11.02.08
Horse show coaching from the sidelines, Deerfield Fair
Back when our daughter Emmie rode in 4-H horse shows, parents and riding instructors were not allowed to stand at the rail and give instructions to the riders in the show class as they rode past. Parents in fact did not participate at all with the the horses care and preparations during a 4-H show– this was part of the kids’ own learning experience, they were guided and supervised by their adult 4-H leaders.
So it brought back old memories to me when recently, at Deerfield Fair, Hubby and I observed a parent (or trainer) communicating via microphone and headset to a rider showing in a class. There was obvious 2-way communication, meaning the rider had a microphone too, and we could hear one side of the conversation as the lady standing practically in front of us told the young girl rider where to position herself and what to do with her horse as the class proceeded.
Lady in stands uses lapel-mike to talk to rider in hunter seat equitation class at Deerfield Fair Horse Show 2008. Young girl rider is in light gray jacket, on bay horse.
Frankly I feel this is cheating– and worse, I think it is detrimental to the children who have this forced upon them, because it does nothing for their own knowledge or self-confidence. To me all it achieves is instilling the sense that winning is everything, and undoubtedly the reason it is done is an attempt to gain more laurels for the training or breeding barn involved, and thus promote their businesses and fill their pocketbooks.
Horse showing is so subjective anyway… it’s all the opinion of a judge. It should be approached as a learning experience for the riders, but in reality it is more often a blatant showcase for those breeders and trainers whom the judge knows and likes. I wouldn’t be surprised if monies crossed palms under the table , especially at high-end shows where much prestige and high breeding fees are at stake.
If I sound like sour grapes, that’s not at all true. At this point in my life I am totally removed from all that sort of thing; I never did horse showing myself. When Emmie was showing as a backyard-trained young rider, she did extremely well in 4-H shows, open shows, and on the Arabian circuit, regularly beating out the high-end monied barns for ribbons and year-end championships. She came to understand that a judge’s opinion was completely subjective and not always fair, but she worked hard, did her best and often won anyway. Getting the best out of each horse she rode was the most important thing to her, and the lessons she learned about life were more important than the winning.
WHAT IS IT that makes our society so competitive? Can’t we be honest and fair and try to learn from each other instead of placing such importance on BEATING everyone else in a sport or endeavor? The worst part is that there are many horses who suffer abusive treatment and pain, all for the sake of winning acclaim for their owners or handlers.
Em said,
December 6, 2008 at 10:57 am
Wow, mom. I can’t believe this is happening now. I think if I were competing against this girl I would feel like I were cheated and disrespected. It gives people in situations like ours (unable or uninterested in paying to be part of the politics a large show barn) an unfair disadvantage. I agree with you… when it comes down to being in the show ring, that’s where you should leave your trainers and microphones at the in gait. The show ring is the true test of a rider’s skill, perception and strategic ability… and of course a little subjectivity from the judge. This poor girl is, in a sense, being cheated of the opportunity to challenge herself and develop her own, independent thinking & skill in the ring. I not only value what horses taught me about responsibility but also the appreciate what they taught me about independent & critical thinking, constantly evaluating and re-evaluating every move & behavior. I think I learned more by figuring it out on my own than having it spoon fed into my ear. Geesh. I’m so disappointed to see this.