Maui Jim horse trials at Lamplight Equestrian Center

[meezergal]

 Yesterday, I went with a few women from the barn to the Maui Jim horse trials at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, to see the cross-country. It was a blast! It was on the international CIC*** level with Olympians competing. We got to see Bruce Davidson and his son Buck (Bruce Jr.), and a lady (oh, I wish I could remember her name!) who had been in the Beijing Olympics, as well as David O'Connor, who wasn't riding, but coaching some of the Canadians.

Lisa Marie Fergusson's horse died at the finish line... just collapsed. It was horribly sad and I'm glad I didn't actually see it happen. Now, of course, there's the huge controversy over eventing and whether or not some of the divisions are too cruel and demanding.

It was fascinating being there with an "in" group. The riders from our barn had gone already and so Anne was able to take us to some of the best spots to watch. The one bank was... formidable!!! Leap up, leap up, jump on top, leap down, gallop away! Whew! And some of the bounces and combinations were wild! They seemed no wider than I am tall! 

Oddly enough, the water jumps seemed to bother the horses less than some of the other things. I was surprised at that. Tiki hates water with a passion. Dancer doesn't seem to care one way or another. 

Even though I got a terrific sunburn on my arms and neck, and even though I can't describe how sad I was to hear of the horse's death, I had a wonderful time. I hope I go to another horse trials soon!

Comments

[darkbay.livejournal.com]

I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WERE IN WAYNE AT LAMPLIGHT!

I live less than 3 miles from there.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about the horse. Wventing is so demanding. :-/

[meezergal.livejournal.com]

I had no idea you lived so close!! I feel terrible--I would have let you know and you could have joined us! :( My trainer is Anne Jennings and she's pretty well known in the eventing world. She knew the stuff to watch; took us to the best spots on the course.

I was so sad about the horse's death. It's one of those risks you take when you event at the higher levels. :(

[superbeffie.livejournal.com]

why is it that any time a horse dies at an event it must be because they shouldn't be doing it? I hear this sort of uproar every time and animal dies, but you don't hear that when a human athlete dies at an event like that. I really don't understand. It's tragic but it's one of those things that just happens.

[meezergal.livejournal.com]

That's the whole thing in a nutshell, pretty much. People say, "The horse can't tell you if s/he's feeling exhaustion/stress/wants to quit!", but still, look at the way perfectly healthy (supposedly) young athletes will drop dead with no warning. I think it's the same sort of thing. You just never know--it's all a gamble, people and horses alike.