Floriano's first outing at Grand Prix with new rider....... [Archive]

class

Feb. 5, 2008, 12:54 PM

Interesting quotes on Dressage Daily.

what about it do you think is "interesting"? you make it sound all mysterious and possibly negative. i think it's interesting that you would post such a comment.

Although McDonald and Peters were certainly the riders to watch this weekend, among the horses, it was international star Floriano that interested many. The 18-year-old Westphalian gelding had been the mount of Steffen Peters until he resigned as rider in October of 2007.

The ride was then taken over by Stephen Browning II, son of Floriano’s owners Laurelyn and Stephen Browning.

Browning and Floriano were the first to go in Saturday’s Grand Prix Open competition. Browning, who recently recovered from back surgery, rode his first Grand Prix tests this weekend scoring a 58.60 percent on Saturday and a 60.60 percent on Sunday. Floriano now lives at the Browning’s private farm and according to Laurelyn Browning, “he has a renewal in life. He goes on trail rides, does hill work, and enjoys being at home. We’re a team. I help Stephen on the ground, and I rode Flori until the doctor released Stephen to ride three weeks ago. We plan to go to the trials and participate in all the CDIs.”

Browning, delighted with his rides, felt any mistakes in the tests were his. “As with any new partnership, it takes time. This show actually went a lot better than I thought it would.” When asked what Floriano, by the famous Florestan, is like to ride, Browning said, “He always tries to please. He knows the patterns and requirements. He has an amazing canter, and a lot of suspension in the trot. He’s just a really fun horse to ride. He is powerful like a stallion, and gives the rider a feeling like he can open up into a medium whenever you want it.” Browning commented that “he did not feel pressure taking over Floriano after his successful career with Peters. “I am just having so much fun; I am thrilled!”

snoopy

Feb. 5, 2008, 01:00 PM

yes it looks like they all had a good time and that was what they wanted from it....so what is so "interesting"???

Tanyanoel

Feb. 5, 2008, 01:00 PM

I only saw the first Grand Prix test of his on Saturday and I gotta say that even with various mistakes and a stop in the piaffe Flori looked pretty relaxed and happy. I think a lot of people were expecting a disaster and Stephen seemed to do quite well and he should be very proud of their first outing. For a pairing of a horse of the caliber and a rider new to Grand Prix (I think he is new to Grand Prix???) they did a nice job and Stephen seemed thrilled to be riding a horse that he has been watching for so many years.

Calhoun

Feb. 5, 2008, 04:24 PM

Good for Stephen and Floriano!

InsideLeg2OutsideRein

Feb. 5, 2008, 04:30 PM

Yep, very happy for horse and rider. Congrats.

tempichange

Feb. 5, 2008, 09:26 PM

renewal of life? Doesn't anyone else find that odd?

Cooper

Feb. 5, 2008, 09:40 PM

renewal of life? Doesn't anyone else find that odd?

Not at all, sounds like they are spoiling him rotten! :yes:

I wish them both the best.

Touchstone Farm

Feb. 5, 2008, 09:54 PM

renewal of life? Doesn't anyone else find that odd?

Yes, I thought it was odd!

But hope Stephen has fun. Flori should be able to teach him a lot, and at some point in time, Flori would have had to be retired, so why not at a point when he can still teach his owner's son a lot, safely and soundly. What a great opportunity for Stephen.

slc2

Feb. 5, 2008, 10:02 PM

I am so thrilled that the performance satisfied the people on this bulletin board :lol:

Jesus, the kid got a 58 and a 60 at GP three weeks after back surgery???? not a lot of time with that horse either - not to get together at gp...wow! dayum! good going steven!!!! that is incredible!! for those who thuink that it is easy to do this...think again!!

My office mate is still crawling around 3 weeks later and cradling his pain pills lovingly in his arms everywhere he goes... if it was a similar surgery(snip snip the disk).

Very nice stephen! and many more!

canticle

Feb. 5, 2008, 10:33 PM

Good for them! It sounds like the family really loves the horse, and I think it's great that they can enjoy him now!

candico

Feb. 5, 2008, 11:26 PM

Having been at the show... what urks me is that the "family" seem to have become experts overnight. I think they've only been doing this a few years now and to do this without employing a real trainer? I just don't think "mom" is qualified to be a real coach. The whole keep it in the family thing is fine at a local level, but to think they should do the CDIs kind of mocks the sincerity of everyone else involved. It's not that they don't have the money to employ one of the experts to help them out... Not sure they've tried or if they truly feel that they know enough now not to need anymore help.
I'm glad Flori is happy doing trail rides, eating ice cream etc. But I think in the first announcement they said something about Steffen not being dedicated enough to the further competitive future of Floriano, not that they felt he wasn't doing enough "fun" stuff. And fine for them to use him as a schoolmaster, but it sounds like they are seriously going for the team. It just seems that they need to eat a bit of humble pie... JMO

Sabine

Feb. 5, 2008, 11:55 PM

inca

Feb. 6, 2008, 12:23 AM

Well, I think 99.9% of the people that post here would be THRILLED to get a 58% and a 60% their first time out at GP. I know I would. (Heck, I hope to do 3rd level for the first time at some point this year and will be tickled pink if my first scores are a 58% and a 60%. That will mean I didn't almost die from nerves and didn't do anything terribly stupid. That is a good start for your first time at a level as an amateur.) So, good for Stephen.

If they are seriously considering trying out for the team, a reality check will be on the way in short order. But, let them do what they want.

jumpytoo

Feb. 6, 2008, 12:56 AM

I am glad they are enjoying their own horse , they are lovely, kind and generous people and I wish them all the best. Just becasuse they can afford it, doesn't mean it's their job to provide horses for BNT's to have fun on. IIrc, Stephen spent time in Europe getting lots of training time and I know most Mom's who hang out at lessons get to know what things their kids do well or need to work on.. his Mom is no different so I am sure she can help as a ground person..pls I do know there is a specific trainer who can watch and help too.

I am realy glad he is getting the chance to enjoy this marvelous horse and wish them tons of success !!

FancyFree

Feb. 6, 2008, 12:58 AM

I'm glad for him too. Oddly I'm rooting for him. It must be rough having all this scrutiny. Lots of additional pressure.

heronponie

Feb. 6, 2008, 01:15 AM

Sounds like they did well!

I'll admit I'm still a bit sad, though.. Peters and Floriano were one of my favourite pairs :sadsmile:

petitefilly

Feb. 7, 2008, 07:20 PM

Sounds like they did well!

I'll admit I'm still a bit sad, though.. Peters and Floriano were one of my favourite pairs :sadsmile:

<sigh> Me too! I'll miss that duo more than most in the future!

ise@ssl

Feb. 11, 2008, 09:21 AM

ec412

Feb. 15, 2008, 12:13 AM

ASB Stars

Feb. 15, 2008, 07:38 AM

I believe the success they had at this show was the result of years of training that Stefan Peters put into Floriano. That should not be discounted. The Brownings own the horse and it's their call on who rides but some of the comments almost sound like this horse was not happy before. I spent a lot of time watching him at the WEG'S in Aachen and he was an extremely happy boy and very connected to his rider. And I don't for one minute believe that Peters wasn't dedicated to this horse.

For which Peters was paid, correct? This is what he does for a living. He also got the benefit of working with a lovely horse, and competing him at the very highest levels- on someone elses nickel.

Good for the Brownings, I say! If they are not using a coach or outside instructor- who cares? There is no mockery here. This is how grass roots amateurs work- why not let them do want they want with a horse that they love- and that there son obviously adores. This HORSE is the instructor here!

It is not like they are wasting a resource here- how many would give a body part to ride a schoolmaster of that caliber?

ise@ssl

Feb. 15, 2008, 08:08 AM

ASB Stars

Feb. 15, 2008, 08:34 AM

I'm NOT denying the connection- but it is over.

And, unless you can tell me that Peters paid his own way, and all of the horses expenses, as a bunch of the other "amateurs" do, my statements stand.

This is not complicated.

Coreene

Feb. 15, 2008, 12:58 PM

For which Peters was paid, correct? This is what he does for a living. He also got the benefit of working with a lovely horse, and competing him at the very highest levels- on someone elses nickel.

Good for the Brownings, I say! If they are not using a coach or outside instructor- who cares? There is no mockery here. This is how grass roots amateurs work- why not let them do want they want with a horse that they love- and that there son obviously adores. This HORSE is the instructor here!

It is not like they are wasting a resource here- how many would give a body part to ride a schoolmaster of that caliber?Amen, sister, amen. I never understand why people think that the trainer/rider has this entitlement to keep the ride forever. Horses are sold. People switch trainers. The Brownings own the horse and can do whatever the hell they want with it. Everyone known that Peters rode the horse. Whatever. Lots of people buy made horses and then ride it themselves. Because, ya know, it is their horse.

Sabine

Feb. 15, 2008, 01:54 PM

Oh please ASB - you make it sound so cut and dry. Perhaps you should check the rules on whether riders competing for the Teams can be paid before you make statements. There are restrictions you know.

And the connection between stefan and Floriano was undeniable.

It was for sure. But Floriano was a GP horse when he got him and he just made him better- he became famous with him and as far as I remember received the highest scores of his career in international competition on him- so it was a good thing for Steffen and for Floriano and for the Brownings.

Now the horse is older- probably shouldn't be subjected to the enormous airmiles they are planning on putting on our Olympic horses and Steffen had other horses to ride.

So great for the Brownings and their son to enjoy the horse they 'invested' a large sum into.

Ellie K

Feb. 15, 2008, 03:24 PM

Oh please ASB - you make it sound so cut and dry. Perhaps you should check the rules on whether riders competing for the Teams can be paid before you make statements. There are restrictions you know.perhaps you should check the rules. No, actually there aren't any restrictions, haven't been for 20+ years (an American NGB is not allowed by the USOC to have amateur restrictions exceeding those of its IF, and the FEI adopted a 'no restrictions' eligibility code as soon as the IOC made it possible in the early '80s, effective Seoul since it was too late for LA).

candico

Feb. 15, 2008, 11:23 PM

My comment comes from the fact that they stated that they are going for the team, as in for the Olympics... It's totally fine that the Brownings show him GP etc. etc. but to go for the team, well, it is going to be another very rigorous show season for Floriano ahead.

I would still have a bit more respect for them if they at least said they would go for weekly or even monthly lessons with Steffen. The way they parted, it seems like they didn't have any respect for what Steffen had accomplished with the horse nor his ability to keep him sound and supple through a few competive and very successful seasons with a late teens horse.

And by the way, I got the impression that Steffen thought it was time for Floriano to slow down and that is why he was focusing on the other horses. Even from the beginning I thought Steffen in interviews had said that Floriano would be a great schoolmaster for the Brownings, so I don't think he was overly possessive. It was the Brownings who were disappointed that Floriano wasn't being campaigned harder toward this next Olympics and that is why they took him away...

JMHO

ASB Stars

Feb. 16, 2008, 07:26 AM

I really believe the horse will tell them.

And really, what are the odds of Floriano making the team with anyone who doesn't have international level experience?

I'd rather have them say- "hey, we're going for the TEAM", than "Our son is going to learn to compete on this horse, and our stated goal is to see how much we can get his ass whupped." At least they are not insulting what the horse has done. It isn't like they are taking him out training level- they are actually trying to keep him happy, let their son have some fun, and reach for the stars.

I am sure we all would lve to have such a wonderful opportunity and experience :winkgrin:

Bellafarms

Feb. 17, 2008, 12:35 AM

canticle

Feb. 17, 2008, 10:09 AM

Wow, why is it frowned upon for people to ride and compete their own horse!? :eek: Steffen Peters was just a rider the Brownings commissioned for a period of time. Why do we think that he should be the only person allowed the honor of riding Floriano?? He is the Brownings horse first and foremost. How would you like it if people didn't think you should be riding your own horse, but instead only have your trainer ride him? That kind of defeats the purpose of owning a horse in the first place, doesn't it!

Floriano sounds like a great ride and Stephen is a talented rider. Why shouldn't they see how far they can go? If they aren't cut out for international dressage, they will soon find out.

Just because Steffen isn't riding the horse anymore doesn't mean Floriano shouldn't be ridden by anyone! The horse is only 17 for crying out loud.

ec412

Feb. 17, 2008, 11:09 AM

This amazing creature deserves a big huge green Pasture. And a 20 by 20 stall for when the weather is bad. Give him the retirement he deserves! He didnt look happy at all going around that ring again. Get real.

I believe that many horses enjoy a job, and would not be happy out to pasture. If the horse is sound, and can help a rider learn (the coveted schoolmaster) then why shouldn't he?

I have an 18 year old hanoverian that loves to jump, and prefers it to dressage. I no longer jump, except for the occassional clinic for fun. He is leased out to a young woman who adores him. He is happy, sound, fit and spoiled. He was miserable stuck in a pasture with nothing to do, and he did have the big stall to come into everynight.

Good luck to Stephan-you are a lucky man

slc2

Feb. 17, 2008, 11:24 AM

"Deserves a pasture"

In fact, he could be totally miserable. He'd probably stand at the gate screaming his head off. A horse gets used to having that life, and not all of them enjoy a change. My friend's horse and mine retired at the same time. He, who is much more energetic and a better show horse, LOVED being retired. Mine hated it. He spent 12 years being a working horse, and he hates being retired.

"Brownings who were disappointed that Floriano wasn't being campaigned harder toward this next Olympics and that is why they took him away..."

Not sure you could be more wrong.

And...no. Floriano would have never gone to the olympics, either.

"our goal is to see how badly he can get his ass whupped"

Jealous, much? Family got more money than you do? Kid got more opportunities than you do?

I am happier, I think, because I don't view a young person getting the ride on a nice well trained horse, in quite this way.

And even if he DOES get 'his ass whupped' (I assume that would mean he got a score that didn't satisfy you? Based on your experience of many decades of developing international FEI riders?) I would be the first one to say, so what, who gives a shit, tomorrow is another day.

I view the young man as a very lucky fellow, who will get an opportunity to show and grow with a very nice horse. I view other people's success in dressage as gravy that spills on MY plate...the better THEY do, the more quality instruction and good trainers I have in my country and the more people I can learn from, and the nicer schoolmasters there are in my country for my friends to elarn from in a few years, and the better quality shows there are for me to go watch. And that's the gravy for me.

Think the kid is spoiled? If he is, he won't be for long. This is a hard sport. Mentally and physically and financially.

Young riders develop and improve by riding well trained horses like Floriano.

Floriano was not solely or completely trained by Stephan Peters. He did some of the training, that's not to be minimized OR exaggerated.

Few horses of his level are trained from baby to GP by one person.

ASB Stars

Feb. 17, 2008, 12:13 PM

slc2...as you have selected a quote from my post, and beaten it to death misrepresenting completely the context in which it was originally stated, I am assuming that reading for comprehension, for you, has left the building.

Try reading it again:

"I'd rather have them say- "hey, we're going for the TEAM", than "Our son is going to learn to compete on this horse, and our stated goal is to see how much we can get his ass whupped." At least they are not insulting what the horse has done. It isn't like they are taking him out training level- they are actually trying to keep him happy, let their son have some fun, and reach for the stars."

I seldom care about your opinions, but when you cannot even pretend to understand what I have written, and you opine about it, that will make me care.

slc2

Feb. 17, 2008, 12:27 PM

I did not 'pretend to not understand'. I don't do that. I read it as you wrote it, and I commented on what I read. You meant something else? Fine. That was not clear to me.

I think many people have been INCREDIBLY nasty about this young person getting the ride on this horse - the comments in PM's have been far, far worse than what has appeared here, and frankly I am totally disgusted at how catty and snotty people are being about this young man.

Look, people, Floriano was NEVER going to go to the Olympics. No one remembers what happened?

ASB Stars

Feb. 17, 2008, 12:41 PM

Well, I wasn't nasty about him- I was CHEERING him ON! Not clear to you?:eek:

My point, entirely. :lol:

Now, you can share with us all your reasoning as to why the horse wasn't Olympic material....

Dune

Feb. 17, 2008, 01:23 PM

slc2

Feb. 17, 2008, 03:49 PM

thanks asb star i am glad you are cheering him on.

Bellafarms

Feb. 17, 2008, 04:39 PM

EqTrainer

Feb. 17, 2008, 05:20 PM

renewal of life? Doesn't anyone else find that odd?

I don't think it's odd at all. I think it sounds like they are having fun with their horse.. and the horse is having a good time, too. Good for all of them!

canticle

Feb. 17, 2008, 06:25 PM

Whats wrong with Trail riding? My point is that I was there. And I felt sad for Floriano. The test looked dull and the horse didnt even look the same. I am not saying that the Browning Son doesnt dererve to ride a great horse. I think he has plenty of access to them. Floriano has paid his dues why not let him go out with some Grace and Dignity.
Wow, so it humiliates Floriano to "only" get scores of 60% at GP? We are anthropomorphizing to the extreme. Come on people, it's just a horse! I find it worrisome that the Brownings are frowned upon for enjoying their OWN horse. Floriano may be a public figure in dressage circles, but he is not public property -- he is owned by the Brownings. And it is not beneath Floriano to have fun with his real owners instead of international level riders. I bet he's as happy as a clam with his new life.

I'm not one to cry jealousy or sour grapes, but this is ridiculous.

canticle

Feb. 17, 2008, 06:27 PM

I don't think it's odd at all. I think it sounds like they are having fun with their horse.. and the horse is having a good time, too. Good for all of them!
I agree. :yes: We should be happy to see a GP horse that is enjoyed so much by his owners.

Bellafarms

Feb. 17, 2008, 09:28 PM

Just keep grinding him down Right. Youre not getting the point!

class

Feb. 19, 2008, 02:28 PM

what gave you the impression that he was unhappy? or are you an animal communicator?

slc2

Feb. 19, 2008, 03:22 PM

If ANY one of you went out and bought a horse like Floriano, trust me, there would be a lot more going wrong if you rode a GP test at a show after such little time at that level and on that sort of horse. This kid is doing fine. People have extremely, extremely unrealistic expectations on this bulletin board!

he was a lot more 'ruined' when he was being strained to the max to win with a top rider. THAT is physically much harder on an animal.

and to my way of thinking, the horse, ANY HORSE, will be as happy as a clam doing a little bit less work.

I think we're still stuck back somewhere in Alec Ramsey land!

Touchstone Farm

Feb. 19, 2008, 10:58 PM

Whats wrong with Trail riding? My point is that I was there. And I felt sad for Floriano. The test looked dull and the horse didnt even look the same. I am not saying that the Browning Son doesnt dererve to ride a great horse. I think he has plenty of access to them. Floriano has paid his dues why not let him go out with some Grace and Dignity.

Grace and dignity?! You make it sound like he's on his last legs. The best thing for older horses is to keep them in work -- motion is lotion. Too many horses are retired too early and they just fall apart. Look at how people fall apart when they stop exercising and they get stiffer and stiffer, and "older" looking.

I'm sure Floriano will be just fine teaching someone else the ropes, and in the long run, his body will stay in better shape.

Sabine

Feb. 20, 2008, 12:15 AM

I have to side with Bellafarms- heard the same from first hand observers that where there.

pophorse

Feb. 20, 2008, 06:47 AM

It's great the horse is showing and working as a nice schoolmaster for the son.
I just wonder what's up with the ads in the Chronicle they are publishing with an older horse "congratulating" the guy and the horse, they seem a little odd for a grown man...anyone else seen them??:confused:

slc2

Feb. 20, 2008, 07:15 AM

so the horse is ok but the people aren't - LOL.

i would think anyone who had accomplished so much in a short time deserves a 'happy' ad in the chronicle. people get those ads all the time. why not? why not enjoy themselves? this is supposed to be fun, after all.

i bet all their friends really enjoyed seeing the ad, especially those who pitched in and helped - barn manager, barn help, trainer, brothers and sisters, etc. all deserve a pat on the back. i'm sure many other people would get such ads if they could afford them. they sure get them on their local gmo's web sites, LOL!

arnika

Feb. 20, 2008, 11:29 AM

Bellafarms, I'm not jumping on you, just asking. :)

When you say he looked unhappy and the test was dull, do you mean it was just placid/with no spark or did the horse grind his teeth/pin his ears/wring his tail etc., or something else?

I have to admit, I found the "renewal of life" statement a bit odd and if it was meant in the way I took it, uncomplimentary to Steffen as well.

I have no problem with an owner riding and enjoying his own horse. Doh! It is his horse after all and he can do with him what he likes. Just like I do with mine. I just see a contradiction between the above R-O-L statement and the given example of an unhappy horse. Probably it's nothing more than a new pair getting used to each other, and after all, at 17 he is the perfect age to become a schoolmaster and stay healthy for 10 years.

My 26 yo mare is just as sound and healthy as my youngsters and the 33yo still gets around very well indeed(even letting my little girl wander around on her).

Bellafarms

Feb. 20, 2008, 12:35 PM

He looked like his Spirit wasnt into the Work. He just didnt look to me like the Same Animal. I think he has been all over the World he has done everything he has been asked to do and know he is being asked to do it again. there was no spark.He looked Dull, bored, Flat. Feed up or how ever you might interpet it. Myself and the others that I sat near felt sorry for him. Maybe he missed Steffen who knows. You really dont think these Show horses dont get sick of it all?

Coreene

Feb. 20, 2008, 12:42 PM

What An Interesting Use Of Capitalization.

The horse belongs to the Brownings and they can do whatever they want with it. I can't imagine there are many here who would pull at 60 out of their ass their first go at GP. Good for them for enjoying the horse.

egontoast

Feb. 20, 2008, 01:45 PM

Maybe he missed Steffen who knows.

Anthropomorphism.

More likely the more seasoned pro was better able to tune the horse up for a more sparkly ride. I think they deserve a bit of time. 17 is not that old for a well trained horse. Good age for a schoolmaster.

Bellafarms

Feb. 20, 2008, 02:19 PM

Sorry, Didnt know I was taking an English exam! I think there was allot of hype for such a Sad presentation. Thats all.

Coreene

Feb. 20, 2008, 03:31 PM

The only thing "Sad" is that people bang on about scores and obligations, etc., that the Brownings supposedly have re their own horse. It's eff all to to with anyone if he wants to go run barrels on the horse, see if he can do a big ol' sliding stop or try for the Olympics. It's his horse. He can do whatever he wants with it.

Karen Offield didn't get stellar scores the first few times she ventured into the show ring with Lingh either, but look what she's doing now.

And those of us here who buy schoolmasters - do you expect to ride at the boffo level to boffo scores right out of the box? :sleepy:

Bellafarms

Feb. 20, 2008, 03:50 PM

The scores where Generous at best. The Horse seemed sullen and Not anything like the Floriano I have seen. Maybe a change in feed. Of course the Brownings can do what ever they want. Your Right.

katarine

Feb. 20, 2008, 03:55 PM

You know it's a crazy mixed up dressage world when an owner rides their own horse well and gets clobbered for it. And seventeen is not a fossil, folks. I don't get some of you all's logic. Raise a fabulous horse, don't back him til he's 5-6, then take forever to get him through the levels, so maybe he hits this horse's level at 12, 13...then retire him at 17. A real return on your investment there :lol:. There's no reason this horse can't continue to show well into his 20s, if he's enjoying it and no busy body railbird gets to be the judge of that. It sucks that you guys won't let this owner enjoy his horse, all this boo hiss. Sure he was sharper under his trainer, so what? His owner will either get there too, or have a ton of fun trying. What an asshat for daring to ride his own horse! :confused::confused:

Orange Horse

Feb. 21, 2008, 01:30 PM

I saw Floriano go with the trainer that brought him to GP. As a result, I am totally impressed by Mr. Browning, who is not only a better rider but far braver than me. Please don't misunderstand, I am not saying Floriono is in any way a bad horse, but he is quite hot in a good way, which is what makes a top international horse, but that certainly requires a competent rider. I've had the awesome opportunity to see Flori and another international level horse in training and I would under no circumstances want to ride either one. A good analogy would be that those horses are like driving a finely tuned race car, oversteer a little bit and you may be spinning off the road. Any GP schoolmaster requires a certain level of education on the part of the rider, but international quality horses are a whole other level. And regarding Flori's age, my current GP schoolmaster is 21 and going strong, and my trainer has one that is now 24 and still doing public demonstrations. I earned my bronze medal on my OTTB that was 18 back then (and he raced until he was 9). Seventeen is a spring chicken! My hat is off to the Brownings, who have done so much to support the sport of dressage in this country, and especially to their son who deserves nothing but congratulations for getting a 60% in his first outing at GP. Floriano probably won't make the team again, but I wouldn't be surprised if his new rider gets there in the future!

Touchstone Farm

Feb. 22, 2008, 11:21 PM

The scores where Generous at best. The Horse seemed sullen and Not anything like the Floriano I have seen. Maybe a change in feed. Of course the Brownings can do what ever they want. Your Right.

Not to be mean, but perhaps if you spent some time cracking open a book about grammar, punctuation and the use of the correct word (your vs. you're), it would be time better spent than butchering the Brownings for enjoying their horse....however "sullen" you think the horse looks!

Honestly, I'm really not trying to be mean, but Floriano IS their horse and they obviously care about him. I hope Steven learns a lot. It isn't easy to take over a horse and get top scores immediately, especially when you're an amateur! Schoolmasters are absolutely priceless, and what a great opportunity that Steven has such a correctly trained one that he can learn on.

ridgeback

Feb. 23, 2008, 08:49 AM

Not to be mean, but perhaps if you spent some time cracking open a book about grammar, punctuation and the use of the correct word (your vs. you're), it would be time better spent than butchering the Brownings for enjoying their horse....however "sullen" you think the horse looks!

Honestly, I'm really not trying to be mean, but Floriano IS their horse and they obviously care about him. I hope Steven learns a lot. It isn't easy to take over a horse and get top scores immediately, especially when you're an amateur! Schoolmasters are absolutely priceless, and what a great opportunity that Steven has such a correctly trained one that he can learn on.

If you weren't trying to be mean you wouldn't have written the first paragraph:D

slc2

Feb. 23, 2008, 10:36 AM

Possibly, and while some of the millenium generation doesn't feel anyone should be judged by their spelling, there are quite a few people who do think it's important, and most of them hire people and decide who gets a paycheck or not.

On the internet though, there's plenty of 'u' and 'bff', and stuff, and along with spelling and grammar, punctuation has become a casualty, with plenty of 'this horse of our's' and 'you're farm looks great'. Horses have gates, suddenly, and things can get 'ironical'.

Writing standards are not the same on the internet as on the job, in personal letters, essays, etc. It's almost developing into a language of its own, which development alot of people lament, and others don't care about at all. Usually the people who don't use correct grammar or spelling are the ones who most staunchly defend the right of the internet to create a new sort of English.

No matter what happens on the internet, it's still very true that practicing grammar and spelling SOMEWHERE leads to better communication on the job. The medium is the message, still. And if the medium involves a 'you're proposal' and 'the file systum needs cleaned', it's still going to affect how the sender is perceived.

Even so, that has NOTHING to do with most of the spelling and grammar critiques done on this bb. The main problem is that two people simply can't, somehow, just disagree. I've been told it's one of the 'feminine wiles'...maybe one female people shouldn't want to have.

It's very popular here to attack someone's spelling when one simply disagrees with the writer's point of view. When one agrees, the same spelling and grammar is NOT criticized.

I think it's fine to criticize spelling and grammar, but when it's only done when one disagrees with the substance of the message, it rings a little hollow. When someone does this, at least someone is going to notice.

Bellafarms

Feb. 23, 2008, 02:31 PM

You need to re-read what I said. I said nothing negative about the Brownings. I think it is great he is showing and Learning. I personally felt sad for the horse.The horse looked in from my point of view like a totally different animal. And I wonder why that is. I have watched him many times in person, and these rides where not good. Sorry, a person cant state there point of view. Isnt that allowed in America anymore? I take it you where not there. Maybe you might want to ask some folks that where. Sorry, my grammer isn't up to your proper standards. I usually have an editor proof everthing for me. Cheer's...........................

egontoast

Feb. 23, 2008, 02:44 PM

No matter what happens on the internet, it's still very true that practicing grammar and spelling SOMEWHERE leads to better communication on the job. The medium is the message, still. And if the medium involves a 'you're proposal' and 'the file systum needs cleaned', it's still going to affect how the sender is perceived.

For example, after posting for years as a wannabe ee cummings, slc herself has only very recently learned how to employ the capital letter at the beginning of sentence thingy.:lol:

mbj

Feb. 23, 2008, 02:57 PM

The horse is older and is in a private barn getting out of the ring, still gets to compete (which the great ones love) but doesn't have to go for those 9's and 10's all the time. Sounds like he is a treated like a beloved member of the family, and the family sounds very sweet and the rider modest and very appreciative of the great horse he gets to learn on. Seems like this is a terrific situation for all. I think Steffan is a fabulous rider and trainer who does well by his horses and his owners, and will therefor continue to get wonderful, and younger, horses.

EqLuvr

Feb. 23, 2008, 03:55 PM

Wow, it's not like they are trucking him off to slaughter or something!

They sound like nice people who are enjoying their horse.

slc2

Feb. 23, 2008, 05:26 PM

I think the ''he looks so awful, blah, dull' point of view is very common. You do hear that alot. Some of it is flat out jealousy of someone who's gotten a lovely horse. Some people are very bitter and frustrated.

But at times, I think it involves just not understanding the difference between what a horse looks like when ridden by different people. That's something alot of people haven't experienced.

Instead, what we should see Offield doing, what we should see Browning doing, is exactly what we do see - compared to rides of Peters or Gal, these look less 'brilliant'...yet are accurate careful rides, and all the work is being done.

I watch them ride and I am so thrilled for them both, and for dressage in america, to have this quality of horse and coaching here, that someone can learn and progress like this is a great indication of how far we have come in dressage in the USA.

I think suggesting that Lingh and Floriano are 'schoolmasters' is an earnest attempt to minimize what these riders are doing. These are NOT schoolmasters at all.

It's important to keep in mind that both people aren't just winging it - they both have excellent instruction, and some trainer somewhere is satisfied with how they are doing, and wants them to show at that level.

Even so, people get a mistaken idea in their mind, that the horse SHOULD look the same with all riders of all types and levels. They aren't able to understand what to expect from different levels of riders; usually, they wind up expecting farr too much. I think a person can be doing GP at big shows, and still be at very different 'levels' within GP.

I also think they are having trouble dividing the performance up into its components. Rather than more impulsion, more bending of the joints, they see some difference they can't really quantify, that comes across to them as the horse being 'happy' or 'brilliant'.

Tpp, once they have watched trainers and then students ride the same horse over and over, day after day, they can understand the difference between riders.

A horse being ridden by a better rider will bend its joints more, lift its legs more, and move with more energy.

The horse may look much more excited and alert, too.

To suggest that the horse is 'happier' or 'better' or 'likes' being ridden by the other rider that asks the horse to work much harder...I think that's a huge anthromorphosize...ation....

I don't feel horses think that way. I think they like their familiar routine and doing what they're used to doing, and eating and being with other horses, and I think a competent but less high level rider is just fine with them.

Bellafarms

Feb. 23, 2008, 07:25 PM

Some of you have to much time on your hands.

slc2

Feb. 23, 2008, 07:44 PM

And some insult people rather than seeing that there are other pov's other than their own. i did not insist you agree, i merely said what i thought.

and yes, i have 'too much time'. i am trying to recover from a back injury, and that involves staying put and doing very little other than typing.

ASB Stars

Feb. 23, 2008, 07:45 PM

For example, after posting for years as a wannabe ee cummings, slc herself has only very recently learned how to employ the capital letter at the beginning of sentence thingy.:lol:

Oh, now THAT is funny... :lol: :lol: :lol:

Bellafarms

Feb. 23, 2008, 08:09 PM

Your forgot to do your I's .You have to be perfect to post on here. Hope you heal well.

canticle

Feb. 23, 2008, 08:31 PM

I think the ''he looks so awful, blah, dull' point of view is very common. You do hear that alot. Some of it is flat out jealousy of someone who's gotten a lovely horse. Some people are very bitter and frustrated.
Actually most people (on this BB at least) are happy for Floriano and the Brownings and think they are doing just fine together. We realize that 60% at GP is nothing to scoff at. Even though they won't be going to the Olympics this year, they certainly have a bright future ahead of them.

Why do you always take the majority viewpoint and then insist that it is something revolutionary? Most of the time it is just plain commonsense!

I do feel that Floriano is a schoolmaster for Stephen though. He is an experienced GP horse. That is not an insult to either of them, nor does it negate their accomplishments.

Eventer13

Feb. 23, 2008, 08:59 PM

I'd like to know how many people who are criticizing the Brownings would retire Floriano if they had the chance to ride him.

And of course he's not going to have as much spark as when SP rode him. An Olympian should get more energy and movement out of a horse than an ammie. Doesn't mean the horse is unhappy (actually, he's probably enjoying not having to put in as much effort).

Bellafarms

Feb. 23, 2008, 09:09 PM

And we wish them all the best next weekend.

~Freedom~

Feb. 23, 2008, 10:50 PM

and yes, i have 'too much time'. i am trying to recover from a back injury, and that involves staying put and doing very little other than typing.

I would be careful there SLC

You wrote Feb 18th

We 'double longed' the pony last night, and he was wonderful.

So getting out of your chair after being there for so long to "double longe" a pony is pretty stressful on the old back.

ridgeback

Feb. 24, 2008, 07:32 AM

I would be careful there SLC

You wrote Feb 18th

So getting out of your chair after being there for so long to "double longe" a pony is pretty stressful on the old back.

LOL I"m thinking the word WE could mean she instructed someone to longe the pony...:lol::lol::lol::lol:

slc2

Feb. 24, 2008, 07:51 AM

I think you may be overthinking it a little too much :) Your concern is really heart warming, though.

I injured my back slipping on the ice. Double longeing the pony is not hard on the back, except when one's been sitting at a desk all day and is already sore, then any standing or walking is a problem. If I have time, I stretch alot, that helps.

But yes...'we' are getting a little old and stiff in general these days. If you're going to read 'chronicleofmyhorse' as a way to find something to pick on someone about, maybe YOU need to find something else to do :) ...in any case, I will still put whatever I like on that page.

As for Floriano and the Brownings, I'm sure many people really do wish them well. That's nice. The neigh-sayers, though, as usual, are a little louder. I think Stephen will really enjoy riding the horse, and I still feel many people criticize him because they don't understand how a horse should look different under different riders.

ASB Stars

Feb. 24, 2008, 08:23 AM

OOOHHHHHHH!!!

I've got it!

It is the ROYAL plural!!! :winkgrin:

And now for the wave. Ta ta!! :lol:

slc2

Feb. 24, 2008, 09:32 AM

gonna be coasting a long time on that how-bad-can-we-lose post, eh?:lol:

Snowhorse Farm

Feb. 24, 2008, 11:49 AM

Does anyone find the ads in the COTH a little strange? Talking about Flori and "The Kid"? I can't figure out why anyone would put ads like that in COTH, unless they are trying to prove a point to someone. Any thoughts?

yaya

Feb. 24, 2008, 11:54 AM

The ads are done as if the 30-something year old horse wrote it. (His picture is in the corner) .

Took me awhile to figure that out, I thought it was very strange at first!

Selleconn

Feb. 24, 2008, 01:49 PM

I haven't seen them and wonder what they say?

It's too bad those of us who are interested in the horse part of this story have to weed through all the rest of this nonsense to see it.

Snowhorse Farm

Feb. 25, 2008, 06:38 PM

I haven't seen them and wonder what they say?

It's too bad those of us who are interested in the horse part of this story have to weed through all the rest of this nonsense to see it.

There have been a few full page ads in the COTH. They talk about "the Kid" riding Floriano. And about how happy Floriano is to be ridden by "the Kid." I just was confused as to the purpose of placing ads like that...what's the point?

etk

Feb. 25, 2008, 08:25 PM

They're entered in the CDI Grand Prix this weekend in Burbank.

Touchstone Farm

Feb. 25, 2008, 11:13 PM

Cheer's...........................

No apostrophe needed when you sign off with cheers. :-)

Ridgeback, perhaps my comment was "mean" but because I make my living as a writer, poor grammar and spelling is like finger nails on a chalkboard to me! Of course, there is a difference between informal and formal communications, but even this BB has spell check!!! Drives me crazy when I see a typo or misspelling in my own comments...and I usually try to edit my original posting when I discover them! I figure it is about being precise, just as dressage riding should be.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program...

~Freedom~

Feb. 25, 2008, 11:43 PM

Drives me crazy when I see a typo or misspelling in my own comments...and I usually try to edit my original posting when I discover them! I figure it is about being precise, just as dressage riding should be.

Your eyes must glaze over when you see stuff that SLC posts, I know mine do.

Bellafarms

Feb. 25, 2008, 11:49 PM

Think you might be a little ridiculous. It has nothing to do with dressage. Grammar that is.

ridgeback

Feb. 26, 2008, 07:34 AM

No apostrophe needed when you sign off with cheers. :-)

Ridgeback, perhaps my comment was "mean" but because I make my living as a writer, poor grammar and spelling is like finger nails on a chalkboard to me! Of course, there is a difference between informal and formal communications, but even this BB has spell check!!! Drives me crazy when I see a typo or misspelling in my own comments...and I usually try to edit my original posting when I discover them! I figure it is about being precise, just as dressage riding should be.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program...

I hear ya!!! Judgemental rude/mean people are like finger nails on a chalkboard for me...This wasn't directed at anyone in particular..

ASB Stars

Feb. 26, 2008, 08:28 AM

gonna be coasting a long time on that how-bad-can-we-lose post, eh?:lol:

How long did it take you to re-think what you wrote, and edit it. I mean, really.:rolleyes:

Bottom line, again, is HOORAY for the horse, keeping going at a job he knows and loves...and HOORAY for the fortunate son who is learning from him.....:yes:

Moderator 1

Feb. 26, 2008, 08:51 AM

Please stay on topic and avoid the personal commentary.

Thanks.

ridgeback

Feb. 26, 2008, 08:55 AM

After 5 pages I'm glad to see you appear:D

Touchstone Farm

Feb. 26, 2008, 10:47 PM

I would expect that Flori would look better under a professional rider than an amateur, especially the first few times (years??!!) out! What an "obvious" observation! I'd say ANY horse looks better and more expressive (A.K.A. less "dull") when a professional rides than someone who is learning. What's the big deal here, folks? It's their horse!

For those of you so critical of Steven learning on and enjoying his horse, you should get use to what you're seeing because if the qualified rider proposal gets passed (and I hope it doesn't, but that's another thread), you will see a LOT more amateurs on schoolmasters, however "dull" they make the horse appear!

candico

Feb. 27, 2008, 04:19 PM

I think only one person has said Floriano is unhappy, etc. The rest of us just think it is a little strange how the Brownings seem to be implying that the horse wasn't happy before.

I'm not sure if I've read more interviews in the more local riding publications so maybe it is just a case of bad PR tainting our opinion.

Bellafarms

Mar. 2, 2008, 03:34 PM

Is our schoolmaster taking some time off? Heard he didnt show in Burbank at the CDI.

egontoast

Mar. 2, 2008, 04:25 PM

damned if he does and damned if he doesn't?

ESG

Mar. 3, 2008, 04:50 PM

Oh, c'mon eggy - why should today be different? :p

Cheers to Stephen, to Flori, and to their continued partnership. As for them entering the CDI, I hope they knock the socks off their critics. I give full marks to Stephen to have the stones to show Flori in the first place. Don't you think he's been expecting, and bracing for, just this sort of comment? And went ahead and thumbed his nose at the railbirds and pulled a 60%, on a new horse, three weeks out from back surgery? Y'all should be asking for his number and learning where you can get a set like he's got, instead of criticizing him. :rolleyes:

You go, man. :yes:

slc2

Mar. 3, 2008, 07:04 PM

Actually, i was corrected for saying that, supposedly the back surgery was a while ago.

I would suggest, though, that anyone who has back surgery, doesn't walk away from it with no problem. Surgery isn't magic and it isn't usually the end of problems. Someone who's had a couple back surgeries by mid thirties must be awfully determined to stay active.

A person has to do a great deal of stretching, fitness work and work very hard afterwards to stay fit and not have further problems, and there may be pain and bad days to deal with even when one works very hard at staying fit and supple. I'd say the young man must be very determined and very persistent, and must very much enjoy riding. To ride a huge-gaited horse like Floriano at GP, the guy must be very very determined.

Why does a sixty at a show define Stephen Browning so rigidly? Not one person here wants to be categorized by their scores, yet they so easily and eagerly do so with Browning.

Touchstone Farm

Mar. 3, 2008, 09:41 PM

I think only one person has said Floriano is unhappy, etc. The rest of us just think it is a little strange how the Brownings seem to be implying that the horse wasn't happy before.

No big deal, but there were two; hence, the use of folks. But you might have missed it since the poster basically said they agreed with the person who said the horse was unhappy and dull. No big deal. The important thing is that the Brownings are enjoying their horse, no matter what their goals or what they eventually accomplish.