I saw a thread with this title over on the H&H forum (http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=553842)
I thought it was such a neat idea that we should try it here and see what folks say…
So have at it!
Emily
A couple of things!
(1) It made me realize why my trainer is always telling me I need to shorten my reins in order to communicate more with my horse and have better contact. I thought I was communicating! Then I watched the dressage riders go… oh my. Forget clear communication - my horse is probably getting nothing but static all the time from me.
(2) Watching how calmly the riders have handled everything from rainstorms to run-outs to horses spooking has been inspiring. Now when my horse spooks at [insert random thing that he sees every day], I feel like I need to try and follow their example and not get discouraged.
How wonderful technology is, what with live feeds and all !
In a nutshell, how badly I ride compared to the worst person there, LOL! :lol:
Seriously, I agree with Nilla. For the most part, the horsemanship has been inspiring, especially that of the Canadian dressage rider who was eliminated. I’m assuming he didn’t go back to the barn and vent on the horse (don’t think he did), but he sure was the epitome of cool and classy in the ring.
That there is a .000000000001% chance I could still get to the Olympics one day? Seeing a 52 year old at his first Olympics and a 65 year old already planning for his next one makes me daydream. At 20, I would be past my prime for almost any other Olympic sport.
-How much I love riding!
-How amazing the whole Olympic experience is with whole nations supporting horse and rider teams.
-How human and fallible we all are, even at the Olympic level. Makes me want to stay in the sport for… ever.
-How much I want good things for my horses in training.
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That those “horse moments” happen at every level (re: David Marcus) and that the best way to handle it is with the tact and poise he did. Incredible ride, incredible poise, incredible rider (seat!!!).
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I am SO happy that I live in a day and age where you can watch live events that are on the other side of the world live.
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The love of horses drives us all
http://everythingequitation.tumblr.com/image/28597767159
That I’m a wuss and I suck?
Ok not completely accurate (just mostly)… How about that I need to get into better shape and ride more consistently - 'cause forty isn’t old enough to have any excuses…
Ditto all of the above.
And also re-affirms for me just how magnificent horses are and how trusting, tolerant, and forgiving our equine companions are of us humans. :yes:
Great thread!
My take aways:
How much better shape I could be in.
How much of a better rider I could be.
How far I have to go to get my riding to be where I want it to be.
I have discovered that eventers (horses and riders) must have gotten several extra doses of braveness, because it takes a ton to go like that.
Sheilah
That I was never cut out to be a Grand Prix jumper? Because I watched the cross country with the reaction ‘oh, fun!’ and the jumpers going ‘omg!’.
And that I’ve learned to appreciate an opinionated mare, and it looks like I’m far from the only one, judging by the fabulous mares I’ve seen.
Finally, that I’ve got a looooong ways to go.
We all, as riders, Olympic-level or short stirrup, make mistakes. Sometimes big, sometimes small, and never, ever take anything for granted.
- That London is a gorgeous backdrop to anything equestrian.
- How proud I am of all of our Olympic riders
- I want to see the Brits do well too, they have been such gracious hosts
That the Olympics were a wonderful wake up call for me. I can ride better than I think I can. I had a lesson directly after dressage day 2 and my trainer drove up while i was warming up, got out the car and just stared at me “Wow, you look great, what happened?” she says “three hours of olympic dressage will do that to you” I reply. Proceeded to have one of the best rides of my live, my mare was swinging and forward and tension free and every time I started to fall apart my trainer said “Ride like Steffen!” and I pictured his seat and bam…i was riding my mares extended trot full power grinning like a fool. I’m still high as a kite. We have lessons scheduled directly after team finals next week. hehe
[QUOTE=Rel6;6478173]
That there is a .000000000001% chance I could still get to the Olympics one day? Seeing a 52 year old at his first Olympics and a 65 year old already planning for his next one makes me daydream. At 20, I would be past my prime for almost any other Olympic sport.[/QUOTE]
I agree, this is inspiring, I’m 31 and don’t let it out often that this is a dream because I’m still a beginner and I think I might be too old to start! But still, it gives one hope 
Hearing the announcers comment on how old some of the riders are, and realizing I recorded tapes of them when they were barely old enough to legally drink.
That I’m beginning my turns down the center line way too late. No wonder we wobble down the center line like a couple of drunken sailors. It was helpful to see that the dressage riders were well into their turn by the quarter line.
Like a few others, I realize I’m actually not too old to enjoy doing this. Once in a while I feel ancient at 45 riding lower level jumpers. Then I saw the listing of all the ages of the Olympic riders, and sure enough, I really did feel better!
That the British have REALLY arrived in Dressage, at long last!
