More Horse Deaths at Equestrian Events

Eventing Injuries - More than the fences

The tragic disasters that are occuring in Eventing are more a result of the change in the format than anything. In the past few years the cross-country phase has been reduced from a 4component test of fitness and endurance to a shortened format only requiring 1/4 of the cross-country phase, thus allowing unprepared horses - and riders - to be competing at a level they are not prepared for. This sport has been around for 100 years, and you didn't have disasterous events happening with this frequency until the past few years - the same timeframe as the requirements were laxed and the industry became a circus-show. Eventing at the highest levels used to be for real athletes, who trained for YEARS. Now the upperlevels are filled with competitors more interesting in winning at the top through buying multiple horses and not putting in the miles. This is not Show Jumping on a cross country course. And just by building fences that "fall down" when hit is NOT going to solve anything. Falling fences would have done nothing to save the horses that died at Red Hills. Do some research on the differences in the competitors - horses and riders - between those today and those in the '70's and '80's. Then you'll know the REAL problem. In fact, fences that fall on cross country will only foster more unprepared riders to push themselves - and their horses - to "win". This sport used to not be just about "winning", but about being real athletes. Please do your homework before making conclusions about what needs to happen. What is going on is Eventing has become more about money than good athletics. If I had all the money in the world, I still couldn't just go and buy my way into a NASCAR race - because not only could I kill myself, I could hurt other drivers. I'd have to have years of proven experience - and a vehicle well prepared and passed. Well, that is exactly what is happening here. Ambition and greed are circumventing good sense, and allowing the risk factor to be pushed aside. The long format of Eventing required multiple fitness checks of the horse after each phase of the preparation before going out on the actual cross-country course. If the level of prep necessary to be at that degree of fitness is not attainable, then these riders need to stay in the show jumping ring, and the organization leaders need to put priorities in the right order.

Too many horses dying.....

I just returned from the Rolex 4* Three Day Event, my 5th trip, and my heart is breaking for the two young, healthy, beautiful horses whose lives were cut terribly short from being asked/forced to perform in an event which is seemingly killing more and more horses and riders as the years go by. Add them to the list that continues to grow.

I have tremendously enjoyed attending the Rolex to witness the magnificence of these brave, outstanding, horses and their riders but it is most certainly not worth the thrill when so many innocent animals are dying. Yes, I feel for the riders who are injured but they know the risk, they continue to compete by choice, the horses do not. I have second thoughts about attending The Rolex next year. As a spectator I am supporting this abuse when I pay for my tickets. I can't, in good conscience, continue to do so.

I am not an eventer but I have ridden horses and competed for years in a different discipline and my daughter is now doing the same. We have a love and respect for these animals that goes beyond our selfish need for excitement and thrill.

The people "at the helm" of eventing and those responsible for organizing the competitions have a responsibility, not only towards the riders, but towards the horses. Without these willing creatures there would be no eventing!

I'm tired of hearing of all the horrible accidents and deaths, I'm tired of leaving The Rolex knowing another steed lost it's life. There are most definitely ways to make this sport safer. I don't want to hear any more excuses.

For all of you reading this who have the same opinion, write letters and consider boycotting these events until improvements are made. If the spectators take a stand, thereby affecting the profitibility of these events, maybe someone will take notice!

Governing Bodies...make Statements, not change

As a parent of a rider killed in Eventing I know that after each "death", the safety commiteed has met, at expense to the membership... in london, copenhagen and other venues. Yet at this point, 14 deaths and 6 horse deaths later nothing has been done. In fact the worst of it is that the "official organizations" USEF and USEA post statements from officials that make incorrect statements like. "we have more injuries because the sport has grown"... the reality is the injuries and deaths are at the upper levels... where riders, who have competed for years in order to achieve that level, are dying to make the sport more "exciting" in the new short format. Short format is new... and it is a killer. I have tried to have a statement posted on the sites representing a parent's safety view and have been ignored. Please visit www.eventing.zzn.com for all the issues.

Unprepared competitors risk themselves and their horses

I agree with the comment that there is a correlation between the increased injuries and fatalities and the change in the cross country format. In the past, the course seemed tougher -- as well as encountering spectacular jumps, horses and riders also had to participate in the roads and tracks and steeplechase endurance sections and still prove themselves fit enough to finish the cross country course and jump in the ring the next day. It was a daunting dask and 30 years ago, I enjoyed turning out at the 4star events to see these human and equine athletes at their finest. Today, cross country is merely glorified show jumping but far more dangerous and it's shocking to see tired horse and unfit riders literally crawling over the jumps at Rolex. This year, Stephen Bradley's mount, a flagging From, broke to a trot between the ducks at the water jump and Bradley merely joked to journalists later that yes, From was tired but as he (Bradley) had got older, he realized he need a horse that could jump. I have seen other tired horses tackling these jumps from a trot and unfit riders throwing horses off balance as they lurch in the saddle. It's an appalling change, resulting not only from the new fast format that allows more entries to compete (and therefore a lot more amateurs) with fewer fitness checks, but from an instant gratification mentality that sees riders wanting to win without putting the time into preparation and fitness. The big question is why is the eventing leadership allowing this to happen? Le Samurai was killed last year after being forced to press on to the last fence despite an obviously debilitating injury. His rider, Amy Tryon, received only a two month suspension for abuse. Two horse were killed at Badminton, the British 4star, last year, one pulmonary and the other in a preventable accident. The FEI and other affiliates need to be held accountable for the safety of their sport; it's in their hands and they need to revert to the standards of the past, and quick.

Outraged

I have been an event rider and am becoming more outraged at where the sport is going. I agree that the format should be changed. Why not increase the difficulty in dressage and reduce the jump size on cross country. I have chosen not to attend these trials for now because I don't want to see these amazing animals die for no reason. I also agree that the trials should be stopped until they can be restructured to be safer.

Eventing Issues

I rode up to the CCI** level. I practiced XC EVERY week. Now, more riders can barely canter outside a ring, let alone gallop over uneven terrain. As to the comments that we FORCE horses to go, that is a load of .... My horse LOVED to run and jump, I NEVER had to force him to do anything. I treated him like a king. Massage, ice boots, anything and everything I could do for him, I would do, not because I had to, but because I LOVED him, and it was my special time with him after I shared special time with him out in the open, away from the ring. I am so sick of people who barely know how to put a saddle on, thinking they know everything. PLEASE, know what you can do, and then learn more. WE are turning into a nation of riders, not horseman. Before you compete, make sure you know what you are doing, don't just buy a good horse, make sure you know how to ride it safely and that you have put your time in at the lower levels before you move up. Common sense can save your life, and your horse's.

Eventing vs. Racing

No one dare tackle the tragedies that happen every year on the racetrack. Horses breakdown and put down all the time. Jockeys suffer terrible injuries as well. Eventers offer their horses the highest level of care possible and foster a connection of trust and friendship. THE RACING INDUSTRY GENERATES SO MUCH INCOME, who cares if the horses die right? If you want to start pointing fingers at inhumane treatment try gathering the stats from the entire world racing industry and start barking up that tree instead!

Eventing used to be based on a culture of horsemanship, hard work, talent, and ability. All of these ingredients, were required. Now it is based on access to money, buying spoiled, rich teenagers olympic-veteran mounts, and telling them they deserve to go after their dream because they have taken a couple of years of lessons with a big name professional rider. Usually the big name professional rider gets sponsored by the parents of the spoiled and clueless brat, in the form of horses. Kids get sent out on courses that they are not prepared for, do not have the talent for, and the horses are left to do all of the work. Then kid reeps the glory that they have finished Rolex, or whatever event. Then they decide to become pros, and the system gets even more superficial. Its the superficial, super-sized, big gulp approach to American eventing taken on by a culture of self-indulgent people who have not a clue what they are doing ... it's a real shame.

Make it Happen - for the better.

As an eventer I have followed the safety controversy closely. I have witnessed both the deaths of horses and riders at events, as well as knowing many that have been unable to compete again from either physical or emotional injury. The most common misunderstanding I've noted is that most people commenting on this topic do not have a thorough understanding of the sport and its history.

1. Whether you personally believe it or not - Riders who ride professionally or at the upper International levels of 3 Day Eventing, do so willingly at their own risk. They know the risks and accept the consequences. Ask them. They don't do it for the money, since few events offer prize money.

2. Most riders consider their horses their partner and will do their best to ensure their horse's health and safety. That being said - most of the horses competing LOVE this sport - if you have to ask "how do you know?" - you need to spend more time listening to horses, not people.

3. Eventing was never meant for everyone. It was originally designed as a military exercise - the ultimate triathlon for horse and rider.

4. Accidents have happened throughout history, especially at Rolex and courses known to be challenging - like Red Hills. I remember seeing many in the early 80s throughout the 90s, but without the wonder of the Internet, never raised the attention of the masses or uninformed as it has today.

5. Yes, the sport has moved to the short format. The International governing body - the FEI - has adopted this format because of the lack of land and resources that are required for the longer format. Eventing was nearly eliminated from the Olympics because of the costs to secure land. The short format is what saved it. It doesn't make sense for the US to be the only country still competing in the long format when the rest of the WORLD is doing the short format, especially since many of our US athletes compete oversees and many events here are governed by the FEI.

6. The governing bodies - the USEA and USEF - don't care. Another HUGE falsehood. Take a moment and go to either Web site. Many volunteers (members of the associations) have worked tirelessly long hours to come up with options. This is NOT an easy or quick fix! And, sadly one that has not happened overnight. The safety committee's recommendations have been made from the USEA to the USEF. If you are a member of the US Eventing Association, make your voice heard and email the USEA President. He has been actively initiating conversations with members and his insights and the committee's recommendations have all been posted to the Web site.

Lastly, if you ride ...

Take responsibility for yourself! Get a trainer that is certified or has the experience needed to teach you how to properly prepare you and your horse safely for the level you are riding. Do not get an instructor who has no eventing experience/history and expect them to know what you need to learn!

If you see a problem on course (an unsafe fence, etc.) take it up with the area's rider representative or the technical delegate - or even show management. If you still don't think it's safe - DON'T RIDE.

You are responsible for your horse. If your horse is not properly prepared (isn't fit for the level competing) or needs additional training - wait until they are! With many show venues allowing schooling days and new technology, like heart rate monitors, you have no excuse for being poorly prepared.

No one is forced to compete. Be realistic - we are not all Olympic hopefuls! Educate yourself - especially if you have children that ride. Make sure they are ready to move up to the next level. Learn how to assist them with smart decisions.

If you aren't happy with the direction of the sport - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Take responsibility - learn the facts, research what the EXPERTS are saying (not an anonymous source on a bulletin board somewhere), and then find a way to make a difference. Volunteer on a committee in your area, get involved with your local Pony Club, write the association, use your talents and skills to improve rather than destroy the sport. Help build the legacy for a safer, healthier future for eventing and its participants.

What happened at Rolex is tragic, my heart goes out to Lainey and Sarah. I agree that changes need to be made to the sport. However, injury and/or death come with our sport. Not just with eventing, but riding in general. We as competitors should understand that. I will also agree that it's unforunate that these horrific accidents have happened all at once. People have said that cross country jumps need to be able to safely come down during an accident but that may not be the safest idea. If a horse takes a bad distance to a show jump, yes those rails come down, but those rails can easily get caught between their legs and cause more injury to both horse and rider. Do we really want something like that to happen with a cross country fence?

It's like teen drivers ...

Just as there's an increased accident rate with teen drivers losing control of their autos, speeding, braking too late, there's also an increased accident rate with green riders /horses and practically every other activity under the sun where good judgment comes with experience. Yes, there's some truth to people buying their way into this sport and buying good horses and hiring expensive (though not necessarily wise) trainers. Unfortunately, money cannot buy judgment. (or brains). It's sad to see the horses suffer. Yes, they might enjoy galloping and the occasional jump but they don't sign the entry forms!

Land constraints did not cause short format

I take issue with eventer4ever's statement that the cross-country short format was adopted due to land shortage. Most of the top-level three-day-events have been held in the same venues for decades e.g. the British country house settings of Burghley, Badminton etc and the expansive American horse parks. Shorter courses are in-place in the same venues the long format ones were formerly held. As for the Olympics, the event is held in a completely different country every four years so the argument doesn't hold there. The nature of eventing has changed and money is a part of that. The long format could be reintroduced. If there's a land shortage then give up the ever expanding spectator parking lots for a start (that would also get rid of the uninformed rabble you talked about!) ;)

deaths at events

A true horseman's first responsibility is to his horse who trusts him. If we all fullfilled this responsibility, we would not even be having this discussion.

So many reasons for change ...

Here is a description of the short format from the FEI ... Without Steeple Chase These competitions comprise the same three tests, but the Cross Country test does not include Phases B & C. Moreover, phase A, before the Cross Country Obstacle Test, is optional. This format has contributed to developing the sport in countries traditionally less familiar with Eventing and has become the standard for the sport at all levels.

Precisely one of the reasons the short format has gained favor is because the Olympics are held in other countries where they won't devote the amount of land necessary for the longer format. (Note that during the Hong Kong test last year, the cross country course was run twice, however that may change once the facilities are properly prepared for the Olympics.)

But the short format is hardly the only issue ... See the letter with immediate rule changes and initiation for feedback at the link below from the USEF President David O'Connor and USEA President David Baumgartner.

http://useventing.com/blog/?p=202

Horse does NOT love to do this!

I totally disagree with the statement made that a horse loves to do this. How do you know that? Did you talk to the horse? Did the horse tell you that? Us riding them and putting them through these events is not natural to a horse. The only thing they love to do is eat, drink, play, run around, and live on a huge fields of grass. This is what's natural to a horse. How do you listen to your horse? You can listen to your horse while you ride and learn something called "harmony" but in no way do I agree that a horse loves to kill itself at the event or jump those huge obstacles. None of those obstacles are natural to a horse. Sure they jump in a wild but only when they have to. How many obstacles do you think a wild horse jump per day or per month? Maybe one?

I have seen the accident at Rolex and this was my first time there and maybe my last. I cannot witness this kind of an accident again. It's been several days now since I got back and I am still unable to sleep. When I do get some sleep I cannot stop dreaming about the accident.

I have been around horses most of my life and I treasure these animals. I think they are the most beautiful and giving creatures God has put on this earth. We need to take care of them not kill them. Eventing should only exist if the proper safety is in place. Whether it is a falling fence or a fence that gives we must insure our horse's safety before being selfish and take it to the event that can kill the horse.

Dear Bonnie

I have been riding and competing horses for 25 years. I have been eventing since 1997. Let me just tell you horses are not "forced" to do anything. If you had any experience in the saddle you would know that. These are the most beloved and well cared for animals on the planet! Maybe you should spend a little time in a world class stable and watch the horses train and be cared for. It is amazing how someone can write an article on a subject they know nothing about. Better stick to city life and let the FEI and the members of the USEA work out the issues at hand.

Respectfully, Keely Frank

Horses are willing but not voluntary participants

Keely (and others), please don't insult fellow horse lovers by saying horses love to event and are not forced into competition and non-eventers don't know that. Yes, horses can refuse fences (and maybe face the whip). Yes, fit horses love to exercise and some even have competitive streaks to rival a gold medallist, yet aren't all of us horsemen honestly just exploiting our horses natural willingness to please, sociable instincts and athletic build for our pleasure? (And not to mention their trust!)

I wholeheartedly support most eventers (and no, eventers are not a splinter group from the horse community, we are all in it together. My OTTB rehab may be your next eventer!) Seeing horses and riders compete at the top levels is awe inspiring and, honestly, you rarely see the courage and brilliance exhibited in eventing in any other area of public life. That's why it attracts such a large following and why so many people want to keep it an acceptably safe sport, not a tragic one.

Rena of IL, you have no idea what you're talking about

I will be the first to say that the death and injury rate needs to be reduced dramatically, and NOW, at the highest levels of eventing. What is happening now is inexcusable, but there have been multiple sea changes in eventing over the last five-ten years, and the Powers That Be are desperately trying to figure out which changes had a role in the increased accident rate, and which are red herrings.

You mark yourself as less than a true horseman when you say horses can't possibly love to do this. Yes, horses naturally love to run, eat, play with their friends, have a good roll in the dirt, etc. But my event horses have also loved ME and their relationship with me. Our relationship was built by my day-in day-out care of them, and our training together, which, like a pearl, added beautiful layers of horsemanship and partnership, one after another. My last event horse was a better partner to me than most spouses, and he knew it. He puffed up to strut for dressage, tolerated show jump, and adored cross country. He came out of the start box hunting for the first fence... "lemme at it!" Running cross country is as close to their own natural sport as our human-designed sports get, so they really do enjoy it, when compared to going in endless circles in an arena, or kept in a stall. There really are horses that get bored in a field - I have one of those now on 24/7 turnout layup, who would love to go back to event training. Some horses are naturally timid - these horses do NOT stay in eventing long. We can't force horses to enjoy and excel at this sport, they naturally self-select.

I reiterate: I am pissed off and worried about where our sport has gone lately, and my emotions are mirrored by virtually every one of my low-level eventing colleagues, who comprise 80+% of the eventing community. We are desperately searching for a solution - or solutions - to stop the accidents. Because they sicken us too. But don't you, as someone with no first-hand knowledge of the partnership that is built with eventing, dare to tell me that my horses have not enjoyed it. They did, and they do.

And while I'm at it, all you H/J riders without firsthand eventing knowledge - you can pipe down too. You have your own ugly issues, and you shouldn't throw stones in glass houses.

Rena of IL, you have no idea what you're talking about

I will be the first to say that the death and injury rate needs to be reduced dramatically, and NOW, at the highest levels of eventing. What is happening now is inexcusable, but there have been multiple sea changes in eventing over the last five-ten years, and the Powers That Be are desperately trying to figure out which changes had a role in the increased accident rate, and which are red herrings.

You mark yourself as less than a true horseman when you say horses can't possibly love to do this. Yes, horses naturally love to run, eat, play with their friends, have a good roll in the dirt, etc. But my event horses have also loved ME and their relationship with me. Our relationship was built by my day-in day-out care of them, and our training together, which, like a pearl, added beautiful layers of horsemanship and partnership, one after another. My last event horse was a better partner to me than most spouses, and he knew it. He puffed up to strut for dressage, tolerated show jump, and adored cross country. He came out of the start box hunting for the first fence... "lemme at it!" Running cross country is as close to their own natural sport as our human-designed sports get, so they really do enjoy it, when compared to going in endless circles in an arena, or kept in a stall. There really are horses that get bored in a field - I have one of those now on 24/7 turnout layup, who would love to go back to event training. Some horses are naturally timid - these horses do NOT stay in eventing long. We can't force horses to enjoy and excel at this sport, they naturally self-select.

I reiterate: I am pissed off and worried about where our sport has gone lately, and my emotions are mirrored by virtually every one of my low-level eventing colleagues, who comprise 80+% of the eventing community. We are desperately searching for a solution - or solutions - to stop the accidents. Because they sicken us too. But don't you, as someone with no first-hand knowledge of the partnership that is built with eventing, dare to tell me that my horses have not enjoyed it. They did, and they do.

And while I'm at it, all you H/J riders without firsthand eventing knowledge - you can pipe down too. You have your own ugly issues, and you shouldn't throw stones in glass houses.

Holly Don't tell me what I know!

I have been around horses since I was a kid. I own horses myself and have more experience with them than you think. All I said is horses naturally are not in love with your sport nor my sport for that matter. I am not an eventer but I do compete in other disciplines. However I take my sport and care for my horses a little bit more differently than you are. To me health, care, and a well being of a horses is much more important than competing and killing my horses. Please stick to your opinion and don't tell me what I know or don't know. I made a general comment not ripping on anyone nor am I saying that eventers don't take care or love their horses. I am also not saying that eventing should not exist what I am saying is eventing needs to be safe for the horses and riders before it should continue. This is much more dangerous equestrian sport than most and something has to be done to make this safer sport.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist....

You don't have to know a lick about horses to understand that there are way too many dying on cross country courses all over the world today. Something is wrong and it must be fixed or the sport needs to stop. As an eventing spectator ( I ride other disciplines, my daughter is a Pony Clubber, which introduced me/us to the world of eventing) I have no desire to support these events if horses and people are dying. It's very simple. I've been to The Rolex several times....this year was my last until things change.

And in reference to horses being the "most beloved and well cared for animals on the planet", a quick visit to many a so-called "world class stable" and you will witness some of the most horendous animal abuse imaginable. And along the way stop at the slaughterhouses to get a glimpse of the cast-offs from those stables who didn't make the cut in the discipline they were bred for. Way too many horses are simply disposable commodities, a means to an end.

I certainly do not imply that there are not hundreds of thousands of people who truly love horses in this world..we're hearing from many of them on this and other related blogs. But to think every eventer "on course" has their horse's best interest in mind is naive.

I don't know the solution for the world of eventing, but as a rider and a horse lover and a compassionate human being, the last thing I want to witness or support is a sport that is killing innocent animals.

USEA member's perspective on eventing tragedies

Everybody, please read this for a sane view of these issues:

http://useventing.com/competitions.php?section=safety&id=1496

Tragedy is a great starting point from which to learn and start doing things better.

You don't tell me, I don't tell you

Rena, you started it by saying I can't possibly know that my horse loves cross country. I do, beyond a reasonable doubt anyway.

And yes, true horsemanship values the relationship of trust. And there are eventers out there today who are ribbon-chasers, rather than true practitioners. Those people deserve any criticism we pile on them. But you paint with a broad brush when you say that there is no way that we know that horse enjoy this sport.

We 100% agree when it comes to stopping the destruction.

Holly please do your research!

Please tell me how do you know that your horse loves this sport and does it because he just wants to do it so much? Is it natural to horses to love this sport or any other equestrian sport? NO, it is not! There is something called NATURE and equestrian sport is not one of them it's created by people. WE make decisions for horses; hoses do not making choices for themselves! Until you can proof scientifically that horses love equestrian sport this discussion is over.

Snort.

Research how?

Anyone who knows horses knows that they have delightfully different personalities and opinions. Much like, say, you and I do.

Many do not care for going out and about, they prefer to stay in an arena. These do not make good eventers.

Some are bold and brave, and enjoy spending regular time with their humans. Do they choose to run at top speed over several miles and many jumps? Of course not. Are they forced? Of course not. They react to training like any obedient animal.

That being said, if you assume that most people like to ride their horses, and that horses will need to be ridden to earn their keep (sounds a lot like all of us working stiffs)... which "job" do they choose? I firmly believe that many, were they sentient beings, would choose eventing. It offers variety, and consistent work with a (usually) knowledgeable and caring partner.

But I am speaking for the vast majority of us who canter or slowly gallop over 2'-6" to 3'-6" straightforward fences.

Rena and Holly, you're both right!

Yes, there are riders who use horses for their own personal glory and, yes we humans did tame horses for our personal use but there are definitely horses out there who need and love to work and even prefer human companionship to their own. I have a mare who loves me far more than her kind and is at the gate waiting as soon as she sees my car at the top of the hill, pushing her nose in her halter and begging to be taken out the field. When my other mare was laid up, she was visibly depressed out in her lovely pasture and just wanted to be working and back in her stall. My childhood pony used to whinny for attention when I turned my back on him and tried to come in the house and, boy, did he love to jump even without being asked (he preferred to jump over the widest ditches and streams rather than wade through them!) Horses can be willing beyond reason and there are abusive riders and competitors. I mentioned them in an earlier post and bad horsemanship must be severely penalized. Individual riders and event organizers all need to be held accountable; we must work it out.

Eventing - Courses for Horses

As a former eventer, I agree that the long format should come back -- it is the true test that defines what eventing historically is all about. The FEI gave up the long format because of lack of land for courses. Well, where is it written in stone that every country that hosts the Olympics has tobuild an entirely new Thiree Day course? Maybe it's time to accept the fact that , due to land and cost restraints, this part of the Olympics should be moved to one of the several eilte courses that already exist? Certainly Rolex, Badminton, Burghley, etc., have land available that new and interesting jumps could be added for Olympic venue,

The Kentucky Derby is always run at Churchill Downs - maybe advanced eventing needs a permanent competition home.

Use Le Samari as an Example!

This is (was!) a fabulous horse. RobinFisher had a hugh crash at Rolex on him on a table and (wow!) was ok... she sold him to the syndicate that AmyTryon was the rider for... he then had a severe injury in Rolex 2007 and Amy was sanctioned. This was a good horse... it died... but guess what? he was insured and they will buy another! But what about him...maybe he did feel "sucked back" by Amy...maybe she was thinking about his last crash at Rolex... maybe she did spur him on... but hey.. he was just trying... oh yea.. he is dead now.... come on..lets get real this sport is killing horses..!

Agree to Disagree

Holly, I don't want to argue with you, we both make good points and both of us want to see the same results after these accidents. My main concern is for the safety of horses and rides in the eventing sport. To be honest I just started doing little bit of eventing with my TB and after witnessing Laine's accident I am starting to re-think this. I don't want to argue with you as we both different and see things differently. We will just have to agree to disagree.

The Greatest Sport in the World

I'm not going to deny that this is a dangerous sport, or that we have had too many injuries and deaths recently, but it is still a sport undeserving of many of the criticisms that it is now enduring. Eventing is the greatest sport in the world! What other sport can you compete with the best in the world on any given weekend no matter who you are? What other sport celebrates the welfare of the horse over all else? I am not going to defend all the riders in this sport, I think we have developed a serious problem with a lack of riders taking responsibility for their own actions and preparation for events and this has resulted in some serious injuries but this is not the fault of our sport. If you want to criticize the riders who have made mistakes and paid the price then that's your choice but don't cut down my sport for these unfortunate accidents. They are unfortunate and steps need to be taken to identify the problem and prevent further accidents however, Eventing is still THE GREATEST SPORT IN THE WORLD.

I do have to agree that we deserve criticism

Sorry! Love this sport and I am willing to participate in drastic changes. BUT the governing bodies didn't do squat since the rash of deaths that started in 1999. All they did was beef up the qualifications very little and then developed the frangible pins on a very narrow criteria of jumps. In order to use the frangible pin, it has to be a horizontal log of a specific weight. Very narrow scope of utilization.

And that slap on the wrist for Amy was abhorrent behavior in respects to ALL parties involved.

That being said, the USEA is taking HUGE strides in correcting the problems. They are already implementing changes. Hopefully, they won't run out of steam before all the changes NEED to occur. The USEF and especially the FEI can suck it as far as I'm concerned. They don't do a thing!

And don't forget the British Eventing Association is implementing huge changes as well. So, it's not a US problem, it's a worldwide problem.

The old adage applies, 'You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink it' is very true in regards to taming the horse. I mean really, how are we supposed to force a 1200 lb animal over a fence??? They have to want to do it. And if you state that the horse was beaten to get over it, well, sooner or later that horse is going to defend itself and you'll be in the hospital.

horses in the wild

For all of those with the "it's not natural and horses in the wild don't jump" crap...guess what they do in the wild....they starve to death, fight eachother over mares to the death, struggle to find water, have wounds that don't heal..ultimately leading to death...all of the death being agonizing, long and cruel. They don't have it so good. I am an event rider and I do believe that horses learn to love the sport of eventing. Not all of them do, and those horses should have alternate careers that they can excel in...even if it ends up that they are best suited as a family trail horse. Can we all get off the soap box and give our organizations time to gather information and make good choices. Not one person outside of our organizations have been able to come up with a miracle solution, so why expect that they can. If you have an issue you have all been invited to the saftey summit meeting, get the lead out there...be productive.

I was at the fence where Frodo fell and it was one of the most horrible things I have ever witnessed. I was also apalled at the way the event handled the two horse deaths and one serious rider injury. There was no public acknowledgement of the deaths or injury, everything went on with business as usual. In any other sport, if two participants had been killed, and one seriously injured, the next day you would see supportive signs, armbands on other competitors and calls to remember the injured or dead.

God forbid the event actually make people think about what had happened. Anyone who says "it's a risky sport" and leaves it at that has a very cavalier and nonchalant attitude towards the deaths of these horses. As 4* courses are right now, there is VERY LITTLE room for error, and I can confidantly say that no one, not even the very top riders are going to be 100% perfect all of the time. Frodo and Laine misjudged a fence, and the price they paid was way too high. Horses should not be paying these type of consequences for their own or rider errors. For those who argue that horses love eventing, I can agree that there are horses out there that do love it. However, I have a young child who loves swimming, and it is my responsibility to make sure that I provide her with the right conditions for her to swim, so that she doesn't get into a situation that could prove fatal or injurious to her. She is incapable of making those types of decisions for herself at this point in her life and as a parent it is my responsibility to keep her safe. I would argue that the same goes for riders and event planners and designers, and ultimately organizations like the FEI, the USEA and others. Horses are our willing and loyal partners, and we need to do the right thing by their trust and not put them into these type of situations like Frodo and the Quiet Man. And truly, eventing better take a big step forward to do it, or the animal rights groups will start to take notice and make it happen one way or another.

It's Just an Animal for Chrissakes!

Hey, it's just a horse!

Now they're going to ruin horse racing the same way they ruined bullfighting by trying to 'save the horses'.

Years ago, the horses ridden by the picadors in a bullfight rode horses that were not covered with mattresses and all of the protection they are afforded these days. Then due to squeamish tourists freaking out when the horses screamed as the bull gored them, they forced the bullfight organizers to put these huge mattresses around the horse.

The whole purpose of that was so that you could truly see how vicious an animal a bull was, and after witnessing what it did to a horse - unprovoked, you WANT to see the matador teach that stupid bull a lesson.

Horses are animals. Watching animals is to see them die sometimes. Just go to the Kalahari in Africa and you will see for yourself. If you want to watch sports that involve animals, that's just a part of it.

There are many calls for action and plans for action now taking shape. No one is less than distressed over the spring eventing season. Please be part of the solution, not creating more problems!

"Concerned parent in CA" is the mother of a girl who -- despite being eliminated -- recklessly continued on course. She had a tragic accident, it's true, but had she followed the rules of the sport, she would be alive today. "Concerned parent" has made it her vendetta to try to destroy the sport -- when in reality, she should face up to the sad fact that her daughter made a very bad decision. Just like I have no business getting onto a Nascar track, her daughter had no business entering that class or continuing after her first stop on course - let alone her fourth.

Let's lay the blame where it belongs: riders need to take responsibility.

Julie in MT - Well put!

I agree with you 100%. I was at the same jump where Frodo and Laine had a fall. I never want to see anything like this again.

Statements at Rolex

Having worked the Press/Media Center all weekend at Rolex, I can assure you all that the deaths/injuries were not passed over as business as usual. However, being an International competition, protocal must be followed, and all public statements on health conditions must be approved. Statements were given at the end of each day, either supplied by the family or the Vet hospital. I know for a fact that everyone working to make Rolex the event we all know and love was effected by these tragedies.

Reality is Reality

The issue is that it has taken 14 deaths for the USEA and USEF officlals to come forward with their first "proposed" changes. And that is after the "officials" first tried to issue (again) bland statements of "this is a risky sport"... After a general negative uprising to the poor timing of their comments they now have come forward with "proposals." ... that they "may issue on an emergency basis"...well. again ..They are just that "proposals"... They aren't real till they are in effect and I will note that nothing has been done other than the USEA is saying they "may" do something without the FEI Safety Committee agreeing...Certainly! one would hope they would.

Horseman??? I think not-

Those at the top have made the sport what it is today - About speed, overbitting, reckless riding, and courses made to see "what the horses are made of...". The grassroots riders at the lower levels are a mirror image of what is going on at the upper levels and it is absolutely appalling. Horses have become for so many, the equivalent of a motorcycle. Do us all a favor - change sports and kill yourself if you want but spare the horses.

To make the real changes necessary those who can make policy will not do enough. It would be an admission of being wrong in the decisions that have resulted in eventing becoming a deadly "sport."

I don't think that you have ever competed at a 3* or 4* event! If you did you would know that it is not always possible to prevent a horse from having a rotational fall! It's tragic but everyone who competes know that it is a dangerous sport! If the horses thought that they couldn't complete a fence safely they would not jump it!

I have been competing at the upper levels of eventing for the past 5 years. I am a young rider that moved up to intermediate at age 15 and I have been eventing since I was 8. I think people have a lot of nerve to put down athletes that have devoted tehir life to their horses without knowing anything about it. From an outside perspective, these deaths and accidents of both people and horses are haunting and scary and disgusting. From the inside they look the same way. But what I have to say is that horses are huge powerful animals and in everything humans do with horses, people and horses both could get hurt. Many more jockeys and horses get hurt racing than eventing.

Second, I think a lot of the problems we are having is stemming from a change in times. Back 15 years ago, 20 or 30 years ago, the only horsemen eventing were the toughest of the tough who grew up getting bucked off and riding anything everyone else didnt want to. Today, teenagers who dont know the front of a horse from the back are getting bought expensive "packers" and moving up the levels, half of them scared out of their minds. If I have a student ever say "im scared" I tell them to consider not riding then.

Third, I cannot tell any of you how deeply it offends me to hear you say that we are abusing our horses and I think I can speak for any true eventer when I say that. My advanced event horse loves me and he loves cross country. His whole face lights up when he knows it is cross country day and when he sees a horse galloping on cross country I can feel a chill run down his body and the minute he gallops out of the box, there is no stopping him, but the best part is the look of confidence and pride he has on his face when we are done. I truly believe that there are horses and riders out there made to event together and I feel just as strongly that a lot of people and horses eventing shouldnt be.

I sat out and watched cross country at the last event I was competing at and watched terrible scary ride after terrible scary ride at the preliminary level. I witnssed

1. tired, tired horses. if you are riding a warmblood at the upper levels, you have to condition like you would yourself for a marathon. They should be as fresh at the end as they are at the beginning.

2. tired riders. anyone competing should be able to go cross country and also feel as strong at the end as they do at the beginning. a tired mind is not going to help get you out of trouble.

3. riders mistaking slowing down with losing all power. this is a problem in training that sickens me. I believe so many accidents could be prevented if forward riding was encouraged. "show jumping" through combinations does not mean pull, chip in, throw your shoulders, and let your horse heave you out of it.

4. a lack of confidence. a confident rider gives their confidence to their mount so they can enjoy cross country together. if you are not feeling confident, move down a level.

I think that all this bad mouthing the officials of the sport is in really bad taste. They are heartbroken by these accidents and are trying to please everyone.

Bottom line:

eventing is dangerous. make sure your daughter, son, friend, knows what they are doing, has a fit horse and are fit themselves, and make sure they feel confident and comfertable with the level they are competing at. and stop talking smack on the officials and people working around the clock to make the neccissary changes because all it does is make a bunch of people that do not ride and have never connected with an event horse sound stupid. because no one knows what they lost more than those horses riders.

Another Horse Death

Evidently there was another horse fall and death today at the Jersey Fresh event. Tigger Too had a rotational fall and died. I am unable to confirm any details, but I have read several accounts of the accident on an eventing forum. Three horses dead within two weeks is horrible and inexcusable. Personally, I don't believe that I need to be an eventer to have an opinion on the subject, but for everyone's information, I have evented. I have made a connection with lots of horses, and I have owned and loved and competed on horses since I was 8 years old. I know enough about riding to say with complete confidence that horses can be compelled to do things that they wouldn't naturally want to do. And the deeper the relationship you develop with them, the more they trust you and will go the extra mile for you. That quite frankly is why I find these equine deaths so absolutely horrific. Those horses trusted their riders to their deaths. When making a small mistake carries such a huge price, there is something very wrong. A horse starting out at Rolex this year had a 5% chance of dying, and a 2.5% chance of winning. I think the most recent death and the wave of deaths has shown these aren't freak accidents and I think that something drastic needs to be done, before more horses and people die.

Top Event Horses Die

Tiger Too was 17... what was he doing out on a CCI***? TAsk Force, another great top horse died in warm up at a recent event.... he didn't make the recent headlines, but he was also older. Are these horses being sent out because they are "insured"?

insurance

The insurance companies won't insure a horse over 15 years old so NO they weren't being sent out because they were insured. Older horses have a lot of experience for teaching. I guarantee you the OConner's are not hurting for money and would not need the insurance money and if you look at their website they have about 10 retired horses. Don't you think if they were in need of money they would find ways to kill off a majority of those horses? In eventing our horses stay very fit and therefore are able to compete many times well into there twenties with absolutely no soundness issues.

I hope this helps clear that up a bit.

RIP TIgger Too ... another eventing casualty

I was heartbroken to read of Tigger Too's heart attack death on the Jersey Fresh x-country ... yet another after Laine Ashker's horse died on finishing last year. His rider was unhurt as although Tigger landed on Kieffer's leg, officials said he struggled to get out of her way before he died. Officials yet again released the statement about the "loss of a wonderful horse." How many now? This sport will kill itself eventually, especially if (when) an Olympic fatality causes its end as an Olympic sport.

So, they say that the whole point of bulls goring horses to death is just to show people how vicious a bull is? Do you know how they make the bulls so angry? I suggest you do some research and see how mistreated all animals involved in this sport are.

On the subject of eventing, it is absolutely horrible that these horses died on a course and they really should not suffer through this. I will be the first to agree that horses can love this sport, as my own adores jumping and instead of grazing in her paddock, will jump a couple of fallen logs. However! That doesn't make it okay that horses should be ridden through a dangerous course that leaves them no room for error. I believe that there must be a way that people can make things more easily collapsible and safer.