Organisers remove fence at Tattersalls World Cup

[Equibrit]

A rider protest forced organisers to remove a controversial feature fence after a horse fatally broke his leg and Badminton winner Oliver Townend fell at the Tattersalls World Cup qualifier at Fairyhouse, Ireland.

By Pippa Cuckson
Last Updated: 6:59PM BST 31 May 2009

Riding high: Badminton winner Oliver Townend fell off his horse after attempting the controversial fence at Fairyhouse, Ireland.
The split-level water had already seen Badminton winner Oliver Townend fall from Golden Hue before Catherston Defender, ride of British-based Italian Alberto Guigni, fatally broke his leg.
The remaining riders refused to start until democracy prevailed. Five-time Olympian Mary King, third on Imperial Cavalier, said: "I saw a lot of riders standing in a group. I said that I'd already ridden two horses through and was happy to jump again, but so many wanted it removed that obviously it had to be done."

[GiGi]

Good on them!!!!

[enjoytheride]

What about this fence made it so dangerous?

[Equibrit]

Zara takes a dunking.
http://www.slide.com/r/sEssFhoR1T-X-OnFx8bbUNW4Wq-uiRkC?map=2&cy=un

from H&H Forum;
machannah
old hand


Tatts - rider rep meeting mid event
#4446662 - 01/06/2009 09:43

Tatts 3*** world cup qualifier was in full flow when a horse fell in the water and broke its leg, it was the 3rd horse fall at that fence, and somehow a rider rep meeting was called mid XC, all action on the course stopped and we managed to wander over and catch the end of the discussion inclduing the TD and most of the riders who were warming up at the time

The TD was discussing peoples approach to the fence, those that were too quick were not having a nice ride, and those who jumped in "neatly" didnt experience many issues. However with 3 horse falls already having taken place, and the third being fatal it quickly moved in to dialogue about the fence and whether it was "safe" or not. Belton got mentioned and people then started to discuss their earlier rides and experience of jumping the fence. Some had had a good ride and had no issues, other people who thought that had jumped in well, felt they were punished for this somehow, talks of a hole in the bottom were mentioned, but quickly put to one side. In the end, a vote took place with those opting to either have the fence removed or left in. I didnt see the exact results but it went in favour of the removal, Toddy basically said that if people have negative feelings about the fence, they will ride it badly, and another rider said, having had this meeting, if something else happened then it would not look good for sport/event. So in the end the fence was removed, some were obviously not happy but I think based on the circumstances it was the right choice.

I havent seen anything like this happening before, it was quite extraordinary to have seen this going on mid event, but what I will say is that people are now wanting to do something about safety (of both horse and rider), and actively looking to make a collective decision.

There was also a meeting at the event on thurs evening about safety and changing the sport, I have to say, in line with Tina Cook's column this week, the talk is about going back to the old style fences, learn how to ride at speed, but correctly. Andrew N said whereas before he always used to try and stay on he will now get out the way and said if you cant see the horses ears infront of you get out of the way because the tail will be following it shortly.

Realise this is a bit of a rambling, but it was very interesting to see how peoples opinions and thoughts have changed, I think, that the penny may just have dropped and there will be a shake up coming. Such a shame that Burghley have knocked back the time again, the general feeling is the longer "short" format is needed

[bewarethechestnutmare]

Does anyone have pictures of this complex? Or a better description of it? I'm trying to picture a split-level water complex, and in my mind, it's like jumping down a waterfall, from one pool to the next. Am I on the right track? If so, sounds like it would be a pretty impressive fence!

[Gry2Yng]

They had a similar problem with a water jump at Bromont several years ago. Several riders fell badly at the final water, which was a downhill approach after a long gallop about 8:30 into the course. The jump was drained looking for holes, etc. Philip rode three horses and fell with one of them, the other two rode through fine. It was PD's opinion that he rode too fast with the horse that fell. Young Riders was held there later that same year. They changed the course such that there was a small "speed bump" fence placed before the water, force people to slow down and set up. I don't recall any falls in that same water at that competition.

[Equibrit]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/webcastschedule.html

Don't know if it will be blocked here - but worth a try.
TATTERSALLS HORSE TRIALS 09
Island of Ireland - 11.45pm (Local time.)
6:45pm EST

[BarbB]

That's an interesting (and scary) comment from Nicholson, who has always been known for his ability to stay on no matter what and regroup and carry on.

[silver pine]

I'm assuming it's the usual fairyhouse water complex. In which case it looks like steps down with water at each landing. I believe it's a bounce distance.

[Equibrit]

That's an interesting (and scary) comment from Nicholson, who has always been known for his ability to stay on no matter what and regroup and carry on.

I guess it's pretty difficult, and somewhat counter productive, to stay on when they're going base over apex. Discretion being the better part of valour and all that !

[BarbB]

I guess it's pretty difficult, and somewhat counter productive, to stay on when they're going base over apex. Discretion being the better part of valour and all that !

I thought it was an interesting assessment of how much he thinks the courses have changed...that this did not used to be an issue for him.