Equestrian Sports

[Redrum]

Some people won't watch the Grand National as they believe its cruel and horses get killed and injured. I am a devote amimal lover but I admit to enjoying the GN each year, I dont relish wathcing horses get injured however, I am watching the Badminton Horse Trials - is this not deemed as cruel ? Forcing horses to jump dangerously high and difficlt obstacles, and I have seen some pretty horrendous falls and slips on this course over the years too ? I am confused.....why some of my other horsey friends love to watch Badminton, yet scowl at the GN...

[garner]

I think you have answered your own question.....Everybody is different and have different views on this subject.It is simple, if you dont like it, dont watch.I myself do not like to see animals hurt or injured so I don't watch.

[woofgang]

the bigger problem that i have with "the bloodstock industry" is that the horses who finally race are a small percentage of all those that are bred. Of the ones who race, the proportion who get to have a happy and fit life after racing is even smaller. the wasteage is horrific, same with greyhounds. But also yes, I cannot get people who say they love the racehorse so much and are nervous about it racing but still put it into races where there is a risk of injury and death.

[jaffa cake]

I dont mind watching the horses,but why must they whip them,whipping should be banned

[mollykins]

The whipping should be banned.

How do horse play badminton, or is it like when people play polo or horse, or is it jsut the name of the competition where no rackets and shuttlecocks are involved?

[sandyRoe]

I believe they train the horses to hold the rackets between their teeth. The net has to be much higher, of course.

[boxtops]

Ha Ha molly, I thought you were watching the Badminton Trials - you'll know they are not on a court! It's just the name of the event, the place is called Badminton. Princess Anne used to take part, it's not far from where she lives.

[mollykins]

Do they have to jump over badminton nets then??????

[mollykins]

btw my first post should say 'when people play polo on horses.'

[sandyRoe]

No, no. They hit the shuttlecock over the nets. Because horses are taller than people the nets have to be higher too.

[boxtops]

I love the picture this all conjures up - I hope they play without a rider, it would be awfully difficult to stay on when the horses get on their back legs for a high volley.

[mollykins]

you could score points two ways.

1) how long the rider stays on for.

2) any points the horses score for playing badminton.

[boxtops]

They might have to play with carrots instead of a shuttle, their teeth are a big big for tossing up the shuttle to get started.

[vulcan]

boxtops, the jockey is the Salads Chef.

[boxtops]

..what, with the tall white hat?

[sandyRoe]

They'd eat the carrots. Better let them continue with the feathered shuttle.

[boxtops]

sandyroe, I'm only concerned they'll confuse them with passing sparrows, too. Horses are not much into bird-watching, I believe.

[sandyRoe]

They wear blinkers for that very reason.

[jules77]

There are guidelines on whip use, and it should be used for for safety, correction and encouragement only. I ride, not competitively, but I cant watch the Grand National, however I love Badminton. Only plus side of racehorses is that most of them are treated like Kings during their racing life, although there are exceptions.