should equestrian events be part of the Olympic Games?

[lslowry]

Saw the dressage event today where all the effort was done by the horse with just someone in a top hat sat astride. It's the same with show jumping, the horse doing the business.

[ummmm]

Yeah, but put a novice on a trained horse and watch them succeed in getting to not move.

[Prudie]

"Should be entirely one persons efforts with no other person/beast involved." that might bugger up the odd relay too.

[DaisyNonna]

No other person involved? No coach, no family support, no team members? What a load of spherical tresses we almost hear.

[Mick-Talbot]

The synchronised swimming would look a bit odd to, Prudie

[DTCwordfan]

How the feck did the Greeks move their equipment around and their messengers. It wasn't all human running.

Stoopid question IMO and a lack of appreciation of the Games' history.

[Bambiagain]

Islowry, I'd like you to sit on my horse and see her perform a dressage test. Or in fact get her to just walk in a straight line.

People who criticise Zara Phillips (and, in the past, Princess Anne) , saying that they only got where they are because they have the money to buy the right horses simply don't know how much is involved in succeeding in equestrian sports. Yes, it is true, having money enables someone to buy a good horse. But from their the rider needs the talent, the patience, the nerves and the dedication to succeed. Even a dressage rider needs these things - although no scary fences are involved in dressage, it still needs courage and confidence to sit on a fit horse, no matter how well schooled, and get a good performance out of it. And ask any first time rider how they feel the day after they get on a horse and they will tell you there are muscles involved that they never knew they had. Riding involves a partnership between the rider and the horse.

[Bambiagain]

... from there ...

[Mick-Talbot]

Horse racing ......that's what the Olympics needs

;0)

[Prudie]

but who would get the medal - the jockey or the horse? After all the jockey just has to sit there :-0

[HowardKennitby]

I agree with OP. The contests should be between individual human beings. I would also exclude all team events.