Why do you post photos/video of yourself riding?

[Lieselotte]

I've been following the thread "My horse ROCKS..." (in Eventing) and it really made me wonder why people choose to make themselves so vulnerable to thousands of strangers on a message board by posting links to photos and/or videos - even when the riding clearly is NOT good!
I understand some posters already know there's a weakness and they ask for help and advice, I kind of get that. But why not ask your instructor, trainer, friend, person on the ground? Why would you want to suffer the kind of "punishment" often unleashed by well-meaning strangers?
But what I don't understand at all is when someone posts photos/videos and is PROUD of the bad and/or unsafe riding exhibited! (And sometimes they're professionals to top it off!?)
Does this mean they don't even know it's not good? Or do they know but don't care what anyone thinks? Or do they actually want to be ripped apart online for some weird psychological reason?
Help me to better understand and take the poll...

[redears]

Sometimes it's good to be able to laugh at yourself.

[LexInVA]

Sadomasochism.

[Lieselotte]

...

[HezaKeeper]

Honestly when I get pictures or video I used to post them without thinking because I know my horse is just *SO* gorgeous and I want to share (I mean, honestly, we all think our horses are gorgeous and want to share them and have others say the same, right?). BUT then I get comments and I look back and yup, my heels are up, and I'm leaning to the inside, and the horse may look a little unhappy (Swishing tail etc) and I start to see all the imperfections that my "barn blindness" originally kept me from seeing.

So, no, I don't post u/s photos or video anymore, unless it IS for critique (since I don't have an instructor at the moment). But even that, I do sparingly. Now pics of my horse running through the field with mane flowing..THOSE I still share, because I STILL think my horse's are the most AWESOME horses on the planet. I mean, doesn't everyone feel that way lol? (This was typed with a sense of humor..I know my horses are far from perfect and certainly are not the nicest horses out there..but they are MINE and I love them DEARLY). =)

[pines4equines]

You know sometimes when you get a bad critique, you feel defensive but when you stand back and it makes you become a better rider/horseman, then maybe all the mayhem was worth it.

If the rider in the eventing forum can revisit her horse and she makes the round 1 increment better, then maybe it was worth the 7 pages or whatever of criticism.

The journey to becoming a better rider/horseman/whatever is really the thrill you'll look back on as you get older.

[Lilykoi]

I think for the most part, the posters are young and a bit naive. They are proud of their horse/riding. I don't think they really expect the "constructive criticism" they attract.
Then there are the ones who find it easy to criticize especially since they are pretty anonymous. All you have to do is stand outside the ring at a show and
listen to the comments. Its always much easier to ride when you not actually in the saddle.

[webmistress32]

I have some photos of myself and my horse from our first mini event. clearly we entered one level above what we should have entered ... well, let me clarify: the HORSE might have been ready for Beg Novice but I needed 8" telephone poles and piles of tree branches, not 2'3" dog houses and rolltops.

anyhow - the photos were HORRIFYING, I couldn't and still can't even bring myself to look at them. I knew during the show that I was overfaced and the photos confirmed all of my worst fears: I was left behind, I pulled on my horse's mouth, I got in his way in every way imaginable and I didn't deserve for him to behave so bravely and put up with me like he did.

I spent the rest of the season at starter novice, happily popping over those 8" telephone poles while the 11 year old children outrode me all day long and loved it. my horse had fun, I had fun, I didn't pull on his mouth or get left behind or jump ahead. I love those photos and would be happy to share them with this board.

but those first mini event photos? not so much. ;-)

[SunshineAcres]

I have found that most people don't ride correctly (including myself) and this is demonstrated when those folks choose to post videos and photos of themselves on the www. I get a tickle out of those who try to convince us they are the greatest riders ever then they post something that proves otherwise. It just goes to show that most on these horse forums are quite amateur. There are always those self-centered few who crack me up. I certainly appreciate the entertainment though.
Even I, the lowly trail rider, can jump my horse several feet off the ground and run an event course or through the woods over downed trees but I will never look pretty doing it! :lol:

[Bluey]

When I have posted a picture, other than in the "my pretty xyz pony" threads, it is to explain something that the picture makes more clear, like the one I just posted yesterday, about training a horse that can't stand on three legs long enough for the farrier, to lay down to have it's feet trimmed.

When people see something they don't like in a picture and comment on it, the OP can try to explain if it can why that was so, or ignore it if it doesn't want to hear about that.:yes:

[SunshineAcres]

I do want to say that when a picture is posted for the reason of 'look at us, we're having fun' or 'look at my pretty pony', I HATE it when others pick apart the rider, horse whatever when they were just trying to share their happy moment. The ones I get a tickle out of are the self-righteous ones who express 'look how awesome we are' when they're not.

[Ambrey]

I do want to say that when a picture is posted for the reason of 'look at us, we're having fun' or 'look at my pretty pony', I HATE it when others pick apart the rider, horse whatever when they were just trying to share their happy moment. The ones I get a tickle out of are the self-righteous ones who express 'look how awesome we are' when they're not.

I have to ask- why do people on the internet care so much about how other people ride? If photos prove that most people are crappy riders (except for those doing the judging, of course, who never post photos of themselves :rolleyes:) then it seems that crappy riding is normal and people should just get over it.

And in answer to the OP, I post because my horsies are pretty and I like to share. I conceded the fact that I'm a crappy rider a long time ago, if people feel the need to point it out anyway it seems like they say more about themselves than they do about me ;)

[sublimequine]

The few times I post pics of me riding, it's usually to show off my tack.. the trail I'm riding on.. how pretty my maresie looks (not training wise, just if it was a specifically cute picture! :lol: ). I never post them looking for riding critiques, and I usually make a note of that in my post, letting folks know that I don't need help with my riding over the internet, thanks. :lol:

[caffeinated]

I post videos usually related to the horse I'm riding and to show our progress or just for fun. And of course because more people check the canter blogs when there's video involved, so we try to take those regularly ;p

I think if I had a video of myself that was truly showing something dangerous or was spectacularly bad, I probably wouldn't post it. I'm pretty self aware like that. And if someone chose to tell me I'm riding horribly, it wouldn't ruin my day too much. :)

[Ambrey]

The few times I post pics of me riding, it's usually to show off my tack.. the trail I'm riding on.. how pretty my maresie looks (not training wise, just if it was a specifically cute picture! :lol: ). I never post them looking for riding critiques, and I usually make a note of that in my post, letting folks know that I don't need help with my riding over the internet, thanks. :lol:

I submitted a photo for critique by a trainer I idolize (in a very creepy, stalkerish way, but she seems OK with it so there you go :lol:) and was amazed to find that she was completely capable of being both kind and informative- and she had tons of great suggestions and amazing insights, some of which was surprising and unexpected.

I think some people would love to get pointers, but the truth is that the people who most enjoy insulting other riders on the internet aren't really that good at giving good criticism or even developing a good idea of the rider's strengths and weaknesses from photographs. So, unfortunately, the critiques received here are of limited benefit :no:.

You know what would be great? A critique forum with a strict "no insult" rule, in which people could ask for critique in a safer environment, and others could get experience giving critiques and "reading" photos. Even with anonymous photos would be good.

[sublimequine]

I submitted a photo for critique by a trainer I idolize (in a very creepy, stalkerish way, but she seems OK with it so there you go :lol:) and was amazed to find that she was completely capable of being both kind and informative- and she had tons of great suggestions and amazing insights, some of which was surprising and unexpected.

I think some people would love to get pointers, but the truth is that the people who most enjoy insulting other riders on the internet aren't really that good at giving good criticism or even developing a good idea of the rider's strengths and weaknesses from photographs. So, unfortunately, the critiques received here are of limited benefit :no:.

You know what would be great? A critique forum with a strict "no insult" rule, in which people could ask for critique in a safer environment, and others could get experience giving critiques and "reading" photos. Even with anonymous photos would be good.

Yeah, if I could be sure no one would be giving me a critique just to be snotty I might be open to suggestions, but really, if I want help with my riding.. I ask a trainer. :lol:

[Ambrey]

But SE, trainers make you PAY for the insults. People here give them for FREE!

[zagafi]

Honestly? I'd take much of the feedback with a grain of salt. I'd love to see the commentary if someone posted a picture of Phillip Dutton or Richard Spooner without any way to identify them. Folks would have a field day with their form over fences!

It's one second frozen in time and may or may not be an accurate picture of someone's riding. (Video is obviously a different beast) That being said, if *constructive* criticism can be given and received and is helpful, then I'd say post those videos and pictures. Extra eyes never hurt.

[sublimequine]

But SE, trainers make you PAY for the insults. People here give them for FREE!

And for all I know, I've been riding for twice as long as the people here who claim to be "experts"! :lol::lol:

[Ambrey]

And for all I know, I've been riding for twice as long as the people here who claim to be "experts"! :lol::lol:

LOL, well you do get what you pay for ;)

[sublimequine]

LOL, well you do get what you pay for ;)

Hahaha, touche! :lol::lol::lol:

[Ambrey]

LOL, once someone posted a photo of their horse with Karen O'Connor riding and a bunch of people missed that little note and jumped to criticize. I loled :)

What hezakeeper said made me so sad. She won't post photos of her lovely horse because she's not a perfect rider. The often toxic atmosphere in the horse world caused that- and it's just wrong!

Constructive criticism involves communication and listening on the side of the criticizer as well as the criticizee. How often do you see that happen on these "critique" threads? Photo, video, whatever- you can't really critique it unless you know the background of the horse and rider, what they are struggling with, what they were doing at that point in time, etc. That involves listening and being open.

Not to mention that a lot of what people call criticism around here is just snarky commentary meant to build the poster up at the expense of others.

[BuddyRoo]

I think that when you're realistic about your horse and your riding, it's not a big deal to post pics.

IE: I am rather new to H/J...been riding for many years but just picked up English in the last few years. I know I have a lot to learn. I understand concepts but sometimes have a hard time getting the ol' body to comply. I wouldn't think of posting a pic of me riding and say, "I am the bestest ever!" because I know that it's simply not true.

However, if I had what I considered to be a pretty good pic from a show that I was proud of, I might post it and say, "I am so geeked that we survived our show! No critiques please...just wanted to post a happy pic from the day."

Or if I WANTED help, I might post a pic and say, "I think I'm doing X, Y, and Z....can you see anything else I should work on or do you have suggestions?"

One reason I might do that instead of talking to the trainer is that during a lesson, I can feel but not see. So I like to review videos to help me see what it is that I'm doing/not doing.



And regarding the horse itself. I own one conformational Mrs. Potato Head. She's a good egg, but I have no delusions about her crappo confo. My other mare is put together darn well and I'll probably never own a horse with nicer build in my life. Still, she has faults as well.

It's called being realistic. And if you're not realistic, lack a sense of humor, or can't take criticism, it's best not to put yourself out there.

[crazyhorses]

A second opinion. Or ideas on how to fix something (if trainers idea is not working).

[Ambrey]

It's called being realistic. And if you're not realistic, lack a sense of humor, or can't take criticism, it's best not to put yourself out there.

This is just excusing bad behavior, IMO. Saying "if you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen" is all well and good, but if the kitchen is on fire the number of people able to take the heat is gonna be pretty small.

I think the thickness of skin required to take some of the mean-spiritedness I see here would be extraordinary. Maybe you have it- most people don't. What do we end up with? The people without thick skins just leave, and we're left with the mean spirited people.

[Cincinnati]

Some people just don't notice their glaring faults and are just sharing what was a happy moment for them. Some are just braggarts.

I was checking out another site where the comments were just horrific about a certain rider's photos and most of the negative posters didn't even ride.
I came to this forum because I thought it was the more civil of the choices. ;)

[pintopiaffe]

I usually only post if I'm bragging on a pony, or comparing spots, or braids...

Sometimes I post when other fat people are feeling down, or too big for their horse or some such, because I'm fat and he's little and we're still managing to do just fine.

Besides, I post the link to my website, as outdated as it is... so you can laugh at me/ridicule me anyway if you have the desire... <shrugs>

[katarine]

I voted that I posted them but don't care what anyone thinks, but that's not quite right.

Just like in real life, there are riders/trainers whose opinions I both value and welcome. I believe I know where the holes are in my riding, I'm not avoiding them or pretending they aren't there, and therefore I think I know what I need to work on, and the philosophies and approaches I use and those I will try...as well as those I won't.

And, just like in real life, there are those whose opinions just simply carry no weight with me. A few weeks ago, I was ponying a training horse at a trail riding area. I planned to tie him and let him rest at the parking area, while we kept riding. I had a fellow rider plead with me to NOT tie him hard and fast, with a rope halter, to my trailer. I assured her I wouldn't. Just as she was recovering from her self imposed drama llama, I assured her I would tie him high and safely, to a stout tree, as I didn't want him to trash my trailer should he get upset. Said with a smile, and she took it well...but you know, she is not someone who's approval I want or need, so really, it's irrelevant. No different than getting someone's disapproval here- if I don't respect and value your words, then you can't touch me. Plain and simple.

[pintopiaffe]

I replied on the other thread. ;)

I usually only put a photo up to brag on a pony, compare spots or braids or something...

Or if another fat rider is feeling badly. (I'm fat, he's small)

But you can find me anyway on my website if it's about ridicule. And people have done that--replying to threads referring to something on the OP's website... so it's out there anyway, even if it's old.

[MistyBlue]

Some people do love jumping on the critique wagon...but by and large I have noticed that the critiques viewed as mean, insulting or not supportive by some posters are usually informative and posted in an attempt to make things safer for the rider or less confusing or painful to the horse. If a rider posts a photo/video of dangerous riding, being extremely overfaced or of a horse that is obviously uncomfortable in some way, etc...it had never made sense to me when others or the OP get all up in arms that other folks have pointed those things out. I would assume they'd put aside their own hurt feelings and want to do what's safest for them or what might be easier/more comfy for the horse.
But then in this day and age...it does seem to be that everyone has to blow sunshine up everyone else's skirts in order for them to feel validated by strangers online.
At the very least, it's a good learning experience for the learning public on here when they see someone "get jumped on" for doing something bad for themselves or their horses. Maybe a few say to themselves, "Geez, I get left behind too, I should work on that" or "I didn't realize how bad balancing on your reins could be" or "it's probably not a good idea to ride without a helmet" or "maybe I shouldn't let my 300 lb husband go trail riding on my slighter built horse" or whatever. The threads get many more views than posts...some may be from folks checking back often to see new replies but many are from people who just may be learning something. Even if the OP never does. :winkgrin:

[ReSomething]

Eh. I'm not photogenic and the computer with the pix on it is sick again. Time to start a photobucket account I guess. No, I might post a pretty pony pic if I ever have one, but for critiques - well at that point I would be critiquing my trainer wouldn't I? Because it is my trainer's job to be correcting this stuff and forming my style.

[Equilibrium]

I was going to reply before I read the whole thread on the eventing forum. Because I actually thought this would be a thread where someone wasn't perfect and everyone piles on the insults. Well to be honest, the pictures were scary. But having said that she didn't actually post them first. Look, I'm not an eventer so I shouldn't really even open my mouth. But no, I wouldn't have wanted those pictures posted of myself and if it were me, I'd be thinking of another activity.

I am not a pretty rider. I galloped racehorses on the track for a long time and I spend most of my riding on just backed youngsters. So I'm not pretty. I have to take lessons the same as everyone else to keep myself polished up and helping my horse. And, I also know my limits. I'm no competition rider, but I am good a giving youngsters confidence and a good safe happy background for future use. That's my niche. The same as the most beautiful elegant hunter rider might not be able to hang riding youngsters every day.

So yeah, I'm guessing when I post some pics of me riding my warmblood youngster I will get bashed for not looking pretty. But at the end of the day, I will know I'm safe up there and my horse should be confident and happy that I am on her back, if I've done my job right. Will I be showing her myself? Well probably not if I want her do to well!

Terri

[FancyFree]

I've posted photos at a smaller, private board I belong to. Not for critiquing though, just to share with fellow members. I've found that even when people simply want to share at this board, they end up getting critiqued anyway. So you won't be seeing any "My Horse Rocks!" posts from me. Not here. :lol:

[FancyFree]

I don't understand why people with trainers turn to the internet. I pay handsomely for training and have confidence in my trainer. Why would I ask a bunch of anonymous people, some who may not even ride, for advice? I can understand if you don't have access to training, but I'd never do it at a big board. Even just to share, they'll critque you whether you want it or not.

Plus it's always a pile on at the big boards. If you want constructive criticism, I think you have to join a smaller BB community. When it's a group where you know and like the other members, chances are you'll get more positive feedback.

[rabicon]

My trainer is biasis :winkgrin: just kidding. I pay a trainer and she is AMAZING and has brought us a championship this past year and we are going for it again this year (different one). But I do post videos for critique because I like the additional feedback. Ever heard two eyes are better than one. I have this great trainer but why not get as much as I can from others?? I do tend to realize when some people critique and don't know what they are talking about but others do know and I do take their advice and my trainers and it has really worked out for myself and my horse. I have gotten pretty nice feedback everytime I've posted and helpful advice. I think when its dangerous riding or just insane riding is when people get blasted but for a rider that isn't overfaced and isn't thinking they are great and trying to rub someones face in it they tend to get nice easy feedback that is very helpful. Sometimes we do need blunt honesty though to open our eyes. ;)

[kellyb]

I post them to share info (i.e. like once about a tailbag, I was showing how much my mare's tail had grown).

I post for conversation. I don't have a ton of horse friends in real life, and sometimes a new horse/good show day is too much to keep to yourself.

I post for advice. Yeah I can go to a local instructor and get one person's opinion about what is wrong with me or my horse. Or I can post a photo here and hear from people all around the world and get 40 different comments on what might help.

Posting photos or videos is definitely not for the thin skinned. Sometimes I just laugh at some of the comments people will post about a stellar ride. Like critiquing the way that someone stayed on through a big bucking blow up that a horse had, and complaining that person rides too much with their hands. :lol: Give me a break already, and show me your you tube video of you staying on through that!

You have to take some comments with a grain of salt and consider who they are coming from.

Sometimes you can't help that people find your pics, like the My Horse Rocks thread. Those are photos posted for everyone to see on a photography site. I'm sure the OP wouldn't have chosen to pick the worst ones to show us, but you can bet that someone else will dig them up and find something to say about it. If you look absolutely perfect in every photo, more power to you...but most of us are simply mortals.

[Bluey]

A few years back, this one poster had been giving advice and had learned how to answer, so we assumed she was a good rider that understood the concepts being discussed.

Until the day she posted a picture of herself, proudly scrunched on a jigging, u-necked giraffe, nose in the air, evidently about to enter the arena for a barrel race.
You could not even tell about the horse other that it was a pretty roan color, the picture was so bad and taken at I hope one of their worst moments.
But, if she knew that much, why would she proudly post such a bad picture of her and her horse's exploits?:eek:
No one knew what to say, so most posts were about how pretty colored her horse was.
What was there to say that would not have offended grieviously?

I have learned since to not assume people know what they are talking about and definitely not to say much about someone's horse or riding, as most posters are really not that thick hided.;)

Horses and riders are not perfect and learning more is the name of the game if you are around horses.
Sometimes, learning means understanding what is not right, that doesn't mean is hopeless, as some take negative comments.:)

Even in person, I have encountered people that ask you what you think of their horse and don't really want to know, or if you say anything derogatory, they then start not liking their horse any more.:(

[FlashGordon]

LOL, once someone posted a photo of their horse with Karen O'Connor riding and a bunch of people missed that little note and jumped to criticize. I loled :)



HA HA I remember that thread. I was like ahh that is KOC they are criticizing! She could ride circles around all of us!

Don't think I have ever posted pics of me riding. I never used to post pics at all, ever... tho I have been lately of my rehab boy. He has done so well I can't help but share. :)

[Ambrey]

Some people do love jumping on the critique wagon...but by and large I have noticed that the critiques viewed as mean, insulting or not supportive by some posters are usually informative and posted in an attempt to make things safer for the rider or less confusing or painful to the horse.

I think the issue is all in motive. Is the person doing the criticizing genuinely wanting to help the person succeed? I think if the motives are good, it usually is well received. If the motives are to ridicule, to discourage, or to build oneself up at the expense of others it shines through loud and clear. Personally, I don't take advice from people who WANT me to fail ;)

[Trevelyan96]

I posted mine because I promised to do so after the big "should I show even if I know I'm not ready debate' Mostly I just wanted to brag on what a good boy Trav was, in spite of his rider!

[Sargentmajor]

Sometimes it's just because you've had a great moment/ride/whatever and want to share. If I ASK for a critique then I open myself up for pretty much anything, but if I don't, please feel free to take a peek, maybe blow some sweet sunshine up my butt if you want, or say nothing.

[saddleup]

I've ridden for literally decades and still cringe at videos of myself riding, so I would never put one out there to be critiqued.

I guess people who do are either supremely confident in their abilities, masochistic, or delusional.

[quietann]

I'm usually pretty specific in saying that I don't want critique. I can look at the videos and see all the big issues myself, and for the rest, well, that's why I have a trainer. I post mostly so friends -- horsey and not -- can see what we're up to. (And yeah, sure, I love it when we get compliments. Maresy gets a lot more than I do, that's for sure, and that is exactly how it should be. :winkgrin:

That said, I was the "victim" so to speak of a pile-on in another forum and I am definitely sensitive about this sort of thing. The first few months I had my mare were *not* easy, and some people thought it would be "fun" to make it even more not-easy. (As in, people created a livejournal account "from Maresy's POV" to bash on me. I've never looked at it; I only know it exists because someone posted an excerpt elsewhere. And that's just one of the things they did.) Of course, it was all wrapped up in fake "concern" for me.

For that reason, although anyone who looks can find my online videos, I don't post links to them publicly anymore.

[Ambrey]

I guess people who do are either supremely confident in their abilities, masochistic, or delusional.

You missed an option- not everyone who knows they are not a perfect rider cringes because of it. Some of us know we're not perfect riders and are really just OK with that- not in the sense of not wanting to improve, but in the sense of seeing it as a journey rather than a destination :)

The videos I have on youtube of me riding are from getting back in the saddle after a serious accident. They remind me where I started, how far I've come. They remind me of what I continue to struggle with. They remind me of how understanding and forgiving my horse is, and how great he's been through the process. They are awesome, even if the riding isn't ;)

[Trevelyan96]

Frankly, I don't critique photos, especially on rider position, etc, and especially for dressage, for the simple fact that I don't feel I'm qualified to do so, and one photo, good or bad, really isn't enough information for me to give an opinion. I've been around hunters long enough to teach a bit and critique a bit as well, but I also know that one horse may need a 'different' ride than another, and I'll leave that to the pros.

I will, on very rare occasions, comment on a horse, but just general, as in 'he looks downhill in the photo', or 'it looks like there's a bow in the photo', etc. But I try to keep it simple and positive.

[Beverley]

I really gotta go look at that My Horse Rocks thread.

As to the survey, I put 'other' because mostly, I just post pictures from foxhunting, trail rides, Pony Express re-rides and such so my riding/hunting buddies can access them. I do have oldie pics up here and there, MySpace and ChronicleofMyHorse I think- just because I found old pics in my occasional archaeological digs around the house and decided scanning and posting was a good way to view them when desired- fond memories revisited of horses I've owned or ridden dating back to the 1960s. Maybe even 1950s.

[pony89]

About a year and a half ago, I was having major problems with my mare. I posted a general "help!" post, and was asked to post pics so that people could give better advice on the problem.

I posted a small selection of photos that I felt showed a good generalization of our issues. Based on the responses (and there was a smallish - mostly constructive - pile on), I PM'ed the real incriminating stuff, like videos, to a small group of people whose opinions I valued. The feedback I received was very valuable, if humbling to hear.

I understand the POV about asking your trainer, but when it comes right down to it, if a person feels like things are progressing with their trainer, they probably aren't searching the internet for feedback! Sometimes, I think it is possible to get stuck in your own little world with very limited ideas and instruction, and it is a good thing to poke around a little and find out what you don't know.

In my case, the feedback led me to find a trainer who had a different approach and helped my mare and me to be much more successful. I have posted very limited photo updates, but if I am happy with how things are going, I am really not interested in putting pics out for critique. Now, I do have a trainer that I can ask when I need advice, so there is little value to me to be getting a wide variety of feedback from people whose credentials I do not know.

[redears]

I have videos on a youtube account to send to my relatives who have never come to a show or the barn or don't very often and want to see me ride. They don't know anything, so I block comments on my youtube so I don't have to listen to the 12 year old horse trainers telling me what I'm doing wrong.

I've seen people drag photos and videos from other sites of posters here to post them for others to critique, that is just not cool :no:

[WorthTheWait95]

I replied on the other thread. ;)

I usually only put a photo up to brag on a pony, compare spots or braids or something...

Or if another fat rider is feeling badly. (I'm fat, he's small)

But you can find me anyway on my website if it's about ridicule. And people have done that--replying to threads referring to something on the OP's website... so it's out there anyway, even if it's old.

Off topic...but that pic of you and your first pinto on your website is so cute. I also had a saintly first horse that happened to be a registered paint. I was then converted to imported warmbloods for my junior years in the hunter/jumper world. What did I do the day after my last AA show before college? Bought another paint horse :lol:

And to answer the thread question:
I don't usually post pics of myself and horses online (excluding facebook which I have locked down as far as possible in the privacy settings) b/c I'm slightly paranoid about internet safety :lol:.

I do have a few I would like to post but they are more in the conformation critique vein then anything else.

[Lieselotte]

Sorry you guys... When I made up this poll this morning, I forgot to actually "attach" it, so now there are two threads about this going right now... But only the other one has the actual poll option, so please check out that one instead.

Maybe our Moderators could merge the comments, please?
Thanks!

[Lieselotte]

You know what would be great? A critique forum with a strict "no insult" rule, in which people could ask for critique in a safer environment, and others could get experience giving critiques and "reading" photos.

I would like that as well because I have been tempted to post photos myself but I'm not ready for what might follow :) So I usually just read and absorb, and I have indeed learned from criticism posted about other riders. I just don't like when it gets all crazy...;)

But again, my original concern was especially with people who seem a lot less humble about their riding and when the negative comments pour in always have a lot of excuses like "My horse hadn't been ridden in a while/ was being fresh/is never a pretty jumper anyway/had a very bad day, etc." If you know that already, why still post? It does indeed seem masochistic as someone else put it... And it may paint the wrong picture of a specific discipline, such as Eventing, especially for beginning riders.

But thanks for discussing this issue. I've been thinking about this a lot because I very much enjoy this BB in general but am also slightly afraid of it, if you know what I mean ;)

[SunshineAcres]

So is this thread b/c of the 'My horse rocks' thread? Sorry, I sometimes miss the subtle clues. lol

[Ambrey]

But again, my original concern was especially with people who seem a lot less humble about their riding and when the negative comments pour in always have a lot of excuses like "My horse hadn't been ridden in a while/ was being fresh/is never a pretty jumper anyway/had a very bad day, etc." If you know that already, why still post? It does indeed seem masochistic as someone else put it... And it may paint the wrong picture of a specific discipline, such as Eventing, especially for beginning riders.


Because it was a pretty picture? Because you wanted to show people what your horse looks like? Because you figure people should really know better than to think they understand everything about you and your horse based on some photos?

I finally looked at the thread in question, and what everyone was ignoring was the fact that the owner had several trainers, including BNTs, working with her that agreed with her characterization of her horse. In fact, she probably came to her conclusions based on a) years with the horse, b) many jumps, c) expert advice from people who have seen them in action together. Yet she's supposed to give it all up and never post a photo because the internet community doesn't like the way it looks?

In her case, she posted the photos because she'd placed well in the event and was proud of herself.

Place blame where blame is due. It's not on people who post photos of a successful outing that don't match up to the internet gurus ideal of what a good outing should look like. It's people who will make a snap judgement on a photo and make comments like "a horse trial is not the place to learn how to ride" or "well, you might not have had an accident yet, but you will." Those kinds of comments aren't meant to help anyone, they are meant to establish the posters superiority and demean the subject.

[Transplant]

I didn't read the thread mentioned but I think a lot of people who post pics/videos on forums and Youtube post them to share, not necessarily get critiques. Many people don't have of horsey friends and supportive family members who are sympathetic to their riding.

I don't generally do that though. I'll post a picture or video to ask a question. The last time I did, it was very helpful and my riding was bad but I didn't care; because the feedback prevented me from writing off a new instructor when I would have otherwise done so. So I got what I wanted and some more helpful hints to boot.

When I was a moderator at an art forum, the biggest fights were over critiques till most of the subforums banned critiques from their areas. My subforum didn't want to do that but we mods had to watch out for the comments that had a nasty tone because they drove people from our little forum which was counterproductive. We were honest but polite.

[avezan]

After starting to read this thread, I went to eventing to read the "my horse rocks" thread. I just wanted to point out that the OP of that thread did not post the pictures, someone else posted a link to a photographer's site. Then the trainwreck started. By the way, I only got through the first 2 pages before going to bed, when I clicked on the third page this morning the thread was gone. Not closed, gone. I wonder what the last few pages said to get it eliminated!?

To answer the question of this thread, I have posted a few pictures of myself and my horse on the internet, just to share. Not for any critique and definitely not on a public forum for public critique! (I just checked to see if I had a pic on my profile and I don't. I'll see if I can figure out how to upload one) I would definitely make sure it was a good pic, though. BUT...anyone watch American Idol? I don't know how some of those people who audition think they can sing! So, maybe people posting bad pictures of them riding think they are good pictures...I don't know.

[FancyFree]

So, maybe people posting bad pictures of them riding think they are good pictures...I don't know.

I think that's the case, many a time. They think they're posting a great picture and expect "Ooooohs" and "Aaaaaaahs". Then when posters make less than glowing comments, they stomp away saying "You're all big meanies who are just picking on me!" They live in a fantasy land and they don't want anyone bursting their bubble.


I respect people who can put their pictures up, acknowledge the constructive criticism and ignore the flame throwers. I've actually seen it happen where the OP did get something out of the thread. They actually want help, not just praise. But I think you have to be open minded and realistic about your abilities. Some people just can't do that, so it always ends up as a train wreck.

[mvp]

No way, no how.

Don't get me wrong, my gelding, whom I bred and trained myself, with whom I am definitely going to the Olympics sooner or later, is *the greatest*.

And I don't post our incriminating pictures/info on the internet. I don't think I can get good enough help that way. I would definitely subject him and me to unfair criticism there. So what's the pay-off?

Given the stuff going on in another COTH thread "Is this horse sound?" I think a picture or video potentially exposes me to much worse than mean-spirited remarks. It also opens me to slightly (or potentially) slanderous commentary. I also don't discuss my horse's training/soundness issues with whoever in the barn aisle for the same reason.

If I don't know or trust the people who can offer me help, or evaluate my horse and there is the risk of damage, it's incumbent upon me to minimize that.

Too serious, I'm sure, but just some food for thought.

-mvp

[Transplant]

I think that's the case, many a time. They think they're posting a great picture and expect "Ooooohs" and "Aaaaaaahs". Then when posters make less than glowing comments, they stomp away saying "You're all big meanies who are just picking on me!" They live in a fantasy land and they don't want anyone bursting their bubble.


A bigger question is if you know you're dealing with this type of person, why take the time to give them a critique at all? You know its going to go in one ear and out the other or the person is going to get defensive and the whole effort will probably be a waste of your time.

I don't critique on riding because I'm not qualified but even in an area where I feel qualified, I don't even bother giving a critique unless I think its going to be received in the spirit it was intended.

Some people just don't want critiques, period, and if I don't have something positive to say, I don't waste my time on them because I know how its going to end.