On Saturday afternoon I stood by the water jump at Poplar Place and watched the latter portion of the novice divisions going cross country. There were two fences between the water jump and the finish line, and I was shocked at how many people were checking their watches multiple times and adjusting their speed rather than paying attention to the horse’s pace, balance, and rhythm instead.
I understand that in Canada the rule to ban stopwatches at Novice levels and below was very unpopular. What about the education of the horse though, and some of the riders? How can we reward a combination that maintain a consistent and appropriate pace for the level?
It’s not as if there is huge prize money, or indeed any, at stake – I don’t understand the obsession with stopwatches and wheeling courses at Novice levels and lower. Comments welcome below. (The pictures and video used above could have been anyone, I certainly didn’t single these riders out, it was pure chance, they were a few of very many)
Go and educate your horse and enjoy your eventing!
