Has anyone else been contacted by the New York Times re: eventing article?

[LAZ]

The title pretty much says it--I was contacted by a reporter at the NYT--said they saw my comments on the COTH and she would like to talk with me.

I emailed her back and asked what the article was to cover and haven't heard back yet.

The email was from Katie Thomas, NYT?

[deltawave]

Not I, but the word is apparently out and the consensus is that the NYT is not always interested in putting a nice "spin" on things, so think about what you say, I guess.

[LAZ]

Deltawave--

The (very) few articles I've been interviewed for over the years haven't led me to be overly forthcoming with newspaper reporters!

I'm surprised they would contact me--I've not been one of the most vocal people that post....

If I do speak with her I'd be extremely cautious with what I had to say, no worries!

LAZ

[SparklePlenty]

I was contacted by a reporter in FL regarding a response to the USEA letter. But i had enough Reporters twisting the truth during high school and sports stuff... i tend to stay far far away from newspapers unless i'm reading them.

[johnnysauntie]

I'm in PR and media relations, and even though it's the NYT, one still must assume the following:

- your comments will not be quoted completely
- your comments will be edited to fit the article's agenda
- chances are good that your comments, if quoted, will be entirely out of their original context.

Kate may know her stuff. (I had a great article written in the Chicago Tribune, written by a journo who herself rides). But she may not know diddly/squat about eventing.

Beware, because we know that media tend to prefer more sensational stories.

[LexInVA]

I was contacted by a reporter in FL regarding a response to the USEA letter. But i had enough Reporters twisting the truth during high school and sports stuff... i tend to stay far far away from newspapers unless i'm reading them.

I was contacted by someone from the Tallahassee Democrat (or whatever that paper is called) via e-mail but haven't responded.

[BaroquePony]

Both I and some of my friends have had reporters really twist things around, even from bigger more well known papers. I would be very careful and probably safest to turn it down.

[flightinstructor]

I was contacted by the NYT reporter. She left a message on my home number. I haven't called her back yet. I would prefer to do a bit of research on her first. Eventing certainly doesn't need any more bad press right now. I'm guessing that she got my name from the post re: CMP where many of us posted our names and USEA numbers. Interestingly, she also knew my wife's name and she doesn't post on this (or any equestrian) board, though she is an equestrian professional. USEA membership list maybe?

[NMK]

I feel it's one thing to discuss among fellow eventers, but yet another to discuss among those not involved with the sport. I would send them to Emily Daily of the USEA if they contacted me.

[johnnysauntie]

Reporters can find ANYTHING! They're good at ferreting out details. And this is a public forum, so being contacted by Katie and her cohorts isn't irregular. And props to her, frankly, for finding this forum. But anyhoo ....

I did a quick byline search and she is a sports feature reporter for the NYT, which means she doesn't cover a beat like baseball, but instead covers a wide variety of sports stories - from mainstream to niche. Here's an article from yesterday she wrote on Darfur and the Olympics.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/sports/othersports/01athletes.html?hp

Here's another, on gay hockey fans' challenges with fans at Rangers' games:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/sports/hockey/21fans.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=sports

Whether it's her or her editor, someone there has a nose for the unconventional story, and they do lean towards being what I would call sensationalist.

If you do grant her an interview, be factual, tell her what you love and don't sugar coat (but don't dwell). One takes a risk when one feeds a horse a carrot, much less when one climbs aboard. Other sports are risky too.

[Mary in Area 1]

She called me and left a message. Haven't called her back. Should I???

[bambam]

its a double-edged sword- if she is definitely doing a story then we want our side out there even with the risk that it will be a story taking statements out of context because she has already decided it will be a story about evil people who risk their lives and their horses live for an adrenaline rush (if that is already the spin, it will be the same article with or without our input).
on the flip side, if she is deciding whether to do a story, it is better that she does not get enough response to make it worth it as I do not think we will benefit from outside scrutiny right now- we need to fix up our own shop here which I think we are taking steps to do
I am gun-shy of the press both because I have never been accurately quoted in it and I have seen the animal rights press machine/press bias in action up close and it ain't pretty. The NYT probably not the most likely publication to do a story beneficial to the sport.
If she called me, I would probably refer her to the press office of the USEA

[johnnysauntie]

or she's learned the hard way ;)

either way I agree 100% with the above post.

[subk]

Always remember you have three options when answering a question. You can answer it, you can not answer or you can answer a different question. Savvy media people use option three all the time to make sure they have some control of the message!

[bambam]

Always remember you have three options when answering a question. You can answer it, you can not answer or you can answer a different question. Savvy media people use option three all the time to make sure they have some control of the message!
you are assuming that they will print what you say in connection with the subject you were discussing and not out of context or even completely made up. the issue/concern I have is not that the people here are not articulate people who can present the sport well but what a reporter will do with it- and no matter what question you answer, you have no control over what the reporter does with your answer. I have seen it many times.

johnnysauntie- it was option # 2 which should explain my point of view on this :)

[subk]

and no matter what question you answer, you have no control over what the reporter does with your answer. I have seen it many times.

I didn't say all controll just "some" control!

[Onawhim]

I think referring to the USEA is an excellent idea. Just think of the inaccuracies we see in news reports that are "fluff" pieces on eventing and imagine what someone will do who is trying to write a hard-hitting article (expose). And, there is always the possibility that the article was pitched by an animal rights group, rather than a reporter with an interest in the sport itself. Yes, you can control what you tell them, but you can't really control what they use or how. Plus, even if you are misquoted, you still have to go through the process of trying to get a retraction and even if you get one, it is printed somewhere it is unlikely to be seen. You also need to be very, very clear if you do not want to be quoted...."off the record, on background only, not for attribution" etc. Yes, the one time I let my guard down with a reporter and made an off-hand comment, it got quoted, so I'm a bit sensitive.

[melodiousaphony]

She messaged me on Facebook, but just said she was "writing a story." Dumb me thought that it was some high school/college creative writing student that wanted to know more about eventing.

I have not, however, called her.

[RunForIt]

I was contacted, called back and said that I would be happy to talk with her IF:

I was informed in writing of the the purpose (slant/angle) of the article
I would/could approve any quotes attributed to me
the article contained the perspective of all stakeholders whether I agreed with their position or not.
that if any member of a particular group wanted to offer an opinion, statistics, comments, their names would be used or the info would not be used
agreement to all the above would be put in wriitng by the managing editor of the NY Times.I seriously doubt that I willl hear back from her. Interesting though that the outside media is picking up on the turmoil and perhaps the reasons.

[Tuckertoo]

She messaged me on Facebook, but just said she was "writing a story." Dumb me thought that it was some high school/college creative writing student that wanted to know more about eventing.

I have not, however, called her.

She messaged me on Facebook, too. She knew it was me based on my picture. I don't think I'll answer. I have no idea what to say and would somehow just shoot myself in the foot.:lol:

However, I appreciate the fact that somebody's writing SOMETHING in the "real world" and that our sport is getting some attention. Whether it's negative attention or good we'll just have to wait and find out.

[KatieNYT]

Hi there,

This is Katie, the reporter from the Times who has been contacting a few of you recently for the story I'm doing.

I just wanted to address a few concerns that I saw posted here and I hope that some of you will be interested in speaking to me. I'm a "general assignment" reporter who covers a variety of topics within the sports world. I don't have a background in eventing but I am learning as much as I can and also reaching out to as many people within the sport so that I can be as informed as possible before writing the story. I am also writing to an audience that is not familiar with the sport so my task is to translate a complicated issue into something that will be understandable to my readers.

I became interested in doing a story about eventing after my editor assigned me to look into Darren Chiacchia's injury, which as you know received national coverage. As I read about eventing, I saw that there have also been several deaths in the sport over the past year. After reading the USEA website, the Chronicle Forums and speaking to several people within the sport, I became interested in writing a story that examined the debate going on within the eventing community that was heightened following Darren's injury.

I continue to report out the story and hope to speak to as many people as possible who have a variety of viewpoints. I am especially interested in interviewing people who have posted on this site because many of you have raised interesting points that I would like to explore with you further.

Some of you expressed concerns about being misquoted or quoted out of context. I try my best to be accurate, I take very good notes, and generally agree to let people know which part of the conversation I will quote, and in what context, in order to address these concerns. As a rule, reporters don't provide advance copies of their articles, however I always do my best to answer questions and be transparent about how I go about my reporting.

Thanks so much for your time,
Katie

[Classic Melody]

I have not been contacted, but I would encourage our articulate members who have been contacted to talk with the reporter. If she's an effective reporter (and if she works for the NYT she knows how to find sources) she will not have a problem finding people to talk to her about the sport. It's best for those of you who ARE thoughtful about the sport to speak up rather than someone who will just run off at the mouth, who would love to talk to the NYT, you know what I mean?

Thoughtful, reasoned responses - NOT SILENCE - is what can help us. When people clam up, that just makes good reporters press harder. You speak, you can exert some control of the story, as someone else said here.

Edited to add: Thanks for your comments, Katie!

[RunForIt]

thanks, Katie - I really appreciate you contacting us here as a group, as well as contacting me via my private email (how did you get it!?)

Here's my idea - while many of us have issues with what's happening in our sport, we have the issues because we have a vested interest, deep love and respect for this horse sport called eventing that involves another living creature - the horse. Our actions parallel our beliefs - the horses come first, no matter how much we love the sport of eventing.

Interview us here. No one will post unless they have something they think is worthwhile to post...BUT, WE ALL-AND I DO MEAN ALL- HAVE TO AGREE TO A POST'S LOGIC, REASONING, CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THE USEA, AND FACTUAL INFORMATION BEFORE YOU CAN USE THE THREAD FOR YOUR COLUMN.

This could be a first time thing...interview eventers via cyberspace. Will certainly put a different slant on things.

be prepared (I certainly am) - COTH posters have never held back when stating their thoughts about an idea - they may think this S*%KS big time - and at that point, the interview ends. :cool:

[TB or not TB?]

RFI, that sounds like a good idea to me, if she's game. :) I would answer questions here.

[KatieNYT]

Hi again,

Thanks for the offer, however I'm looking to do more thorough, over-the-telephone interviews with people who are involved in the sport. I've of course already read many of the thoughtful posts on this website and others and at this point I'm interested in interviewing people in a live format. I've already spoken to a few of you, and if anyone else would like to talk to me about the issues you're addressing on this site, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks again for the interest.

Best,
Katie

[RunForIt]

Hi again,

Thanks for the offer, however I'm looking to do more thorough, over-the-telephone interviews with people who are involved in the sport. I've of course already read many of the thoughtful posts on this website and others and at this point I'm interested in interviewing people in a live format. I've already spoken to a few of you, and if anyone else would like to talk to me about the issues you're addressing on this site, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks again for the interest.

Best,
Katie

That gives me pause...so what are some of the questions you're going to ask? I'd go ahead and post them as this is a fairly tight group. Anyone who has talked with you is going to more than likely post some sort of "this is what I said" here anyway.

[flutie1]

I spoke with KatieNYT today and found her questioning very fair. I felt she was genuinely trying to get a background picture of our sport. Hopefully my impression was correct!

flutie

[ellebeaux]

[QUOTE=RunForIt;3119580]

Interview us here. No one will post unless they have something they think is worthwhile to post...BUT, WE ALL-AND I DO MEAN ALL- HAVE TO AGREE TO A POST'S LOGIC, REASONING, CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THE USEA, AND FACTUAL INFORMATION BEFORE YOU CAN USE THE THREAD FOR YOUR COLUMN.


RFI - I have to say I disagree with with this statement. There are a wealth of viewpoints on this board. I cetainly don't agree with what everyone posts but I appreciate most of their opinions. So personally, I have no problem with differing views used in a newspaper column. All hail the Fourth Estate and all that!

[GreyDun]

Hi Katie -

Thanks for introducing yourself! My name is Emily Daily and I'm the Communications Specialist at the USEA. I hope you take the time to talk to either the President of the U.S. Eventing Association (Kevin Baumgardner) or the CEO (Jo Whitehouse). Both are very, very approachable, well-spoken individuals who love the sport and are fabulous at explaining it in easy-to-understand terms - and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to make national coverage...granted that it's in a positive light. :) As you probably know, it's a touchy time for us in the sport right now...there's a lot of exciting changes that will be happening and we've seen a HUGE outpouring of support from our members (the numbers are astounding!). If you'd like any information on the sport itself or anything like that please contact me at emily@useventing.com!

Thank you,
Emily Daily

[RunForIt]

[quote=RunForIt;3119580]

Interview us here. No one will post unless they have something they think is worthwhile to post...BUT, WE ALL-AND I DO MEAN ALL- HAVE TO AGREE TO A POST'S LOGIC, REASONING, CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THE USEA, AND FACTUAL INFORMATION BEFORE YOU CAN USE THE THREAD FOR YOUR COLUMN.


RFI - I have to say I disagree with with this statement. There are a wealth of viewpoints on this board. I cetainly don't agree with what everyone posts but I appreciate most of their opinions. So personally, I have no problem with differing views used in a newspaper column. All hail the Fourth Estate and all that!

me too, but considering that ANYONE could approach Katie via THE NY Times, considering the "Wannabe" thing that has posted here, and keeping in mind that Kevin Baumgarder has stuck his neck on the line for our concerns, I can't take any chances that his good faith might be wrecked by us talking to someone who with good intentions might put things in the wrong light for the general public. I DO get your point. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[tulkas]

The following is a cautionary tale. It has nothing to do with horses, but is pertinent to the subject at hand.

A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into
the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket
and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her
screaming parents. The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and
hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from
the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker
brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.

A NYT reporter has seen the whole scene, and addressing the biker, says,
" Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my
whole life."

"Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this
little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right."

"Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist from the
New York Times , you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this on the
first page. What motorcycle do you ride and what political affiliation
do you have?"

" A Harley Davidson and I am a Republican. "

The journalist leaves.

The following morning the biker buys The New York Times to see if it
indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on first page:

BIKER GANG MEMBER ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH.

tulkas

[TBCollector]

I was contacted, called back and said that I would be happy to talk with her IF:

I was informed in writing of the the purpose (slant/angle) of the article
I would/could approve any quotes attributed to me
the article contained the perspective of all stakeholders whether I agreed with their position or not.
that if any member of a particular group wanted to offer an opinion, statistics, comments, their names would be used or the info would not be used
agreement to all the above would be put in wriitng by the managing editor of the NY Times.I seriously doubt that I willl hear back from her. Interesting though that the outside media is picking up on the turmoil and perhaps the reasons.

Maybe this is why eventing never gets covered by the mainstream press.
As a reporter myself, even if I did agree with your guidelines, I assure you there is no editor who would.
SOMEBODY should talk to this woman. Geez, she's already been put in the same category with Kitty Kelley.*

* To you younger folks...that's what Google is for.

[RunForIt]

Join Date: May. 1, 2007
Posts: 158


http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/images/icons/icon1.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by RunForIt http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?p=3119469#post3119469)
I was contacted, called back and said that I would be happy to talk with her IF:
I was informed in writing of the the purpose (slant/angle) of the article
I would/could approve any quotes attributed to me
the article contained the perspective of all stakeholders whether I agreed with their position or not.
that if any member of a particular group wanted to offer an opinion, statistics, comments, their names would be used or the info would not be used
agreement to all the above would be put in wriitng by the managing editor of the NY Times.I seriously doubt that I willl hear back from her. Interesting though that the outside media is picking up on the turmoil and perhaps the reasons.

Maybe this is why eventing never gets covered by the mainstream press.
As a reporter myself, even if I did agree with your guidelines, I assure you there is no editor who would.
SOMEBODY should talk to this woman. Geez, she's already been put in the same category with Kitty Kelley.*

* To you younger folks...that's what Google is for.


sometimes TB Collector, you recognize the effort and achievement accomplished in small steps, even when you'd rather the giant ones happen. Kevin Baumgardner has made a grand gesture in recognizing the legitimate concerns of the USEA event members who fill the BN, N, Training levels of our sport. One wrong statement to an international publication could wreck the good stuff that's begun - I know jounalism - I love it, I respect it, I know and am awed by its power. the big stuff that's going on here is not worth risking at this point.

[seeuatx]

Scary thought. Personally, I don't trust the NYT as far as I could throw it.... and I can't even get a paper airplane to fly more than 3 feet.

I hope the reporter does justice to the issue rather than just sensationalize the story... the last thing we need is PETA crazies threatening us or our horses.

[equinelaw]

Man, you guys are making this sound like Watergate or something. You are only making her want to write the story more:)

She already read the forum posts. She already knows what everybody thinks. She is just asking, or rather offering, to let some people make statements on the record when they know a reporter is listening.

People will talk and I hope some of you guys can help to give a balanced view. No doubt other BB's with different goals are talking already. Go bakc and read some of the threads form the last few weeks. My totally non-horsey friends are now interested in the events in Eventing.

Its too late to shut up now, so say something and say it to the person willing to listen. Or don't, but an attitude of silence makes the story more appealing.

[RunForIt]

I reread TB collector's post as well as equinelaw's and these thoughts came to mind...

An article in a national publication that has a WIDE circulation like the NY Times might well be helpful ...except that the people who could perhaps develop and clarify issues such as reed, Gnep, Denny, subk, bornfreenowexpensive would do a much better job of this than me. I can't explain the FACTS behind my ideas - simply don't have them. I reason well, but when I pro - con the merits vs the risks of this sort of interview, people with facts, a WIDE range of facts on indepth issues facing eventing need to be the focus of this interview. My thoughts are always clarified after thinking through their ideas - simply put, I'm not qualified. Too much at risk to put out smart opinions - these issues have to stand on the shoulders of fact.

Thanks to the both of you for your ideas and comments -they pushed my thinking.

[Muck r us]

Katie,

If you want to understand eventing, go to Rolex in Kentucky or one of the lead-up horse trials like The Fork this weekend. Then you'll get it. Writing about eventing without going to Rolex is like writing about the Yankees without attending a game.

[Kanga]

In light of what has happened recently in our sport, why is it that the NY Times wants to write a story now???

Why couldn't the story be written about something GREAT about Eventing?

There are so many wonderful stories in this sport, I think those are the ones we should give publicity to when talking about a magazine like the NY Times.

Do you know how many people read that magazine that know nothing about horses and will put a spin on this that is not good for all of us that LOVE this sport and our dear 4 legged partners.

Let Jo & Kevin handle this, they are looking out for our best interest not the NY Times.

Please everyone REALLY think about what you are doing here!!!

[deltawave]

Well, you can't exactly blame a NEWSpaper for wanting to write about things that are NEWSworthy. That is how they sell their product! Eventing has been around a long time, going about its business under the radar just like every other hobby, sport, etc. When something monumental happens, be it a Gold Medal (remember David O'Connor on the Today show?) or a catastrophe, that is NEWS. Human nature, not the New York Times, dictates the sad fact that people as a group are vastly more interested in bad news than good news. So the interest of the NYT does not suprise me at all.

I appreciate Katie's forthcoming responses and efforts to reach out, personally. She has a job to do, just like all of us. I hope for the sake of our sport that the story is fair and sympathetic, but honestly, it's not just a fluff and rainbow time just now, is it? My sincere hope would be that the story will focus on how the VAST MAJORITY of members of the USEA and supporters of the sport are trying to do something, even from our positions of NOT being "movers and shakers", because we believe in the sport and we care about the athletes involved, regardless of how many legs they have. ;)

[asterix]

I agree with deltawave. Whether or not any one who has been contacted by Katie participates in the article probably doesn't determine whether the NYT thinks it's a story worth covering -- their perspective is, and should be, different from ours.

I think there is something unique about our sport and what it is going through right now. This is a dangerous sport with a high profile (and eventually fatal) accident that is widely known by the public (CR's). It's also a sport filled with little girls in pigtails with pink helmet covers, often competing in the same event with Olympians. Last year I remember having to take just a big ol deep breath when I looked around and found that EVERY SINGLE rider in the dressage warmup at Morven with me at that moment was a serious international contender. Then some other smurf on a rescue pony showed up and I was able to relax:lol:

Anyway, it's a good story -- we have a bad accident, and the sport from TOP (Bruce Davidson) to BOTTOM (the smurfs) collectively set out to re-examine, and re-imagine, our future. We do it largely transparently (USEA BOG meeting) and often vociferously (COTH), and we do it because we love the sport and want the little girls in pink helmets to grow up and be kick-butt ULRs.

Katie, I hope you do talk to folks who are really thoughtful about this -- denny, Gnep, Reed, subk, as well as the folks at the USEA HQ, who have the support of the majority of us out here in the field.

[Jealoushe]

I dont get it....we ask for a voice and for change and now there is a chance toget this in the general public eye and everyone automatically assumes its going to BAD?? Dont jump to conclusions!

[bambam]

how are effective change and getting this in front of the general public related? All publicity is not a good thing. The press is interested because an olympian almost died and then the reporter read debates on here and elsewhere about problems in the sport- why would this be an article about the positives of the sport (of which there are legion)? that does not sell newspapers
I am not saying we should not get our point of view out there but Kevin B or Jo (or some of the posters on here like Denny, Reed, subk, etc) should be the ones to get it out there if there is going to be an article
I read the NYT regularly and it is a good paper, but make no mistake, they slant stuff just like every other publication out there and I just don't see how this will be a positive article because the positive aspects of the sport are not interesting to most people who do not participate in it.
I understand that my statement is pretty much irrelevant since people are talking to the reporter and the article will likely get written but I do not think it will be a boon to the sport- hopefully I am wrong

[arnika]

By asterix;
It's also a sport filled with little girls in pigtails with pink helmet covers, often competing in the same event with Olympians. Last year I remember having to take just a big ol deep breath when I looked around and found that EVERY SINGLE rider in the dressage warmup at Morven with me at that moment was a serious international contender. Then some other smurf on a rescue pony showed up and I was able to relax:lol:


I have to agree with you on this one! My daughter met Darren several years ago at her second event when she was only 13. He had forgotten his dressage test for one of his multiple rides and he asked her for the order of movements. At another event he needed a lead for a greenie over a xc jump and she was thrilled to give it. He returned the favor another time. It's so rare to have a sport where Olympians are approachable by all and make the younger participants feel that such a feat is attainable. It is one of the main reasons I love the eventing approach of open competition between ammies and pros.

I agree with speaking up, just stay positive about the upcoming changes . Having a voice is never bad IMO.

PS. And bambam, I do understand where you are coming from as well.

[asterix]

OT, but, arnika, very cool story!
It is what I love best about the sport (ok, that and a good xc run).

Once when I was very much a novice rider, I was walking through the water complex (and it was complex -- novice riders had to thread between jumps for upper levels) with a friend, debating what line to take. Someone behind us said "yup, that's what I would do" -- we turned around and it was Stephen Bradley. He was not only friendly and helpful, but acted like he was just another novice rider, out there sorting through the course.

[bambam]

PS. And bambam, I do understand where you are coming from as well.
it is probably a place better known as paranoia :lol::lol:

[J Swan]

:D:D
This is a perfect example of modern journalism. Thanks for the laugh (a rueful laugh)

Tell you what folks. Go read up on what our precious media has written about foxhunting and see if you think eventing is going to EVER be written about truthfully by any journalist. Go look. See the misinformation, the half truths, the outright lies, and the obvious slant. Then you'll get the inevitable PETA babble from someone who knows absolutely nothing about horses, much less eventing.

You're dreaming if you think any journalist can produce a thoughtful, cogent, and unbiased product that is full of facts and devoid of sensationalism. If she can - she deserves a darn Pulitzer.

I won't hold my breath.

I'd be less suspicious of the end result if I didn't already know what this sort of "interview" produces. And I'd have more respect for the process if these folks covered this sport - or other horse sports- good times and bad - and not just circle like vultures when there's a tragedy; looking for blood. :mad:



The following is a cautionary tale. It has nothing to do with horses, but is pertinent to the subject at hand.

A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into
the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket
and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her
screaming parents. The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and
hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from
the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker
brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.

A NYT reporter has seen the whole scene, and addressing the biker, says,
" Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my
whole life."

"Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this
little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right."

"Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist from the
New York Times , you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this on the
first page. What motorcycle do you ride and what political affiliation
do you have?"

" A Harley Davidson and I am a Republican. "

The journalist leaves.

The following morning the biker buys The New York Times to see if it
indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on first page:

BIKER GANG MEMBER ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH.

tulkas

[equinelaw]

Ummm. . .isn't COTH part of "the media" and the press? Cause they kind of like foxhunting.

After C. Reeves bit the dust at an Event the world did not end. That reproter isn't asking for permission to write the story, she is asking for COTH posters input.
Talk to her or let her go to Horsecity. Oooooooo the horror of that result:eek::no:

[throwurheart]

And I'd have more respect for the process if these folks covered this sport - or other horse sports- good times and bad

You know, the funny thing is, studies show that there is a huge draw to horses. Something like 1/3 of Americans want to have "regular experiences with horses" - even if it's just petting them or going on an annual vacation trail ride.

Likewise, horses are attractive in the media setting. They're photogenic, and provide many heartwarming stories. You're right though - not enough coverage.

Know why? It's because "horses" as a brand doesn't have a PR firm gettin' the word out over and over and over.

The good news is, it's underway. A major national equine trade association (WETA) has created a brand called "Horselife", it exists to tell our story to the world, and invite newcomers into the saddle. Currently Horselife has 70% of the money it needs to release the PR firm to start talkin' horses to journalists just like Katie from the NYT. A big part of the plan is to offer free riding lessons to top journalists in the outside media - courtesy of the Certified Horsemanship Association.

Any of you folks want to help Horselife raise the remaining $3,000 to get this underway? Please? Visit horselife.com and hit the "donate now" button. Even $1 per horse would be a great start.

[J Swan]

Ummm. . .isn't COTH part of "the media" and the press? Cause they kind of like foxhunting.

After C. Reeves bit the dust at an Event the world did not end. That reproter isn't asking for permission to write the story, she is asking for COTH posters input.
Talk to her or let her go to Horsecity. Oooooooo the horror of that result:eek::no:

Uh - I think there is a bit of difference between a publication devoted to horse sports and the mainstream media.

[TB or not TB?]

Tell you what folks. Go read up on what our precious media has written about foxhunting and see if you think eventing is going to EVER be written about truthfully by any journalist. Go look. See the misinformation, the half truths, the outright lies, and the obvious slant. Then you'll get the inevitable PETA babble from someone who knows absolutely nothing about horses, much less eventing.

Wait wait wait. Now as I understand it, foxhunters ruthlessly seek out poor innocent foxes and bake them into gingerbread foxes in the giant ovens in their candy houses. And the hounds live like slaves, forced by magicks not of this world to obey that horn. And the poor horses, once descended from unicorns and pegasi, are de-winged and de-horned at birth to live strung by a mortal coil.

Are you saying this isn't true?

[NeverTime]

:D:D
This is a perfect example of modern journalism. Thanks for the laugh (a rueful laugh)

Tell you what folks. Go read up on what our precious media has written about foxhunting and see if you think eventing is going to EVER be written about truthfully by any journalist. Go look. See the misinformation, the half truths, the outright lies, and the obvious slant. Then you'll get the inevitable PETA babble from someone who knows absolutely nothing about horses, much less eventing.

You're dreaming if you think any journalist can produce a thoughtful, cogent, and unbiased product that is full of facts and devoid of sensationalism. If she can - she deserves a darn Pulitzer.

I won't hold my breath.

I'd be less suspicious of the end result if I didn't already know what this sort of "interview" produces. And I'd have more respect for the process if these folks covered this sport - or other horse sports- good times and bad - and not just circle like vultures when there's a tragedy; looking for blood. :mad:

To J. Swan and everyone making similar comments: This is my profession that you are smearing with impunity, so I feel the need to defend it.

In the 15 plus years I have been a working journalist, I have met ONE person who ever, ever tried to sensationalize stories or spin them to meet his needs. He no longer has a job.

By and large, we take immense pride in what we do. We try to bring people into the democratic process happening around them, arm them with the information they need to help themselves and get involved, we try to give voices to the underserved, tell the inspiring stories of everyday people, expose wrongdoing and call attention to positive deeds. We take pride in trying to get the facts straight -- understanding that we are not experts in any one of the many issues we cover, so we depend on those we interview to help us understand the issue at hand -- and give readers all available sides of a story in a fair and unbiased fashion. (Generally speaking, I get an even number of calls from readers accusing us of being a liberal rag and a tool of the right wing; it's all in the eye of the beholder.)

Will we make mistakes? Yes, we're human too, but we try our damnedest to get it right in the first place and fix it immediately if it's wrong.

Trust me when I say we don't do it for the money. We do this for the love and the belief that we are making the world a better place by giving people the information that helps them help themselves.

It is a laughably uninformed and cliche to accuse the media of only reporting the bad, deviously plotting to get it wrong or circling like vultures waiting for the tragedy. Maybe it's because you skip over the good stuff b/c the bad news is more interesting to you? (Interestingly, while reader surveys always indicate readers want to see more "good news" in their paper, Web site traffic counts show the bad news -- the murders, the arrests, the evil doings -- get *far* more hits.)

To keep this to horses, our sports reporters cover every aspect of their beats. Our horse racing reporter covers every aspect of the industry, from who is winning the races to fundraisers being held for injured jockeys. From local hero Barbaro's rise to fame, to his tragic breakdown, to the subsequent efforts to change track surfaces and fund laminitis research, our racing reporter covered it all. He even covers a little eventing in his "free" time. Newspapers wouldn't have reporters dedicated to sports like racing if they weren't covering them "in good times and bad."

We are tasked with reporting the NEWS, and unfortunately, sometimes the news isn't something that those involved want spread around.

Clearly, what's happening in our sport is news. Hopefully, Katie can distill that debate for the general public and include not just the perspective of those who post here, but also the perspectives of course designers such as Capt. Mark Phillips, the leadership of the USEA, owners and professional riders, and, yes, maybe even PETA (which should be just fine with COTH BBers because -- according to the opinions expressed in the "WhineyCheese" thread -- everyone, regardless of knowledge or ability, should be able to have their opinions weigh equally).

Because it isn't the media's job to spin things in either direction, eventing might look bad in the resulting article (by "bad" I mean disorganized and divided over safety concerns) ... and that would go right along with most of the opinions being expressed on this BB recently.

[JER]

NeverTime, I understand what you're trying to say. But..

So how about Fox News? Spin is their corporate and newsroom policy.

Or the recent 'agreement' in the UK press not to let the cat out of the bag on Prince Harry's escapades in Afghanistan? Makes you wonder what other 'truths' are being kept from the populace.

You say you've met one journalist who spun stories to suit his needs. But it's not usually the journalist spinning stories, it's the media outlet itself. Stories that run counter to the media outlet's needs are usually killed or heavily edited. The Hartford Courant kills their investigative unit's expose of corruption at Aetna, for example (this happened to someone I know, he quit journalism over it). The journalists aren't to blame for this but one way or another, the truth is often not the priority.

My former business partner once read a NYT review of one of his movies that indicated the reviewer had not, in fact, seen the movie but instead had read a very early draft of the script. The esteemed reviewer (also famous for sleeping through movies) wrote about watching scenes that weren't in the movie. But that's just plain laziness, not spin.

[RunForIt]

Earlier (very early) today I posted to explain why I declined to talk with the NY times reporter, Katie. I have very strong opinions about certain issues within eventing as a sport, the USEA, USEF, and the FEI. However, should a question require accurate facts, I'm not sure I could supply those facts off the cuff and that could mislead someone interviewing me to make conlclusions that are not in the best interest of the "good faith" being acted on by Kevin, Malcolm, and countless others in the USEA. Instead, I suggested that COTHers such as reed, subk, and others be the ones who are interviewed because not only do they have the facts, they have the understandings...here's a prime example posted by reed on another thread:
Join Date: Jul. 10, 2001
Location: Golden
Posts: 3,114


http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/images/icons/icon1.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hony http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?p=3121847#post3121847)
So these riders don't practice or promote safe riding and don't have an interest in having more safe jump designs used? RAyers, help me out with this please?. I've been raking paddocks all day and I'm pretty tired and slow today!

You are only focused on fences. Safety is not a single point or event. Safety is a process across the board. Sure you can look at fences and courses but if a rider doesn't take care of - or even wear - a helmet, even if it is approved, a safe fence can kill. You can have an interest in making things safer but if you only do 3 out of 5 things or 90 out of 100, the remaining components become dangerous unto themselves. We see this all of the time in factories, in labs, driving cars, going out in a thunderstorm,...

As pwynnnorman pointed out, to make eventing safe you have to influence the entire culture. Something as simply wearing a good helmet every ride can have great influence on young riders to be safer.

Part of making eventing safer is as much advertising and EDUCATION as it is research. Well, these pros are supposed to be educators and are well positioned as role models to do something very simple right away to make a difference.

I can tell you right now there are common points to incidents, based on our own cursory investigations, that already point out that a crash is WAY more than the fence. The pros should be able to acknowledge that fact and lead by example.

An example: the easiest way for me to get my students to start wearing personal protective equipment in the lab is to wear it myself every time I go in there. Why, because I would be devastated if a reaction went wrong (like they have) and a student was killed. Sure, the gear and shields are a royal pain and cumbersome but when you know you could get the equivalent of a 1/4 stick of dynamite accidently going off 2 feet from your face, I sure don't want to to see my students be statistics.

Reed

[J Swan]

To J. Swan and everyone making similar comments: This is my profession that you are smearing with impunity, so I feel the need to defend it.

In the 15 plus years I have been a working journalist, I have met ONE person who ever, ever tried to sensationalize stories or spin them to meet his needs. He no longer has a job.



Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining. I wasn't born yesterday. Your profession doesn't even cover NASA launches unless something blows up or an astronaut is caught with a wig and adult diapers.

That's not news; it's sensationalism. The news is what happens to folks every day; their struggles, their triumphs, and their disappointments. Follow a sport - you follow it through good and bad, and tell the WHOLE story. Not wait around for a tragedy and then manipulate it to gain market share.

If a reporter from a respected publication like COTH was to pursue this subject - folks most likely wouldn't be suspicious. Some reporter from a mainstream publication that is only interested in this because a high profile rider was injured? Nah. All you'll get is a very selective, biased article that brings out the bunny huggers to demand the sport be banned because we're torturing horses.

It isn't the truth, it detracts from the issues, and it does nothing to further the sport - or the safety of the horses and riders.

The problem with quoting someone has articulate as Reed is that it isn't juicy enough. The reporter doesn't want an articulate, objective, intelligent discussion of the issues. Not for a short newspaper article. They want something short, sweet, catchy, and attention grabbing.

I think this sport deserves better than that.

I also think it's rather odd to assert that anyone that disagrees with your description of your profession is laughably uninformed. So if we don't agree that the sun shines out of your ass - we're idiots?

You know - you kinda sound like the CheeseWithWhine alter poster on the other thread in this forum. I guess next you'll be calling us housewives - just to put us in our place.

No thanks - I've had my fill of the press with the foxhunting debacle. If that's what in store for Eventing - I weep for all of you. And I mean that sincerely.

[JER]

No thanks - I've had my fill of the press with the foxhunting debacle. If that's what in store for Eventing - I weep for all of you. And I mean that sincerely.

You are so right about the foxhunting coverage. I assume you're talking about the UK, where newspapers have to follow their political line on foxhunting even when the logic is all mixed up. The Guardian and Independent are generally excellent and thoughtful papers but when the topic is foxhunting, they start to sound loony because they have to parrot the Labor line. Whatever concern they profess to have for the environment, the countryside, individual rights, the rural poor or farmers goes right out the window at the mention of hunting. All emotion, no logic and not at all news.

[J Swan]

Yes, but it's common in the US, too. And becoming increasingly so. A lot of the Barbaro coverage was either sickly sentimental and anthropomorphic, or so biased as to appear to be a PETA ad. Little to no truth, no attempt at educating the public, or effort to develop a complete understanding. In the US, hunting in general is always being targeted by AR people - who, if questioned, will reveal their complete lack of knowledge of the subject. Just ban it! It's cruel!!!! The poor animal!!!!

I have no respect for journalists who only come visiting when they sniff a story. There is a difference between Geraldo and Cronkite. A sports writer, a horse sports writer - maybe you'd be ok. Otherwise..... I'd be very careful.

[YRAP Mom]

I plugged "eventing" into Google News and found several interesting links posted within the last week and the last month. Naturally many news outlets picked up the story about Darren's fall but you might be interested in one story written with some knowledge of eventing.
http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/31805

It also is making the news in the UK, for their own safety issues- water jumps:
http://www.equestriantoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=116&ArticleID=3926910

Finally, while not related to recent issues, here is a link to a story about research performed when horses at the Barcelona Olympics suffered from the heat. What stands out to me is the method through which they were able to initiate and fund the necessary research. You might already be familiar with this but if you aren't, it's really worth a read.

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11593

After browsing through all of the links, it's obvious that news does indeed travel, internationally!

[Kanga]

J Swan - I agree with you 100%

Where was the NY Times when Teddy won Gold?

Where were they when that young rider went clear around her first 4 star??

Where were they when that other rider finished her first 3 star on a horse that she delivered at 2:00 in the morning 10 years ago?

Where is the story about all the long years of blood, sweat & tears with a HUGE financial burden to get to the advance level?

The real story that should be done on our sport is the one on the people that have sacrificed much of their lives to the well being of horses and the long road you travel to get to where you want to be in Eventing.

To the New York Times - Dig a little deeper here and find out what it really takes to do what we do. Talk to the people that have been in this their ENTIRE life, the ones that live, eat, breath and do whatever it takes to be able to Event!!

[poltroon]

I plugged "eventing" into Google News and found several interesting links posted within the last week and the last month. Naturally many news outlets picked up the story about Darren's fall but you might be interested in one story written with some knowledge of eventing.
http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/31805

It's not an article, but an opinion piece. I find it to be hmmm...

Well, it's lacking in clarity the way we're all lacking in clarity, I suppose.

She barely mentions Darren and does not describe his accident. She goes with a graphic quote describing Rowdy Boy's death as being because his head smashed on a fixed jump. Then she says, oh, never mind, he died of a hemorrhage unrelated to the course. And then she says that deaths could be prevented if the course was better, which she describes as slower with fewer fixed jumps.

Anyway...

I am friends with many journalists and I know them to be good people who try their best to do a good job as they see it. Nevertheless, my personal experience is that on the occasions I've spoken to a reporter for a story, I've been surprised by what they chose to quote and how they chose to present it, and felt that my point of view and the gist of the interview was misrepresented.

[willowmeadow]

As a former newspaper reporter, please be aware that while a reporter might write a fair and balanced story, many times editors will rearrange and cut to make a more sensational story. Editors have carte blanche to change what they want –without consulting with the reporter.

That is the reason I am a FORMER newspaper reporter. Someone sitting in an office changing stories simply by leaving out parts and moving quotes to the top completely changes the tone of the story.

I quit when it got to be too much for me. Real people and real lives were being affected by some a*sshat's need to seek the bloodthirsty.

To be fair, there were great editors and stories that were not manipulated. There were stories that effected real change and touched readers…

The New York Times is one of the few remaining newspapers not owned by a large media corporation. While I am not too familiar with the Times, I have found that the newspapers not owned by a large media corporation to be more fair and balanced with greater autonomy and fairness.

I guess I would like to advise everyone to give Katie the benefit of the doubt, however, don’t take it out on her if the quotes are taken out of context.

I cared so much for my interview subjects who opened up their homes and hearts to me, that I changed careers when people got hurt. Who is to say that Katie is not the same? Not all reporters are bloodthirsty sensation-seeking vultures.

[throwurheart]

Rather than focusing on what is out of our control (how the article is written or edited), would anyone like to discuss what I posted above about what we CAN do?

[pwynnnorman]

Sheesh, people. Stick your heads in the sand and hope it goes away then!

Throwurheart is dead right: PREPARE! That's what USEA needs to do (and I'm sure is doing) and what anyone here who cares should do (rather than run away and hide).

Anticipate what might be asked, be prepared with an honest answer that includes a succinct yet positive spin. We can't deny the negatives, but we CAN counterbalance them (and then some) with positives. The sport is unique and at its best represents the very best of horsemanship. What sport can even begin to compare with it? MAKE those comparisons, I say.

All sports, horse or not, have negatives. To run from them only makes them seem worse. It's like giving up, in my opinion. If you can be so articulate and passionate here, why is that such an impossibility in this new context?

[NeverTime]

Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining. I wasn't born yesterday. Your profession doesn't even cover NASA launches unless something blows up or an astronaut is caught with a wig and adult diapers.

That's not news; it's sensationalism. The news is what happens to folks every day; their struggles, their triumphs, and their disappointments. Follow a sport - you follow it through good and bad, and tell the WHOLE story. Not wait around for a tragedy and then manipulate it to gain market share.


....

I also think it's rather odd to assert that anyone that disagrees with your description of your profession is laughably uninformed. So if we don't agree that the sun shines out of your ass - we're idiots?


The boldfaced part of your post I agree with completely. Thankfully, we do write those stories every dang day.

But you'd have to actually read a paper to know that. And I'm assuming you don't (read newspaper, that is) or you'd know that, to use your own example, stories are written EVERY friggin' time we send something into space, and every friggin' time that shuttle touches safely back down.

Hence my "laughably uninformed" assertion, and thank you so very much for proving my point for me. (And, why yes, I do think C&W has a point about people who have never ridden or coached at the advanced level maybe, just maybe, not being quite as informed about that topic as people who do it for a profession. Why is that so insulting?)

To answer someone else's question, I don't know whether the New York Time covered Teddy when he won gold, but I do remember the Washington Post feature story about him. Maybe reading it and a few other mentions of a few stories (all it takes is a 10-second Google search) will put you all in a better mood about the media. (And, it might be worth mentioning, these stories wouldn't be possible with Karen and Wynn graciously agreeing to interviews about their superstar)

"My, My Little Pony" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090502366.html) (Washington Post's post-Pan Am feature story on Teddy)

"A Pony holds his own against the big boys" (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2007-07-17-1721908488_x.htm) (in USAToday, from the Associated Press coverage of the Pan Ams -- by the way, that's the same organization that sends us stories about every shuttle that would like to or has lifted off, and every safe landing they make upon return)

"Pony will make history at Rolex" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/SPORTS0801/704260511/-1/SPORTS0801)
From the Courier-Journal in Lexington, doing its job as a local paper to cover the biggest thing going on in town.

Lemme tell ya, that pony has given eventing a TON of positive, national media coverage. Thankfully, his various human associates were willing to speak with reporters and help make sure that those reporters -- most of whom likely were not horse people themselves -- got the story right.

(Note, too, that the Washington Post story includes a correction -- placed BEFORE you even read the story -- to correction two things the reporter got wrong. Doesn't sound like purposely trying to distort the facts to me. Maybe I'm just not enough of a conspiracy theorist.)

I am belaboring the point and will shut up now. I find having my profession insulted to be far more demeaning than being told by a random Internet poster that I may not be fully qualified to critique four-star course design. To the latter, my answer would simply be, "No $hit."

[flutie1]

Nevertime - you have a PM.

[cyberbay]

Well, an organization needs to have a continuous relationship with the media and try its best to cultivate a continuous presence with the public if it wants the right message about itself out there. This is the best way to CONTROL the message: establish a long-term reliable relationship, emphasizing all the variety and good that the organization accomplishes. Then, when a 'negative' incident occurs, the media and the public will understand that the incident was an honest mistake, a touch of bad luck, and they will have confidence that the organization will rectify it, study it and take any steps to minimize a recurrence.

Horse sports do not have a solid relationship with the general public. It is only known to participants and only followed by those in the general public who find horses sufficiently intriguing, and who will pause to read a horse-related article in the newspaper b/c it's "about horses." The reputation horse sports does have is that it's 'expensive'; 'you gotta be rich'; and 'horses do all the work in riding.' Hardly a positive environment for our recent troubles.

Darren's accident will probably be placed in this unforgiving context. I hope that "Katie of the Times" can achieve a balanced report. I'm sure she hopes so, too! But, the story will still leave a bad taste in readers' mouths if she isn't able to place the recent accidents as antithetical to the facts that event horses are special, the focus of their riders' lives, and receive outstanding care and attention. Secondly, if her point is to see how the event community is addressing the accident rate, I hope to heck she is talking to the decision-makers in this sport. Because those are the people who are going to be addressing the changes. Not the rank and file, who have been charged with supplying ideas and hopes. Including commentary in her article from the rank and file is nice, but it is dangerously easy to for them to use the wrong words, and create the wrong impression when they are not in possession of the facts.

If anyone is going to talk with her, run a tape recorder during the conversation so that you have proof of your words. I hope that she will be running a recorder, too... This isn't paranoia, it's just being prepared and professional.

[J Swan]

And thank you for confirming my opinion of the media. The only reason the Post covered Teddy is because the O'Connors live right down the freakin' road. They were covering a cute human interest story - the little pony that could.

I think you'd better reflect a bit about who you might be conversing with on this BB, before you assert that some of us are uninformed. I don't live in a backwater, and I sure as hell don't get my news from E!

There is no rule that says we all have to embrace your profession, or refrain from pointing out its faults. After all, you do the same to the rest of the world - and spin it any way you or your editor wants. So when the tables are turned, it doesn't feel too good, does it. You feel you haven't gotten a fair shake. That people don't understand. That it's a complex profession. That there are good and bad people, and good and bad things and there is more to the story than what is being presented; and the commentary does a complete disservice; even damages you - damage that cannot be repaired.

Now you know it feels for sportsmen and their sport to be unfairly maligned in the press. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

There is no way for a sportsman to know if they're going to be treated fairly, and the reporter is going to write a balanced, fair and professional piece. We're fodder. And when they only deign to interview horsemen when there's been a tragedy - it's pretty evident the spin will be negative. Please don't tell me that's not the way it is - because I've seen it with my own eyes. I want this sport to thrive, and it can and will. What I don't want is the press doing a number on this sport, walking away to the next tragic story - and then leaving the sportsmen to wade through the screaming protesters at the next horse trial. There is nothing good in that - not for the horses, the riders, the spectators - and not for the public, either.





...

I am belaboring the point and will shut up now. I find having my profession insulted to be far more demeaning than being told by a random Internet poster that I may not be fully qualified to critique four-star course design. To the latter, my answer would simply be, "No $hit."

[Pixie Dust]

reading JSwan's drivel reminds me of why I never come to COTH any more. Isn't there an ignore function at this place?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Just read the article from the NY Times. I didn't find it an offense article at all...actually pretty factual and balanced.

It does say that Darren was riding on an Intermediate course....which while that may not be the right level, is probably a better factual description of the type of course he was on for people not familar with eventing...if they had said Prelim...it wouldn't have meant anything to many people.

What did others think?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/sports/othersports/09equestrian.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


I've been told it was on the front page but I only read it on line.

ETA: I see another thread has been started. Sorry about that.

[fooler]

I am pleasantly shocked with the article.

It is more accurate than many with very little sensationalism.

Thank you Katie for the balanced article.

Now take a look at some of our more positive news - such as 2 - time Individual Olympic Gold medalist, with an individual Bronze, attempting a come-back after an eight year absence. Mark Todd of New Zealand.

[NeverTime]

I thought she did a very good job. I saw the print version, and while I'd rather we get a happier story on A-1, it did make the front page of the paper. And I thought it was smart to pick a non-fatal accident photo and make sure to include in the cutline that both horse and rider were OK.
I've had several coworkers who are completely non-horsey approach me about it today who thought it was very interesting -- and while they were struck by the tragedy of 17-year-old Mia Eriksson dying at Galway, they were also interested in reading about the sport itself (Mick Costello's quotes, which echo what Denny often says about today's riders not growing up in the horsey tradition, struck a particular chord with one coworker, as did the sport's history as a military test). I've been answering questions about the sport all day, which is kinda cool, coming from people who have walked by the snapshots on my desk tons of times and never asked.

PS: From the reactions I'm getting from coworkers, it seems that Capt. Phillips came off as a snot in the article.;)

[flutie1]

"...it seems that Capt. Phillips came off as a snot in the article"

Wot, our Mark? Horrors!
:-)

[mjedge808]

I hope that Katie at the Times can realize from these discussions that we as a group don't mean to be closed off, but are just protective of something we hold very dear.

flutie...I second the Horrors! The article made him sound *lovely*. :p

[InWhyCee Redux]

"I was contacted, called back and said that I would be happy to talk with her IF:
I was informed in writing of the the purpose (slant/angle) of the article
I would/could approve any quotes attributed to me
the article contained the perspective of all stakeholders whether I agreed with their position or not.
that if any member of a particular group wanted to offer an opinion, statistics, comments, their names would be used or the info would not be used
agreement to all the above would be put in wriitng by the managing editor of the NY Times.
I seriously doubt that I willl hear back from her. Interesting though that the outside media is picking up on the turmoil and perhaps the reasons."
__________

As a journalist, I assure you will never get a guarantee like this unless your name is Tom Cruise, or maybe Madonna. ;) Unfortunately, talking to the press is always a risk.

So far I've just skimmed the article, but my first reaction was that it is balanced. I'm most surprised that Christopher Reeve isn't the focus of the piece, given that's who many non-riders think of when the think of eventing, unfortunately.

[RiverBendPol]

Are you people on CRACK?? Did you REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAD that article? Did you see that Darren was riding an Intermediate Stallion? Did you see how totally out of context Kevin's quote was? Did you hear what CMP had to say? You have to be kidding me. That article by Katie so and so was about as detrimental to our passion as it could have been. Maybe now you people will have all the spectators you want. Good Grief.

[pwynnnorman]

RiverBendPol, the fact that horse deaths weren't mentioned I think deserves a lot more "give" than you're giving it. That was a gift. It's not so bad that crazy people are killing themselves on horseback--that comes off as our choice. But had she put crazy people are killing horses for fun, THAT would have been "detrimental" indeed. And that 1/10th or whatever statistic? That was another gift, given how stats can be "scrubbed" to imply whatever one wants to imply.

[J Swan]

I am pleasantly shocked with the article.

It is more accurate than many with very little sensationalism.

Thank you Katie for the balanced article.

Now take a look at some of our more positive news - such as 2 - time Individual Olympic Gold medalist, with an individual Bronze, attempting a come-back after an eight year absence. Mark Todd of New Zealand.


I am pleasantly shocked too. She did a decent job.