Simon Reynolds: ‘We might all be taught so much from Ros Canter’s skilled outlook’

Simon Reynolds on how he’s been impressed by a high eventer, why the equestrian world wants to drag collectively now greater than ever, and optimistic steps ahead

Occasions are altering quickly; the horse world and the individuals concerned have modified past all recognition. With the current cloud of controversy surrounding the Olympics, we should all remember that equestrian sport is below a microscope, and infrequently from non-horsey, social media-driven mouthpieces. Whereas some claims are fairly legitimate, others are worrying.

Following the Olympics protection, I noticed some feedback stating that as a result of a horse was “frothing on the mouth”, this should be merciless. Others have been calling for a blanket ban on using.

Nonetheless, we mustn’t be drawn into the sensationalism of present equine affairs, and we should look ahead as to how we are able to make optimistic adjustments to the game. In the present day, persons are inspired to talk out, and to have an opinion on nearly something, and I do assume that the voices that basically matter are the members of any society.

With out the membership, there isn’t a society.

As a board member of the British Present Horse Affiliation, I feel that there have been some optimistic adjustments this 12 months, and I hope there are extra deliberate on the horizon to assist drive in the direction of a fairer and stage taking part in area.

I want to reassure the members that the formulation of the brand new committees is working properly. Members are inspired to contact or strategy a board member on a sure committee (the small print of that are on the web site) the place a matter may be mentioned after which introduced ahead to the entire board.

It’s optimistic that no single individual is in control of decision-making, and it’s a collaborative and democratic course of, which is working properly.

It was actually time for a shake up, and there may be room for extra enchancment. Communication is essential. I feel some individuals have the notion that societies are a “closed store” so to talk, and up to now, I feel this may occasionally have been the case, however now fortunately instances are altering.

We’ve got sadly had a couple of accidents this 12 months within the displaying world, and it’s a stark reminder of the hazard we are able to all face and highlights a sobering perspective. I do want David Ingle, Kimberley Minchin and Sarah Walker swift recoveries.

“We might be taught so much from Ros”

With the lows, additionally come the highs. I’ve been impressed lately by eventer Ros Canter. The best way she dealt with the frustration of her Olympic cross-country penalty was pure class. She was not drawn into controversy and accepted the choice gracefully, particularly on digital camera, just like the true skilled that she is.

We might all be taught so much from Ros’s angle; a masterclass in composure and professionalism, regardless of disappointment and strain. She is proof that tough work and dedication repay, as she has secured phenomenal outcomes of gold medals on the Olympics and Europeans and has gained at Badminton and Burghley.

A breed spectacle

It was fantastic to see the inaugural Irish Draught lessons on the Royal Worldwide. Enormous thanks should go to sequence sponsor British Horse Feeds for supporting a brand-new class and believing within the idea; additionally, to Hickstead for internet hosting the lessons, and the Irish Draught Horse Society for working so exhausting within the organisation of it.

It was encouraging to see such an enormous variety of high quality horses ahead, and it drew fairly a crowd of spectators. What a momentous step ahead to showcase and future-proof the breed. I urge anyone who has a horse with Irish Draught breeding to look of their passport and take into account the category for subsequent 12 months. The factors for a part-bred is 25% Irish Draught.

What a momentous step: Simon celebrates the inaugural Irish Draught finals on the RIHS, the place Goosey Gander and Katie Jerram-Hunnable reigned champions. Credit score: Alex Robinson

● How do you are feeling societies might contain their members extra in choice making? Tell us at hhletters@futurenet.com, together with your identify, nearest city and nation, for the prospect to your letter to look in a forthcoming concern of the journal

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