ONLY IN HORSE & HOUND
Pammy Hutton on the spirit of competition and words of caution
“THE most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.”
That was the creed laid down by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Games, in 1896 and applies to all Olympians.
So when a para rider has qualified for Paris, yet his national Paralympic committee thought not to send him as he isn’t a medal contender, what’s that about? And where is the motivation for him and others to continue competing?
Not so long ago, representatives of many sports – including some equestrians – ventured forth with chances of making the podium as slim as Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards. Their aspirations gave others hope.
The truth now is that funding stops when the medals stop. That shunned para rider is just another example of how our sport revolves around money.
At the winter dressage championships, I gawped at lorries costing more than the horses inside. Even simply to get there, pay entry fees and to stable, I very much doubt one can do a “party” like that for less than £2,000 if lost business or work is included.
SO how can those with limited funds compete on a “normal” horse? It was pleasing to see coloureds, cobs and ponies doing well and a Friesian winning the prix st georges (PSG). And ironically, those “ordinary” equines will now command high prices should they be sold, reflecting investment in time and training.
OPINION
However, we can’t be complacent even after such a successful, all-inclusive championships. Locally, entries are down and many are being careful financially.
I was back at Addington for their recent Premier League with a plan (report, 2 May). I aimed to balance technique – the mechanics of riding, which are not my strongest point – with feel – the timely application of technique in an agreeable way for the horse.
I fell a bit in love with the judge who said ours was the only partnership that looked as if the rider was enjoying myself. Maybe I got the balance right?
I had such fun with my mare Honeybrook Extra Special because she is just that – fun. Together we got into the top 10 in two classes. She’s a horse with a huge heart – I ask and she says, “How much?” I wobble and she catches me.
She’s probably the only advanced event horse competing at PSG and she was placed in a competitive open intermediate with Tom Rowland a week later.
Buying a top-movi
