too much into it I don’t cheer for bloody mouths or overly tight nosebands if that’s what it takes to win

[brindille]

Who on the short list wouldn’t represent the US in terms of horsemanship? I’m genuinely curious as I haven’t heard anything negative about anyone we’re discussing.

I think it will be:

Will C.
Boyd
Liz

Alt: Caroline

I don’t think Mai Baum will be sound…there haven’t been an “hints” of activity on socials

[Vaeventer]

I think we’re on the same page……I also chose the same “team” as you. I would be proud to send those three!

[CatchMeIfUCan]

Zoom in on the bridles in competition pictures of people repeatedly mentioned on this thread - I’ll leave it at that…

[AMWookey]

Or warm up rides before the crowds get there… Wednesday at Kentucky is enlightening

[PrairieRose]

Please just stop. All riders discussed in this thread are excellent horsemen/horsewomen.

[AMWookey]

I have personally witnessed one of the riders on this thread warming up horses on days before the crowds get there, in obvious rolkur, with excessive tack and spurs. At two separate event locations, on different horses. It wasn’t a one time/one ride type of deal. And i am a nobody volunteer. The author you are replying to works in this field and is backstage all the time.

People can present however they wish to the public eye.

[Texarkana]

@AMWookey

I have personally witnessed one of the riders on this thread warming up horses on days before the crowds get there, in obvious rolkur, with excessive tack and spurs. At two separate event locations, on different horses. It wasn’t a one time/one ride type of deal. And i am a nobody volunteer. The author you are replying to works in this field and is backstage all the time.

People can present however they wish to the public eye.

Yep. Also a nobody volunteer who has witnessed some ugly moments from this person.

I have posted said rider’s name several times as a likely team member. But that’s because said rider will probably be on the team. It is what it is; not an endorsement.

[initiate1987]

CatchMeIfUCan has far more behind the scenes access than most of us here ever will and others have corroborated. Being a top rider /= being a good horseperson.

[Willesdon]

Even as a lowly, nobody volunteer, report any abuse you see. There are protocols in place. People need to speak up on behalf of the horses. As a lowly, nobody volunteer, you are free to speak out because you don’t have any other considerations such as “no body will like me anymore”, “my barn manager will crucify me”, “the show organizers will be mean to me”, “I need to earn my living in this sport” etc. etc. A volunteer can simply walk away from the gig if it isn’t working for them any more.

[Larksmom]

I think she is a groom for a top rider, and does’t want to say anything to bring grief to her person, who is not the one mentioned.

[Texarkana]

It’s not like that in my case.

I have always been right there with officials and vets when I haves witnessed this person. It’s never been the type of thing that’s actionable, just an indication of true colors.

I won’t say too much else because I like volunteering and would like to continue doing it. Most of the competitors are a breath of fresh air compared to some other competitive disciplines. But of course there are always the exceptions.

[PrairieRose]

It’s clear one rider is being singled out here. You assume I don’t have behind the scenes knowledge. If it’s who I think you’re referring to, I most certainly do. This thread is about who will be on the team, please don’t turn it into a gossip column. For the first time in a long time we have the potential to send a team that can win a medal. We should celebrate that and not be tearing people down.

[AMWookey]

You’re the one stating they are all excellent horsemen and women. IMHO, which I am allowed to have on a discussion about this, my personal observations are not gossip, they are fact.

I didn’t speak about anything I heard about someone, or what others in the know have said. I provided an example of what I witnessed. It’s not gossip, and a medal does not excuse poor horsemanship.

[FitToBeTied]

@brindille

I don’t think Mai Baum will be sound…there haven’t been an “hints” of activity on socials

I like Tammie but Mai Baum has only competed once in almost 12 months. How you support sending a horse that has had very little competitive work, I don’t know. It is like any other athletics, competition hardens and preps a competitor more than any amount of training.

At this point if they put Tammie and MB on the team I’d really question the judgement.

[PrairieRose]

Gossip: “casual conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true”.
Making such claims on a discussion forum without providing evidence is at best gossip, at worst slander.
Personally, I’m thrilled with the choices we have for this Olympics, particularly the women who are in the mix. Liz, Tamie and Caroline are all incredible horsewomen with phenomenal mounts who can go toe to toe with the best in the world.

[AMWookey]

Agree to disagree.

Gossip would be 'I heard so and so was terrible and put their horse in rolkur"

I haven’t stated a name, nor am I hiding behind a screen name. I simply collaborated that I have personally witnessed one of the riders named here putting their horse in rolkur during rides where there aren’t as many witnesses. I haven’t even identified a gender. That is pretty loose in a definition of gossip.

I am not even denying they can ride. I am stating that horseman or horsewoman is more then just medals.