[HairOfTheDog]

OK - I’ve seen the video... The horse was off before the last jump, and after, certainly... Was it edited or were they just seconds from the finish?

It’s debatable to me whether the rider could clearly tell what was happening well enough to make a decision in real time that is as easy as in hindsight, they can’t see like we can.

[Help!]

Yes, that’s the debate, whether she just thought he “stung” himself or could plainly tell he was already injured. Some say he tried to break to a trot, but she kicked him on.

They were just moments from the finish, although this is 3-day eventing, so they still had the stadium phase to go. So finishing with a lame horse would get her nothing.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

I let the video load and watched...she had to know something was wrong...look how much that horses head was bobbing after that trip he took...She knew, and if she didn’t, she doesn’t need to be competing.

Becky

[Lloyd227]

"...It’s debatable to me whether the rider could clearly tell what was happening well enough to make a decision in real time ..."

I grew up raising, training and competing with horses although not the jumping variety like this. My dad had upwards of 200 horses on his ranch at one point so I know a bit about horses and the people who work with them.

Two points:
This horse was very clearly missing steps and in pain long before that jump. When you sit on the back of an animal, there is no mistaking even a change in gate, let alone what was an injury significant enough to be visible in a youtube video. This rider very clearly knew her horse was hurt and she weighed the win more important than her animal.

2nd and most telling - upon dismounting, this rider just stood and looked at the officials as if her machine were broken..... I did not see the immediate and personal concern that should be there for any rider who cares one damn for the animal. A rider with a bond to the animal would have put personal safety aside and been down inspecting the leg, or at least comforting the horse with a touch or a hold. This woman just stood there as though the horse was just a dirt bike that need repaired.

I'm disgusted having watched the video and this woman should never ride another horse.

Cheers,
Lloyd