I think it’s interesting how so many people talking about this incident talk about “locking on” to a fence like there is no turning back. Yes, a horse that knows how to jump in advancecd competition “locks on” (as they should) a few strides before a fence of that magnitude, but you most certainly can pull them up when you are still a few strides away - all you have to do is turn! I’ve also heard from many that were there between fences 33 and 34, that he broke to the trot at one point... and many were yelling at her to pull up. I realize that sometimes you just don’t hear anyone when your that focused (I know I don’t) but I would have considered checking a step or 2 more of trot prior to jumping him back into the canter if he felt funny to me... a twisted shoe can result in a blown tendon or ligament... which although may be mild can result in catastrophe if you go and jump a 5 foot fence, so why not check (and I’m not saying stop completely and get off). I certainly know that stuff happens regardless of what you do too. It’s a risk we all take doing what we love. I don’t think she had any intention of hurting her horse as certainly none of us would, but maybe it’s time we all take more responsibility for those animals that so gladly give their hearts, souls and lives for us. It’s our job to make sure they are ok to compete and continue.
Very good post somebody with some sense:)
Becky
Thank you for being reasonable. I have had the experience many times of having a highly competitive horse lock onto a fence, or some other purpose (like staying with the field he’s racing with), and sometimes it’s necessary to practically wrestle them to a stop. It’s hard to do. A sudden, fast stop can do even more damage.
Sometimes it’s very difficult to figure out what’s going on beneath you when you’re riding at high speed on changing, uneven ground, and those who haven’t ridden that course, or Morven Park, or Fair Hill (as I have), might not realize how uneven the ground can be, so the horse doesn’t necessarily feel regular and rhythmic.
Just last night I was helping my daughter, who competes at a high level, with an OTTB I recently bought. Cantering on uneven ground she wasn’t sure that the mare was going sound or not. I saw that the mare was off and told her, but despite her experience and skill she didn’t feel it clearly.
Did Tryon make a bad decision? Surely. Was it understandable? Forgivable, even? Maybe. My entire point is that the lynch mob might just consider holding onto their torches and rope for awhile until a formal investigation is concluded. The investigation might well determine that what she did was horrendous, but until then, we might presume innocence until she is proven guilty, in accordance with our nation’s traditions.