WEF Eventing & Mark Belissimos end game.

[goodmorning]

“At the expense of…”

While listening to some commentary yesterday, I couldn’t help but wonder - what are people thinking? Mark Belissimo is a business man. Plain & simple. His goal is to make money off of eventing. A lot of money. He sees it as a market he’s yet to tap into. How does the Glitz & Glamour of the FL cocktail circuit as its been referred to fit into a sport that operates on the backs of volunteers? MB doesn’t need volunteers. He has staff. His concern for the volunteer or the small venue - can you truly say it exists? Actually, he’d probably like to create a few super venues and see the remaining ones fizzle away. Create the HITs of the eventing world.

But as it happened yesterday, the same few people will win. The rest will spend a fortune of their money & others trying to stay in this rat race. Dom Schramm commenting that eventing needs the Olympics yesterday was sad. He’s in Welly World, does he not see Hunter or Equitation land?! The money, please, it’s the IOC one of the most corrupt orgs in the world. They will happily filter cash to local businesses & cronies to build these parks. The cronies are laughing all the way to the bank. The endless praise of Tyron…

I’d love to say Yes, sure, just an expo. Then you have Tyron staring right in your face. With EN saying these should crop up all over? I guess that fits the media agenda. It was fun in the sun. They better be funded from start to finish. Not lumped in with other HTs.

When you take a hard look - and how many pros that were invited will do this? - what’s Bellissimos end game? Does he want the IOC money? Are some so hopeless & out of ideas that they don’t see eventing sustaining? Bait, line, & sinker…

[Blugal]

Denny Emerson posted some similar thoughts on facebook. The intro:

I’ve posted this before, and it’s sort of a glitz antidote picture, a relief from all the Florida cocktail circuit stuff that seems to be the path forward of modern “eventing,” with all the money and all the fancy imports and all the sponsors and all the media frenzy about which rider has just imported which 4 star horse from which foreign country.

Given all of the above, goodmorning, I agree with you & Denny and I’m afraid for our sport, more than ever.

[Groom_amp_Taxi]

I would be interested in hearing - first hand and in complete honesty - what some of the participants in the Showcase think the end game is. They seem to love it, and it’s certainly all great when the cameras are rolling and the mics are in front of them. As a rider at or near the top echelon of the sport, it really would be difficult to turn down the opportunity to win that kind of prize money in addition to receiving the recognition that just being invited to participate conveys.

If the end game really is just more showcases for eventing’s top echelon in association with other “destination” equestrian events, then maybe it is ok.

goodmorning said “Mark Belissimo is a business man. Plain & simple. His goal is to make money off of eventing. A lot of money. He sees it as a market he’s yet to tap into.” If Mark Bellisimo is as savvy as he appears to be, he should be able to tell that the eventing market is very different from the h/j market. The pockets are not nearly as deep, and the mindset of the participants is very different. If he builds it, they won’t come - so surely he is smart enough not to build it? I’m no business genius, but I can look around me at the dozen or so near acquaintances that did rated events at any level last season and see that maybe one of those people has the resources to cross over to a WEF like model. I realize my little corner of the country (PNW) is probably not representative of other parts - particularly the eastern seaboard states, but I just don’t see the sport as it presently exists being perceived as an opportunity for development in that direction.

[goodmorning]

Does he need the masses? I think not.

He needs the Pro & their owners that are the top 1%. The Corporations and their sponsors. And if his end game is WEG or Olympics, he is looking at huge payouts from the IOC et al.

[betonbill]

But in the end there is the other 99%, who will probably just continue on as they have before. And, does that 99% really NEED the 1%?

[OverandOnward]

A lot of assumptions, jumping to conclusions …

Why begrudge a different format for a pleasant weekend in winter? If eventing intends to be hidebound and inflexible, it is not Belissimo who will bring it down.

I am constantly amazed at this discussion board’s tendency to ignore the real issues that threaten the future of eventing and focus instead on cosmetic things like the ‘showcase’ format and the name change. Neither of those things will lose existing opportunities to event. Other things like changing demographics and suburban sprawl are the things the sport must adapt to if it is going to be running in 25 years.

Belissimo’s end game for eventing is to create more of a market for it. That’s bad how?

[Jazzy_Lady]

I thought it looked like a great time. It’s a way to introduce some up and coming horses to big atmosphere in a shorter format while introducing other people to the sport. Great little move up course for some of the horses.

It’s a showcase for the sport. Even if that’s the endgame, it’s not going to affect grass roots eventing.

[Carolinadreamin]

[QUOTE=OverandOnward;8519493]
A lot of assumptions, jumping to conclusions …

Why begrudge a different format for a pleasant weekend in winter? If eventing intends to be hidebound and inflexible, it is not Belissimo who will bring it down.

I am constantly amazed at this discussion board’s tendency to ignore the real issues that threaten the future of eventing and focus instead on cosmetic things like the ‘showcase’ format and the name change. Neither of those things will lose existing opportunities to event. Other things like changing demographics and suburban sprawl are the things the sport must adapt to if it is going to be running in 25 years.

Belissimo’s end game for eventing is to create more of a market for it. That’s bad how?[/QUOTE]

Agree 100%.

[goodmorning]

[QUOTE=OverandOnward;8519493]
A lot of assumptions, jumping to conclusions …

Why begrudge a different format for a pleasant weekend in winter? If eventing intends to be hidebound and inflexible, it is not Belissimo who will bring it down.

I am constantly amazed at this discussion board’s tendency to ignore the real issues that threaten the future of eventing and focus instead on cosmetic things like the ‘showcase’ format and the name change. Neither of those things will lose existing opportunities to event. Other things like changing demographics and suburban sprawl are the things the sport must adapt to if it is going to be running in 25 years.

Belissimo’s end game for eventing is to create more of a market for it. That’s bad how?[/QUOTE]

There was no bashing of format or the like. Don’t change the subject or get it confused. If you have nothing to add that’s fine, but this thread is not attacking the format. I think it’s a good pipe opener & everyone appeared to be having a good time. But that’s not Belissimos goal; a good time. His goal is money. This laissez-faire attitude, dismissiveness & defensiveness does absolutely nothing for the sport. People want it to sustain & grow but your ASSumptions are exactly what stall it. Take the glasses off.

[cyberbay]

Showcase a sham.

Well, suburban sprawl and changing demographics are a crusher to eventing. Bellissimo is a developer. He is the one, through his business, who is removing the very ingredient that allows eventing to be what it is.

His Showcase in Wellington yesterday had XC galloping back ‘n’ forth, back ‘n’ forth on a glorified front lawn. I watched the XC phase from beginning to end. It was not interesting. The gallop through the tent was a gimmick, and tested nothing except the uninformed audience’s ability to be entertained (not engaged, just wow’d for the moment).

This is where eventing IS going to end up, with the Showcase muscling its way to the front of the line and claiming it to be eventing. Belissimo is making himself the brightest star on the horizon, as well as seeing to it that land and accessibility to horses, are diminished.

The Showcase was a sham. It demonstrated zero about the horse’s ability. Or the genesis of the sport. And, honestly, in that format, it looked like a watered-down version of show jumping. Why bother?

So while trying to appear to be eventing, the banality of the Showcase did remind me how important the terrain and obstacles based in reality provide the underpinnings to the authenticity of our sport. Rolex KY, Badminton, GMHA, Plantation Fields, the Event… These are the real deals.

And major kudos to each and every rider who finished and, in the puerile interview by Jimmy whatzhername at the end of each ride, spoke glowingly of their horses and its performance. Nicco the announcer did little to include the horse in his announcing.

Obviously, no fan of the Showcase. It showed the wrong thing to those who were watching with a discerning eye. The Bellissimos and Trumps of the world do everything with a purpose. Pay attention, everyone.

[fordtraktor]

Well, on the other hand, the small venues are dying and it isn’t the fault of the big ones. They aren’t being replaced, they are just gone.

The future is in these big venues because that is where people vote with their feet. They are the venues with the numbers to support themselves. The small ones will continue to evaporate.

Is it good? I don’t have an opinion, I am not really even an eventer just an observer. The facts are what they are. He is a businessman serving the market. What is the market? If you are not filling these little venues and making them viable they will not be there for you. Don’t complain about the “customer service” and their lack of dog sitting and whatever if you want them to be there next year.

Or you want everything to be Rolex? Dream on, eventing in the US has never been that. That is closer to Wellington than it is most events.

[GotMyPony]

Having interviewed MB in-depth a couple of times for articles about TIEC, I specifically asked him what his overall goal/vision is for horse sport since he’s done so many other things since TIEC, which was first announced locally in 2013. Specifically he has (in some cases with partners) bought COTH (2013); co-produced Central Park Horse Show (2014 & 15); purchased Colorado Horse Park (2014); introduced Wellington Eventing Showcase (2015 and 16). He’s gotten some of those events broadcast on network television (CPHS and TIEC grand opening FEI****) (Below are his responses - direct quotes in quotes, other sections paraphrased as published.)

[I]Asked why he was doing all that his response was that he doesn’t believe horse sports can’t have broader appeal, likening it to tennis and golf which used to be “country club sports” but are now popular spectator sports at the top levels and encourage participation at all levels.

“Horse sport is much more expensive to produce but I believe there is still an opportunity to create a connection with a broader segment of the American public. But you can’t do that with a single horse show.”

“To grow horse sport you need enough of a national scale. Think of a pyramid with the base being COTH, with a very broad, involved population that is connected by their love of the horse. Also in that base are a great many things like Pony Clubs. In the middle of the pyramid are things like TIEC, Colorado Horse Park, and Wellington, where thousands of people participate as competitors or spectators. At the top of the pyramid are events like the Central Park Horse show, which created 640 million impressions through articles in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, etc.”

One of his most important growth strategies, he said, is to attract sponsors as well as spectators, which he says COTH can help with. His point is that if the sport has to be funded by its exhibitors - riders and owners - it becomes very hard to sustain and to create an aspirational pipeline that will result in growth."[/I] # # #

When he first produced eventing showcase last year he said he wanted to introduce the sport to spectators and sponsors (in abundance at Wellington), and he made it spectator friendly by being in a more-easily viewed format. From reports back then, spectators liked it and the riders liked it.

Will it do what he wants it to in terms of helping grow both eventing and horse sports in general? Remains to be seen. Does it have to mean the end of eventing as the world knows it? I don’t see why it would - it may get more people interested in trying it themselves. I don’t think the Central Park Horse Show has damaged other horse shows.

OP, you mentioned “ASSumptions.” You have made some about what MB’s goals are, which you define solely as money. Does he want a financial return on the big investments he’s made in horse sports? He’d have to be an idiot not to (and it’s not just his own money he’s investing). But it’s possible to make money while at the same time doing something good for the sport. (50 years of Superbowls don’t seem to have hurt football at the local and college level.)

Just another perspective. Carry on.

[shea_smom]

I think there are many facets to this. But I will say one thing, I thought, it must be nice for the horses to do a 4 minute track. No tired horses. Interesting.
How else can we modify the sport and, perhaps, improve it?
Things are changing whether we want them to or not. Why is the USEA talking about all these changes at the lower levels? Is member ship dropping? Pony club membership was hit hard by the downturn of 2008. WE are embracing change at this time, Western Dressage, The Speciality Ratings.
Where are we all going to be in 15 years?

[Carolinadreamin]

[QUOTE=cyberbay;8519581]
Well, suburban sprawl and changing demographics are a crusher to eventing. Bellissimo is a developer. He is the one, through his business, who is removing the very ingredient that allows eventing to be what it is.

His Showcase in Wellington yesterday had XC galloping back ‘n’ forth, back ‘n’ forth on a glorified front lawn. I watched the XC phase from beginning to end. It was not interesting. The gallop through the tent was a gimmick, and tested nothing except the uninformed audience’s ability to be entertained (not engaged, just wow’d for the moment).

This is where eventing IS going to end up, with the Showcase muscling its way to the front of the line and claiming it to be eventing. Belissimo is making himself the brightest star on the horizon, as well as seeing to it that land and accessibility to horses, are diminished.

The Showcase was a sham. It demonstrated zero about the horse’s ability. Or the genesis of the sport. And, honestly, in that format, it looked like a watered-down version of show jumping. Why bother?

So while trying to appear to be eventing, the banality of the Showcase did remind me how important the terrain and obstacles based in reality provide the underpinnings to the authenticity of our sport. Rolex KY, Badminton, GMHA, Plantation Fields, the Event… These are the real deals.

And major kudos to each and every rider who finished and, in the puerile interview by Jimmy whatzhername at the end of each ride, spoke glowingly of their horses and its performance. Nicco the announcer did little to include the horse in his announcing.

Obviously, no fan of the Showcase. It showed the wrong thing to those who were watching with a discerning eye. The Bellissimos and Trumps of the world do everything with a purpose. Pay attention, everyone.[/QUOTE]

On come now. Is it fair of you to insult Jimmie Schramm by pretending not to know her name? How silly! What kind of questions would you have liked her to have asked the riders, immediately after they finished? I enjoyed hearing their comments immediately after their finish. I’m sure Jimmie and Dom would both welcome your suggestions for questions you’d like for them to ask next year, if they are asked to commentate again.

[JER]

Eventing is its own showcase.

Whatever was going on in Wellington, it wasn’t eventing.

[RAyers]

Bellissimo IS PURE BUSINESS.

Thise who think he is doing things for the good of the sport are kidding themselves.

In Colorado, once he bought the horse park he tossed every low level show and the dressage out. Permanently, as for as I understand from those who ran those shows. He tossed every trainer and boarder out by jacking the board prices up to the point of insanity (about $1200 a month just for board).

He WANTS money. He intends to fully develop the adjacent 50 acres as high end housing and hotels with a high end equestrian facility as the core. That means only top end completions. Sure the pros and ultra rich amateurs will be accommodated and the bottom end of every discipline will have to recreate what they had somewhere else.

Don’t kid yourself. The eventing showcase was just for the rich and pros.

Reed

[Tiger_Paws]

[QUOTE=Jazzy Lady;8519503]
I thought it looked like a great time. It’s a way to introduce some up and coming horses to big atmosphere in a shorter format while introducing other people to the sport. Great little move up course for some of the horses.

It’s a showcase for the sport. Even if that’s the endgame, it’s not going to affect grass roots eventing.[/QUOTE]

We have alreay started to see Eventing veer towards the Hunter/Jumper, this will just further that at an accelerated pace.

[Blugal]

[QUOTE=RAyers;8519864]
Sure the pros and ultra rich amateurs will be accommodated and the bottom end of every discipline will have to recreate what they had somewhere else.

Don’t kid yourself. The eventing showcase was just for the rich and pros.

Reed[/QUOTE]

@Tiger Paws;8519874

We have alreay started to see Eventing veer towards the Hunter/Jumper, this will just further that at an accelerated pace.

I agree with these perspectives.

In Britain, Mark Todd is writing articles in Horse & Hound complaining that there isn’t enough prize money in eventing. He is asking for some of the gate-money to be put into the prize fund for riders. That sparked debate and the organizer of Badminton or Burghley (I can’t remember which) replied explaining some of the enormous costs to stage these events, and they are still reliant on volunteers.

If this sport decides it wants exposure and prize money and TV and all that jazz, then prepare to pay through the nose on the H/J model. I’ve tasted it and it does NOT suit my palate or my pocketbook.

[mountainbells]

The CHP schedule show 2 3-day (separate show each day) dressage shows and the FEI NA JYR Champs.

[Tiger_Paws]

[QUOTE=Blugal;8519903]
I agree with these perspectives.

In Britain, Mark Todd is writing articles in Horse & Hound complaining that there isn’t enough prize money in eventing. He is asking for some of the gate-money to be put into the prize fund for riders. That sparked debate and the organizer of Badminton or Burghley (I can’t remember which) replied explaining some of the enormous costs to stage these events, and they are still reliant on volunteers.

If this sport decides it wants exposure and prize money and TV and all that jazz, then prepare to pay through the nose on the H/J model. I’ve tasted it and it does NOT suit my palate or my pocketbook.[/QUOTE]

The only way for the sport to get exposure and TV is if it is popular. And I hate to break it to everyone but 99.9% of the general public does not know if an event horse is stuffed or inflated.

There is just not the level of awareness or horse culture amongst the general public for horse sports to ever be more than just a curiosity.