Today’s breeding trends toward ever more specialized animals, but columnist William Micklem believes the best horses can excel in any discipline.
The event horse is the ultimate sport horse: the paces and temperament to do a dressage test at advanced level; the gallop, jump and courage to go across country; and the scope, carefulness and soundness to come out again and jump clear in the show jumping.
Unless the person in front of you is naked or wearing a particularly outrageous outfit, you look at the face first. In this respect, the smile says it all. Not all animals can smile, but humans do it beautifully. Without a single accompanying word a smile can say: ‘Welcome, come on in,” “Keep going, you’re doing OK,” or, probably the most valuable of all, “This is fun. I’m enjoying this and enjoying doing this with you.”
So how famous is your coach? Are you in awe of him as he arrives in the arena? Does her gold-medal CV precede her and add value to the lesson? Or is it a barrier to learning?
The extraordinary William Fox-Pitt made headlines with his triple triumph at Tattersalls International Horse Trials in Ireland in the one-, two- and three star competitions held the weekend of May 26-29. With Ollie Townend second to him in both the three- and two-star competitions and also winning the CIC three-star class, the other elite riders were left with slim pickings.
A story of special connection between three of the greatest coaches of all time that can help us all today.
The best rider in the world is nothing without the right horse.
A story of special connection between three of the greatest coaches of all time that can help us all today.
It was not a good day for the USA team but a great day for Canada. These were the two extremes at the top end of the WEG scoreboard yesterday, with the USA team slipping out of contention and the Canadian team winning the silver medal.
The British won gold, but they are used to this level of success. To Canada, the team silver medal felt like gold. Their success also cast a huge shadow over the USA team who failed to capitalize on home advantage and win either a team or individual medal.
I have always loved the Australian turn of phrase, and “you little beauty” is one of the best as it can be used as a compliment for any horse, person, animal or object, or even an idea. It is also 100 percent positive, and I try very hard to make it a golden rule to live and work from the positive, because it benefits us all. Cross-country day at WEG was a day overflowing with highs and lows, but here are my 10 very special “little beauties.”
Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam produced one of the best dressage tests in eventing history to head the World Championship field today. He is an experienced horse and Michael is now one of the best event riders in the world so he must have good chance of holding onto his lead in the cross-country phase today. But will he cope with the pressure?
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