New Jumping Style?

[MistyBlue]

I pirated this from another BB...public video from competition.
I...erm...am not sure what to think.
To be positive:
Helluva patient horse
Rider very adept at picking up their irons. Repeatedly.
Hilarious choice of song.
Appreciate the videographer doing slo-mo replays because in real time it's hard to believe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM

[sparky6]

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Poor baby! What a saint!

Guess we can at least be comforted by the fact that there's no way that guy is going to be able to have kids after that ride so hopefully the pattern ends with him.

[raave05]

well, at least you don't have to worry about him having any kids to follow his style. with as many times as he made contact with that pommel, he might as well be a eunuch.

[gasrgoose]

At least we don't have to worry about him having children. He must be infertile after that ride. Scary!!

[oldenburger with fries and a cold beer]

"Holy crotch protector, Batman!!!"... "Blech my codpiece, Robin!!!!!"

[eclipse]

Yowzers......poor pony! And, then he hits him when he stops.....too bad he didn't dump him on his a.s.s!!!

Can somebody translate what it said at the end? Was it something sarcastic (hopefully)???

[dags]

ugh, I don't even have to watch to know what video your talking about. Scratch that, I refuse to watch it again.

[t. nason]

I'd buy that horse. Horse is super forgiving. Can't get over he still jumped as well as he did with I guess I have to say rider. I bet that horse has such a sore back.

[Won For Fun]

Does anyone think it is a joke of some sort? If he truly had no skills, he would not stay on with catching that much air time over every fence. He always comes down with his legs on either side of the horse. He also somewhat sees where he wants to leave. I can't imagine what he is trying to prove, but it must be some sort of imitation of someone else or a joke...

[Against all Odds]

don't quote me on this, but according to one of the comments on the video it says: "We guarantee you that the horse only had a slight back pain, and the next day was in good conditions to jump again."

:eek: There must be some story to it or something, is it even possible for someone to ride that badly :confused: I surely hope not that was just painful to watch, the poor horse.

[zahena]

I don't think any of us would see any humor in that. The English and French are all over that thing complaining about who a douche this guy is. Poor horse. I agree he'll never have kids. But obviously he has balls because he entered the class to begin with.

Whose sig line says something about Darwnism and it eventually kicking in? Poor horse. That horse should be sainted. When he crops him, I stopped watching. Hideous. Just hideous.

[DeucesWild11]

It says on the comments that this is a competition where polo riders switch with jumper riders, which would explain why he can stay on at least. :)

[bort84]

Weird. It looks like he was actually trying to jump off the saddle while the horse jumped by swinging his legs back and then up. This has to be some sort of joke or imitation. I feel like most good riders would have a hard time trying to replicate that and not falling off, so this guy has to have some skill. I wish we knew the background on this, because this guy clearly knows how to ride a bit (or he'd have been off very quickly after one of these clownish jumps) and is doing this freaky exaggeration for some reason... This is especially apparent in the slo-mo. There was some mention in the comments that it was maybe a jumper rider/polo rider switch off competition thingie? I only saw that in one comment though, so I have no idea, and I can't imagine the reason behind this horrible display is that he's a polo rider, haha.

Ditto the wanting that horse sentiment. If he puts up with that and still jumps like a champ, I'd looove him as a schoolie, haha. And yes, this man had to have had some ouchy man parts afterwards - serves him right, haha.

[OneMoreTime]

I didn't watch the whole thing, but I would sure buy that pony in the blink of an eye. What an awesome packer he is! so kind & forgiving, and such an honest soul.

[enjoytheride]

I'm sorry, but if I switched off my horse with another rider and he rode like that I'd be in the middle of the course yanking his ass off my horse and beating the crap of him. Especially when he beat that poor horse with the crop for trying to save his own skin.

[OneMoreTime]

I'm sorry, but if I switched off my horse with another rider and he rode like that I'd be in the middle of the course yanking his ass off my horse and beating the crap of him. Especially when he beat that poor horse with the crop for trying to save his own skin.

I love it - I can just imagine an indignant owner stomping out on course. I agree 100% :). LOL.

[starrysky]

I think that horse is officially a saint. I definitely feel bad for the horse, since it had to be ridden so poorly, but I admit, every time the slow-motion parts came on, I was snorting and laughing out loud.

[RugBug]

You can tell the guy has some riding skill but not over fences, that's for sure (Although he could see a distance better than a lot of people). I was impressed with his ability to stay on and to see a distance (or maybe he just wasn't afraid to go forward so the distances worked out)...but appalled that he was allowed to do it to begin with.

[enjoytheride]

I don't think it's as much that he could see a distance as he couldn't see any distance good or bad so the horse was on his own. It's only when I second guess myself that I have trouble seeing a distance. Obviously he really isn't thinking that hard about it.

[Mozart]

Holy packer Batman!
I want that horse for my kid!

Well, you have to admit he can stay in the middle of his horse. Three feet above maybe, but still in the middle....

[used2]

didn't I just read a thread about how much better prepared the foreign riders are? He is only a rider to the extent a bronc rider is. Nice little horse.

[Valeureux]

That poor poor horse. What a saint. :no:

[MistyBlue]

Well it was a single ride for that horse...so that's good news for the horse. A couple minutes of annoyance, I'm sure the horse's regular rider is an improvement.
So while I did feel for the horse, it was a short bit in time for the poor thing and the slo-mo replays were jaw dropping.
Gotta agree with enjoytheride though, if I were at a show that required a rider/horse swap and that guy got my horse I'd probably also be running like hell across the ring trying to catch them to get him off! :winkgrin:
Didn't know it was a polo player crossing disciplines...I guess jumpers for some polo players is as tough as polo would be for me. I tried that once.


Once.


I've got stick...I don't have that kind of stick. :lol: :lol: :lol: However I'm betting good polo ponies would make good jumpers. Lots of boldness, great turns, etc.

[Not So Practical Horse(WO)man]

So much talent and cuteness wasted on this disgusting man.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM&feature=player_embedded

[MistyBlue]

There's a thread in Hunter/Jumper on this now too. Scary riding, huh?

[hellerkm]

I don't get it , is this suppossed to be funny?? I am not amused at all, why would someone ride like this, he is obviously trying to make a joke out if it dont' you think??

[Rivermeer]

so sorry for that poor little greys back!

[SuperSTB]

Okay- I had to stop watching. Horrifying to watch yet... Do you laugh- do you cry???

WTF how is he staying on? Is this some sort of joke? Does he have any "boy parts" left when he's done? Too many questions.

[Trakehner]

Disgusting...Hmmmm, issues? Not disgusting...how about talentless and seemingly without a clue. His instructor is the disgusting one....letting him on that poor horse and in public at that.

We do agree, that poor horse is a saint. I sure hope he borrowed that horse and doesn't own the poor thing....wonder what George Morris would have to say?

I was watching one of the big 3-days on TV...there was a fairly fat female rider who was horrid, who after botching jump after jump with her poor horse, he finally refused 3 times to go over a pretty low jump...evidently Daddy and Mommy had money, she sure wasn't there on talent.

[Cloverbarley]

OMG I have tears in my eyes!! That is the funniest thing I have seen in a very long time:D:lol::D.

What an absolute gem of a horse that is - and how in the world did that man not fall off ... I'm sure he must be sterile by now, lmao! :D:D

[Not So Practical Horse(WO)man]

I would rescue that horse in a heartbeat....even know the kind of mental issues I'm sure it has by now.

My horses old owner chipped on every fence...4 years lates she stills throws fits when we chip and throws her head up into "resistance pose" when we get weird distances. and thats only from chipping in! i cant even imagine what this man has done psychologically to this horse :(

[Funckyfilly]

Boy that guy has some b*lls huh? --- oops how could he have any left after that!!!!!

[Joanne]

What a lovely horse to put up with that!!

Anyone know what it says at the end of the video?

[Cloverbarley]

Oh please, I doubt the horse needs "rescuing" :rolleyes:. Looks like a tough little pony to me and to be perfectly frank I see eejits riding like this all the time at some of the ridiculous shows I sometimes end up at over here in North America and as these useless riders compete all the time on the same horses then I suspect the horses are just fine. Goodness, some perspective is needed I say ;).

[Pony Person]

Here's hoping he will never be able to pass on his talentless genes.:winkgrin:

[Petstorejunkie]

BF remarked that this man must not have external testicles if he can land on the saddle like that!

[Instant Karma]

Oh. Wow.

When you have to adjust your helmet after every fence, you are doing it wrong!

I love how the gospel choir picks up just as he whacks his horse with the crop and then hits the high note when he goes SAIIIIIIIILING over that oxer. That's the hardest I have ever laughed at a video, oh my lordy:lol::lol::lol:

The crazy cluckers heads would explode over that round!!!!!

[lesson junkie]

And to think I felt guilty about how long it took me to get the saddle fitter out!

[AppendixQHLover]

Those man's ping pong balls must have ended up in his body somewhere after a few of those hits. My horse would have tossed me at the first jump and than my instructor would have beat me with my crop.

[blue&blond]

Is this guy for real?

Doesn't it almost look like he's riding like that on purpose? How can anyone be that horrible and yet stay on unless he's doing it on purpose?

Why, I have no idea.

[KateKat]

seriously, is this for real? It looked like over every jump the guy was purposefully sending his legs flying back so that he would be airborne as well. And he obviously has some skills, as seen by his ability to freaking stay on the horse, post the trot, and sit the canter without looking like a buffoon.

Oh yea and I want that horse too. Obviously hes a saint since he didn't buck this dochebag off after the first fence!

[FlashGordon]

Does he actually stay *on* throughout the whole video? And if so, HOW?

I had to stop watching after the 3rd fence.

[ddashaq]

Well, isn't that special.:rolleyes: I am astounded that the guy lands in the tack after completely leaving it over every fence. Cute pony obviously has loads of talent!

[Rivendellhorses]

But..it kinda looks for the maj. of the jumps that he is catching himself before he hits. with his thighs/feet whatever. i only see him actually hit the saddle bad twice....

i dont think this is real anyways. it looks like something done for a parody or whatever. He controls the canter a bit too well for someone who doesn't know anything.

[FalseImpression]

Didn't it say in the comments below the video that he was actually a polo player? He can ride, he just can't jump.
And I agree, the horse is a saint! I hope he got a good massage after this round!

[DancingQueen]

I was thinking that too. About midways he has to jump a jump without at least one of his stirrups and he does that in a much better style. Can't for my life figure out what he's trying to prove though.

[RoyalTRider]

The song with this video :lol::lol:

Agreed, I only see a couple actual hard hits. But he appears to be losing his stirrups over a number of jumps... and then re-entering them in the air. :eek:

[quietann]

That horse is a saint.

One thing I noticed, for all the "airtime" the rider had, for the most part he was not yanking the horse in the mouth when they went over the jumps. Weird.

[gonsouth]

Do you think this is a computer enhanced joke? How does he get his sturrips back after losing them in mid air--quite a feat, Ithink. Why wlould a TD let such an abuse( to the horse) and danger to the rider go on?

[Dressage.For.Life.]

Poor horse!
It's like Richard Spooner x 100 :lol:

[aspenlucas]

My sentiments exactly!!!

OMG I have tears in my eyes!! That is the funniest thing I have seen in a very long time:D:lol::D.

What an absolute gem of a horse that is - and how in the world did that man not fall off ... I'm sure he must be sterile by now, lmao! :D:D

[SkipChange]

I hope the polo/SJ switch is true. I really desperately hope this guy is not a trainer. Because although the general consensus is he will be left completely infertile after this experience, he could certainly spread his style with teaching!

ETA: To all the people that think the guy can see a distance...I would be happy to drive all of yall and the rider to the eye doctor, I think an examination is in order pronto!

[Soapey Sponge]

Thanks for the laugh! Question: is it possible to ride ironically?

Have to agree with most here - this guy knows very well what he's doing. To paraphrase Dolly Parton, it takes a lot of know-how to ride that badly. It's hard to guess what was originally being parodied here, but I'm sure it seemed hilarious at the time.

I see some people are distraught on behalf of the horse, but frankly the horse doesn't seem particularly bothered.

As exaggerated as it seems, the style actually looks a lot like the style you see again and again in 19th century fox hunting prints. Contrast with the images in these links:

http://www.old-print.com/mas_assets/full/TRANSFER/5241856033.jpg

http://www.antiquemapsandprints.com/iln132.jpg

http://www.art-prints-on-demand.com/kunst/henry_thomas_alken/fox_hunting_hi.jpg

Worth noting that none of these gents were riding parodically. People tend to fixate on form today, but all available sources suggest that more of the riding over fences done last century looked like this than not. Horses coped... go figure!

[JackandMo]

LOL! So THIS is what I would look like going over a few jumps.

The ping pong ball comment is hilaaaaaaaaaaarious (said in my best Seinfeld voice!)

[Pony Soprano]

WoW! Totally speechless.....

I would buy that horse today with or without PPE! The horse must be getting some good rides in between to keep going for so long, but what knowledgeable person would let him jump?

[alteringwego]

ouch! both of his heads are hurting :-O

[saultgirl]

I'm not sure what to think... for the first couple of jumps I wondered if he were trying to kick his heels together behind his back over the jumps? I've heard of some stupid person who did that.

He can ride, though.

Possible scenario: good rider (who DOESN"T jump), makes some comment about "how hard could it be" and someone wants to make a little bet with him?

and/or, this is one of those things that started with "...here, hold my beer..."

[Huntertwo]

I don't get it , is this suppossed to be funny?? I am not amused at all, why would someone ride like this, he is obviously trying to make a joke out if it dont' you think??

That is what I was thinking.. Is it a joke? He is absolutely horrible, yet manages to stay on. Wouldn't someone that bad have a fall?

How about his manly parts? OMG, talk about taking a beating. Never mind the poor horse.:no:

[dizzywriter]

I suspect that this is being taken too seriously. The guy can clearly ride and has very good balance to land back in the saddle EVERY time -- though I only watched 1/2 of it since I pretty much got the picture.

The pony looks fine. He might be getting a jolt from the landings, though the rider isn't really just plopping down. Your average lesson horse doing up-downs with beginners probably suffers more.

[Linny]

I want that pony. He's a saint.

[Serendipity]

Those man's ping pong balls must have ended up in his body somewhere after a few of those hits. My horse would have tossed me at the first jump and than my instructor would have beat me with my crop.

Thank you AppendixQHLover! Your comment just made me laugh and laugh!

I won't presume to comment alot on anything else (I'm still very much a novice rider), but I admit that I admire that rider's ability to stay seated (more or less), and I WANT that horse!

[Kate66]

I agree with dizzywriter -this guy is obviously a fantastic rider, with a good seat - albeit not over jumps! He doesn't snatch the horse's mouth and it is quite incredible that he stays on. I didn't watch the whole thing.

I do read in the comments that it says "From what I gather, this is a competition where polo riders switch ride with jumpers, which explains a lot. I'm impressed he stayed on, but this rider needs to stick with what he knows. And that horse deserves the Equine of The Year award! Poor thing. " apparently the comment at the end says that the horse only had a little backpain and was OK for jumping the next day - now, that I don't get!

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

I'm about 95% sure it's a video of a pentathlete... the whole thing is a bit odd to me... take someone who isn't really a rider, throw em on a strange horse, let em warm up for 20 minutes, send em out in the ring for a showjumping round.

IIRC, pentathletes are notoriously bad riders. In support of this theory, I googled it, and on the first several pages of images I came up with:
Exhibit A (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07Ub4VN8bh363/340x.jpg)
Exhibit B (http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-au/INTL/1/530/420/90/http://au-portal-origin.web.aol.com/au_gallery/i/s/s_beijing_olympic_injuries_0827/19-olympic-bloopers-injuries-crashes-530a.jpg) (note that this one is at the OLYMPICS)
Exhibit C (http://assets.teamusa.org/assets/images/article/photo/6533/mid/Taormina.jpg)
Exhibit D (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/084G5rH9HX7In/610x.jpg)


I could go on, but I won't. Oh wait, last one (http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/oly_08_25/oly18.jpg). :eek:

You know, it might be less exciting for a casual spectator to watch, but they should consider switching over to a nice flat test or something.

Seriously, though. If these people are as bad at shooting, fencing, swimming, and running as they are at riding, I bet the sport is chock full o' poked out eyes, drowning victims, shooting victims, and lots of scraped knees... sheesh.

[dizzywriter]

Disgusting...Hmmmm, issues? Not disgusting...how about talentless and seemingly without a clue.

I just watched it again, and disagree. I think the rider is very talented. Only a talented rider could pull that off and stay on, every time.

Whoever said it's a polo player (or some other discipline) saying: "how hard can jumping be?" may be right.

[zoeee]

What a fantastic pony.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM&feature=player_embedded
Not sure if this has been posted before.

[Sugarbrook]

If anyone cares, here is my take on the video (which I did watch). I think this guy is a great rider. I think he is just doing this as a joke. I think he knows exactly what he is doing. No rider without balance could do what he does in this video.

I agree that the horse is a saint.

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

Yeah, what I can't figure out is how he manages to a) defy gravity and stay on, and b) gets his stirrups back every time!

Actually, he jumps one jump sans stirrups (the one where he goes behind the flag)...

To the people who think it's a joke... why would ANYONE do that? Not only is it incredibly dangerous for both rider and horse, you also risk doing the horse permanent psychological damage.

[meupatdoes]

Omg, other people are attempting to watch Mad Men on DVR in the same room and I think I am ruining it with my loud cackling.

That backwards and forwards part had me howling.

[`reppy]

That pony has a heart of gold.

Can a rider be excused from the ring for very poor riding?

[Angela Freda]

To the people who think it's a joke... why would ANYONE do that? Not only is it incredibly dangerous for both rider and horse, you also risk doing the horse permanent psychological damage.
My thought exactly, a good rider would never do this for more than one fence.
This guys only fence he doesn't land HARD on that poor horses back is the one he does sans stirrups.
That poor horse! OH! And his nerve to stick the horse for the refusal caused by him jumping so far ahead? I can't say on a civilized board what I yelled out loud.

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

I posted this on the Off Course thread too...
I'm about fairly certain it's a video of a pentathlete... I'm also pretty sure they're notoriously bad riders. Here are the pictures that came up when I googled pentathletes riding...
Exhibit A (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07Ub4VN8bh363/340x.jpg)
Exhibit B (http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-au/INTL/1/530/420/90/http://au-portal-origin.web.aol.com/au_gallery/i/s/s_beijing_olympic_injuries_0827/19-olympic-bloopers-injuries-crashes-530a.jpg) (note that this one is at the OLYMPICS)
Exhibit C (http://assets.teamusa.org/assets/images/article/photo/6533/mid/Taormina.jpg)
Exhibit D (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/084G5rH9HX7In/610x.jpg)

And then of course, best for last (http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/oly_08_25/oly18.jpg). :eek:

The horse is a saint, and luckily probably doesn't belong to the guy (they draw them at random and get to warm up for 20 minutes before competing). However, despite having finished the course and all, I'm pretty sure our friend from the video has successfully eliminated himself from the procreation pool... :eek:

[enjoytheride]

I don't think there is a ton of skill involved in riding that bad and staying on. As long as both objects (horse and rider) are moving at the same speed the rider will come back down vaguely on top of the horse all be it smack into the saddle.

My opinion holds if this is a good rider acting bad on purpose. Nobody that considers themselves a horseman should ride that poorly and make the horse suffer for want of a laugh.

I've seen people ride "bad" on purpose but for all the wiggling around in the air they never land on the horse's back like that.

The pentathelete part would fit, I remember watching part of it during the olympics and reading the commentary. It was horrific. The riders use borrowed horses as well.

[Pony Soprano]

why would someone "donate" their horse for this?

[Catersun]

anyone catch the fence that that he landed INFRONT of his tack and set himself back in the saddle without loosing a stride. Bunge corded himself to the horse maybe? cause DANG he has some airtime!

[Gayla]

My Mom was watching me watch this and said "what are you looking at" because I looked so bewildered.

[dizzywriter]

My thought exactly, a good rider would never do this for more than one fence.
This guys only fence he doesn't land HARD on that poor horses back is the one he does sans stirrups.
That poor horse! OH! And his nerve to stick the horse for the refusal caused by him jumping so far ahead? I can't say on a civilized board what I yelled out loud.

A "good" rider (regarding technique) can and did do exactly what he did. A kind rider (regarding consideration for the animal) might not. But good and kind, in this context, are different things.

That said, I find it really hard to believe that the horse was traumatized by it. Take this argument too far, and we shouldn't be riding them at all.

[lesson junkie]

Can we change the music to something from the "Nutcracker Suite"?

[Angela Freda]

A "good" rider (regarding technique) can and did do exactly what he did. A kind rider (regarding consideration for the animal) might not. But good and kind, in this context, are different things.
Not in my book.

[twofatponies]

OMG. Before I even read the rest of the comments, can I just say my DH and I are gasping with laughter, tears streaming. With each jump we shrieked "nooooo" and then "ouch!". That is the single worst ride I've ever seen. That horse is a blessed saint. That guy is surely suffering after that! Why he's in that class I have no idea.

(btw it looks like a Lusitano horse in Brazil.)

[Cloverbarley]

It is a Lusitano but it's in Lisbon Portugal not Brazil :).

[heartinrye]

I hope they gave him 10g of bute and 40 robaxin after that round... poor pony.

[greysandbays]

I have an old book titled "The Art of Show Jumping: A Manual of Technique and Style" by Lt Col J A Talbot-Ponsonby. Several of the riders are pictured doing something very like this. Some of them are totally airborne at the apex of the jump.

Copywrite on this book is 1960.

[dizzywriter]

Not in my book.

Which part?

[twofatponies]

The note at the end of the video says the horse was a touch sore in his back the next day, but fine after that, with no long term effects.

Most horses I know would dump you for landing like that!!

The polo player explanation makes more sense. I can't imagine someone riding like that on purpose - yet he never comes off, which seems strange if its simply that he's a beginner - he never would stick the horse at all if he weren't used to riding in some context.

[dizzywriter]

OMG, GAB and I may actually be agreeing about something other than man auctions!!!! Oh, oh,
GAB, please don't burst my happy bubble!

[spmoonie]

This is awful. That pony is a saint!

[dizzywriter]

which seems strange if its simply that he's a beginner - he never would stick the horse at all if he weren't used to riding in some context.

The guy is clearly not a beginner. I doubt if he's even jumping for the first time.

[Mango7]

That's really scary, poor pony. I guess some people just don't get that just because you can stay on doesn't mean you should be jumping that high, let alone even 2'0

[*Liz*]

While the riding is really... something else - I'm pretty sure that's a man on a horse, not a pony ;)

[broughton_sporthorses]

One of the comments on YouTube say he is purposely lifting himself up so they horse is practically free jumping. Yeah, right. I couldn't watch anymore after the third jump...

[HunterJumperLuv]

Haha.. Someone posted this on my facebook no more than five minutes ago. They thought he was doing it on purpose.. Which made me laugh even more.

[Pony Person]

I could go on, but I won't. Oh wait, last one (http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/oly_08_25/oly18.jpg). :eek:

Yikes. :eek:

[stoicfish]

I'm crying....OMG that is way too funny. But there needs to be an intervention, on behalf of that sweet pony.

[mbhorse]

How does he not fall off??? Can you imagine how high his voice must be . . . hope he doesn't plan on having children!

[tucktaway]

OMG!!!!!

[JinxyFish313]

He was almost okay without the stirrups but damn...doesn't he wonder why nobody else looks like that?

[Risk-Averse Rider]

Seriously, though. If these people [pentathletes] are as bad at shooting, fencing, swimming, and running as they are at riding, I bet the sport is chock full o' poked out eyes, drowning victims, shooting victims, and lots of scraped knees... sheesh.

I knew many of the US Modern Pentathlon team when I was involved in fencing - they are amazing athletes. And, for the most part, the riding phase is their least favorite. They have 20 minutes to warm up on a horse they've never ridden before, and then they go in & jump a stadium round. According to my friends, the horses they were given to compete on were not always the most tractable (I mean, really - who would lend a Rox Dene to strangers of unknown riding ability?)

At one time - perhaps still - the US team tended to recruit their pentathletes from the "didn't quite make the cut" swimmers. Apparently it's easier to teach someone to ride, fence, run, and shoot acceptably, but if you don't have a knack for swimming, you don't have a knack for swimming, and it's just not going to be pretty ;-)

(As for the OMG :eek: photos you linked to - I'm betting you could find similarly shocking photos for any equestrian sport.)

[winfieldfarm]

now see, this is so wrong on so many levels.

this guy obviously has ridden a horse at some point. It's one thing to be very athletic and manage to stay on but there is no way on God's green earth he would have the skill and knowledge to fish for his stirrups and GET THEM if he had no riding experience. So if this is the case, why would he adopt this ridiculous jumping style? it's just so....wrong...

And the stop at the fence? Well, get your big fat head off the horse's head so he can carry your ass over the jump, stupid! This guy practically shoved the horse's front end down on the jump from throwing his body up over the horse!

If what the one poster said is true about pentatholon, then how ridiculous that those poor horses have to be subjected to this. It's like intercollegiate at it's utmost worst. those still shots tell it all in the horses expressions. Get him or her the f*%@ off of me!!!

And look how pissed the horse's facial expression gets the longer the round goes on.

So wrong....so, so wrong. What a jackass....

my motto regarding the general population and stupid human tricks on horseback - just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.

[amdfarm]

I thought he looked like a frog on the back of the horse. And also noted that no tack seemed to be required. He could have done that w/out a saddle and been fine.

Definite saint of a pony/horse.

[Fixerupper]

(As for the OMG :eek: photos you linked to - I'm betting you could find similarly shocking photos for any equestrian sport.)

In fact I've seen much worse at 'real' jumper shows and you all have to do is go to you tube :)

About the video though, I howled...that little horse sure got him back on the red and white oxer!!!

I have to agree the guy is no jumper rider ...but he sure is an athlete (albeit with some parts missing or damaged) !!

[Alagirl]

I'm about 95% sure it's a video of a pentathlete... the whole thing is a bit odd to me... take someone who isn't really a rider, throw em on a strange horse, let em warm up for 20 minutes, send em out in the ring for a showjumping round.

IIRC, pentathletes are notoriously bad riders. In support of this theory, I googled it, and on the first several pages of images I came up with:
Exhibit A (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07Ub4VN8bh363/340x.jpg)
Exhibit B (http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-au/INTL/1/530/420/90/http://au-portal-origin.web.aol.com/au_gallery/i/s/s_beijing_olympic_injuries_0827/19-olympic-bloopers-injuries-crashes-530a.jpg) (note that this one is at the OLYMPICS)
Exhibit C (http://assets.teamusa.org/assets/images/article/photo/6533/mid/Taormina.jpg)
Exhibit D (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/084G5rH9HX7In/610x.jpg)


I could go on, but I won't. Oh wait, last one (http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/oly_08_25/oly18.jpg). :eek:

You know, it might be less exciting for a casual spectator to watch, but they should consider switching over to a nice flat test or something.

Seriously, though. If these people are as bad at shooting, fencing, swimming, and running as they are at riding, I bet the sport is chock full o' poked out eyes, drowning victims, shooting victims, and lots of scraped knees... sheesh.


HAHAHAHAHAHA, they don't shoot at each other!

My cousin did Pentathlon for a while, but she came from riding and was just magnificantly talented. Then again she was all around very athletic.


Yes I was amazed about the rider seemingly catching himself very well on the way down, not snatching the horse in the mouth etc, not at all a bad rider, just not a jumper.

Or as we say in the south:

hey y'all, look at this.....:lol:



Oh, and the last pic, a girl I went to school with had her front teeth rearranged by a horse throwing his head up. Not even jumping....

[Plumcreek]

How does he not fall off??? Can you imagine how high his voice must be . . . hope he doesn't plan on having children!

Possibly a steel athletic cup?

[tBHj]

Holy flying squirrel position! How does he stay on?!!??!! :eek:

[cwill]

Okay- I'm probably going to get flamed but I would love to have that guy's balance in the saddle.

[tBHj]

Oh, and that horse is a SAINT. I would buy it in a heartbeat for my boyfriend! :D

[Bluehorsesjp]

Heck, did you see how well it jumps, I would buy it for myself.

[virtus02]

If that was supposed to be a joke, I really don't think it was funny. A rider with "skills" would probably have enough appreciation for the sport to never take part in a "joke" like that. Yes, impressive he stayed on and the horse didn't break a leg, but come on people, for the love of horses, please don't support this!

[Trakehner]

In fact I've seen much worse at 'real' jumper shows and you all have to do is go to you tube :)

As I noted earlier, I was watching a pretty big show on network TV (the one where Samurai died in fact). There was a fat female rider (not chunky, she was fat) who looked ghastly, rode terribly and was a sack on her horse's back. He finally refused 3 times and she left...Mom and Dad sure had money because she was not there on talent.

[Roan]

Over most of the jumps it looked to me as though he was actually landing on the inside of his knees, then sliding into the saddle. If so, it would explain why that horse didn't flick his ears on the landings.

Just my observation, but I don't jump so take it for what you will ;)

Eileen

[Alagirl]

Okay- I'm probably going to get flamed but I would love to have that guy's balance in the saddle.


lol, just not over the jumps :cool:

[TheTetrarch]

That the guy is a polo rider makes sense. He rides like someone used to balancing on his seatbones all of the time, which you'd need to do to have a hand free to swing the mallet. He must either walk, canter or gallop all of the time too, he looked kinda like a beginner posting in. Somebody needs to teach him about 2 point. Right now he's a terrible jumper rider. Does anyone really think he's helping the horse by slamming his back on touchdown?

The horse was game to put up with all that. A really nice jumper too.

[aspenlucas]

If you do watch him, after the first fence, he does look back to see where his balls are.

[Cloverbarley]

If you do watch him, after the first fence, he does look back to see where his balls are.

I thought that too. :lol:

He's clearly a rider, anyone can see that, but he's no showjumper and I'm sure his lower extremities have told him that by now. Good on him for having a bash *quite literally* ...

[anita m]

Looks like a tough little pony to me

From what I could tell, the competition is in Portugal and the horse in the video is a Lusitano, which tend to run around 15-16 hands or so, so I doubt it's a pony, but with a full grown man on board, it might look like one.

One of the comments said it was some sort of competition where polo riders switch horses with jumpers riders (not sure if that's true or not), but it could explain why he could steer and stay on without stirrups at a canter, and the whipping. I feel very sorry for the horse and his owner. Presumably, the owner is someone other than that rider, and had I lent my horse for such a purpose, I would have been absolutely horrified. Great horse, I hope his back isn't permanently damaged. OTOH, I hope that rider has decided he's had enough jumping for a lifetime.

[chai]

I have a feeling any hope of children ended at the yellow oxer. Ouch.

[Cloverbarley]

Yes Anita I know it's most likely a Lusitano and that the Critérios de Cavalos Novos is held in Lisbon :). I was being ironic with my pony comment :).

[arabhorse2]

I had to stop watching. That guy needs to be smacked off that saint of a horse and go back to beginner lessons! :mad:

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

(As for the OMG :eek: photos you linked to - I'm betting you could find similarly shocking photos for any equestrian sport.)

Google "pentathlon horse," or "pentathlon riding," and you'll see that the majority of the images that pop up are pretty darn scary.

I do admit there are good ones here and there, but they're far outnumbered by the ones of wicked falls, people plowing through jumps, and horses getting hit in the mouth or back...

Does anyone actually speak Portugese? The literal translation of the video title is "horse walker criteria," and I tried to google the event but only came up with some sort of "young horse criteria," which seems to be a dressage test...? I'm really intrigued to know what this competition was.

[twofatponies]

Google "pentathlon horse," or "pentathlon riding," and you'll see that the majority of the images that pop up are pretty darn scary.

I do admit there are good ones here and there, but they're far outnumbered by the ones of wicked falls, people plowing through jumps, and horses getting hit in the mouth or back...

Does anyone actually speak Portugese? The literal translation of the video title is "horse walker criteria," and I tried to google the event but only came up with some sort of "young horse criteria," which seems to be a dressage test...? I'm really intrigued to know what this competition was.

Andilho is more likely the name of the horse or the last name of the rider. I didn't see anything else to identify the specific show. (Unless someone is really sure about Portugal it could easily be Brazil - Lusitanos are the common all-purpose breed there, jumpers and polo etc are really popular). The polo-jumper exchange idea makes the most sense to me - if the guy were actually a total beginner he would have fallen off. He just had no idea how to carry himself over jumps. But he had a good sense of adjusting himself on the horse, getting his stirrups, all at a canter, etc. A beginner would never stick through those kind of situations.

[SOTB]

While I couldn't help but laugh during the slow motion replays, I was pissed when I saw him smack that poor horse with the stick. Someone should take that stick and give that guy a few smacks for the pain he put that horse through! What a sweet horse that horse must be..... I would have bucked him off after the first jump.

[kateh]

Good pony! I was thinking the whole time God, this guy must wear a cup or something. That and the "I believe I can fly" must be a reference to him, not the pony.

[Lkramer]

OMG! I wish he would do that to one of my horses... he would only do it once, I promise you!

[gloriginger]

I heard the horse's name is Nutcracker. ;):lol:

Looks like an Andalusian or Lusitano to me.

Anyone know what the writing says at the end of the video?

[kellyb]

Wow....that's insane. I don't know how he is staying on. Talk about a nutsmasher.

[katie16]

Don't know, but suspect that this is likely a pentathalon participant. Unfortunately, many of them ride like this (some worse and a rare few better). I HATE THAT SPORT for the reasons illustrated here in this video. So unfair to the horses. I wish they would either do away with it all together or replace the riding part with something else. Unfortunately, too many don't see or understand how awful it is for the animals.

[SarahKing]

Could someone translate the "credits" at the end?

[BAC]

He always comes down with his legs on either side of the horse. ...

I noticed that too and was wondering about that. But he landed on his crotch so many times, I find it hard to believe that most men would willingly do that, unless as someone already suggested, he is a eunuch? ;) The horse is a saint though, he deserves better whether the ride was intentional or not.

[englishivy]

that was just...........offensive. :(

[Shrunk "N" Da Wash]

WOW!!! I was literally rolling around laughing. That guy has "balls" to do that with obviously little riding experience. Or at least he used to have balls until that round. :lol:

[anita m]

If you pause the video at 3:43, you can see the name of the horse is Andarilho, and the rider's name is Vitor Goncalves.

At 3:59 there's a huge backdrop that says Turismo de Portugal, which I doubt you would see if the competition was in Brazil.

[showjumpers66]

Yep, not a pony. He looks a little like a Holsteiner to me (just with a plain head). Okay ... seriously poor horse, but OMG, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

[LD1129]

Someone translated on the other thread that at the end they are saying that the horse was a tiny bit sore but totally fine and ready to compete the next day.

People speculate that he is either a polo rider that just did a jump round (since he stayed on and get stirrups back ect) Could have possibly started as a "Jumping doesnt look so hard, kind of conversation or that he is a pentathlon competitor.

That is what other people in the Off Course thread said.

[greysandbays]

... A beginner would never stick through those kind of situations.

And, I wager, neither would most of this board, even those who consider themselves "good riders".

I think most of the howlers are just jealous because they "ride better than that" -- but still can't keep the horse between their knees in dicey circumstances. Then along come this bozo who breaks every rule of "equitation" ever written and still just can't seem to fall off. And not only can't fall off, but can come into a stop in the worst possible possition and STILL not come off, and can effortlessly recover lost stirrups on the fly.

[SMF11]

And, I wager, neither would most of this board, even those who consider themselves "good riders".

I think most of the howlers are just jealous because they "ride better than that" -- but still can't keep the horse between their knees in dicey circumstances. Then along come this bozo who breaks every rule of "equitation" ever written and still just can't seem to fall off. And not only can't fall off, but can come into a stop in the worst possible possition and STILL not come off, and can effortlessly recover lost stirrups on the fly.

Hear, hear! Can we say this again: Most people -- most "good riders" -- can not do what that man is doing, don't kid yourself!

No, it is not great for the horse, but recognize it is amazing riding (admittedly, of a unique kind)

[europa]

And I thought Ian Silitch had the worst lower leg I have ever seen.

[Cinnybren]

I was guessing Pentathlon as well. Poor pone.

[Liscar]

Gives new meaning to be jumped out of the tack... SHEESH!!!!

What a saint of a horse to put up with that.

[Mara]

I really hope someone gave that sonafabitch poor excuse for a rider a high, swinging smack with the whip afterwards.
That pony/horse is an absolute saint, and isn't short on the talent either. But he's going to be ruined eventually if that's the best he gets rider-wise.

[FatPalomino]

Amazing. I wonder if he isn't a polo rider, because a real novice like that would have started to grab the face, you'd think.
Or maybe a dressage rider???

Either way, totally uncalled for after the refusal. If it was his horse, I hope someone offered his money for it after that round. I sure would have. If I had money and was in Portugal.

[dizzywriter]

Hear, hear! Can we say this again: Most people -- most "good riders" -- can not do what that man is doing, don't kid yourself!

No, it is not great for the horse, but recognize it is amazing riding (admittedly, of a unique kind)

My exact thoughts.

[Blacktree]

Check out this show jumping round, I can hardly believe this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM&feature=player_embedded

:eek::eek::eek:
Does anyone know who this rider is? What an amazing horse.

[nickers@dawn]

This guy just has to be showboating. It's obvious that he is playing it up, but what we all want to know is why? It seems a shame to get your laughs this way at the pony's expense.

[gallopinggram]

O M G ! That is one amazing horse!

[dags]

good grief if I see this linked one more time I'm going to puke.

sorry WBcolor . . . not intended to come at you . . . but this is the THIRD thread on this forum (just look for the other "oh wow" titles) and my FB page pretty much is a repeat of it all the way down thanks to all the postings. I can't even watch the thing (having seen it once), it's disgusting, no matter what excuses they've come up with, and I hate to encourage it with all this popularization.

[Jo]

What a lovely horse to put up with that!!

Anyone know what it says at the end of the video?

The general idea -- according to Babelfish...

We guarantee that the animal was only with liger pain of coasts and that in the following day it was in perfect conditions to come back to jump.

[Blacktree]

Sorry, didn't realize that it had been posted here before. ;)

I just got this, and was so in shock, I had to share... I've never seen anything like it and think the horse deserves a medal!

[SaturdayNightLive]

Yeah, this has has been posted all over my Facebook page too. Not to mention twice on here and in Off Course.

[dalpal]

I'm not sure what to think... for the first couple of jumps I wondered if he were trying to kick his heels together behind his back over the jumps? I've heard of some stupid person who did that.

He can ride, though.

Possible scenario: good rider (who DOESN"T jump), makes some comment about "how hard could it be" and someone wants to make a little bet with him?

and/or, this is one of those things that started with "...here, hold my beer..."

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...too funny

[feetofclay1678]

oh my...just...wow. i feel quite badly for that obviously very talented young horse. he's just 4 years old and taken a beating over fences. i could give another greay a good home.

[shalomypony]

Poor horse....but honestly,how could that guy possible have any n-ts left????They've got to be crushed ...on the other hand,an a--hole like that probably never had any.:eek:

[piaffequeen]

Poor Horse and what an a$$hole that rider is for smacking the horse after interfering with him and pounding his back :mad:-what a moron and what a saint of a horse-hope he ends up with a better rider!

[ILoveMyScummyWhiteHorse]

what a saint....even after the guy whipped him!! he had no right after that horse put up with so much of that. obviously that's a case of someone probably putting a lot of money into a horse that has wayyyy more experience than the rider. poor thing :/ I hope he's come to his senses by now...

[TheTetrarch]

Hear, hear! Can we say this again: Most people -- most "good riders" -- can not do what that man is doing, don't kid yourself!



Why would they want to??

[ctab]

Isn't there a dangerous riding rule in jumpers?
If not there seriously should be. This would be a classic example to show.
It looks like this guy watch all the really bad moments in jumping and said "That is how it should be!" I have seen many top level riders with the legs slipped back, waaay back, several do it every fence and throw their bodies forward.
Not pretty but at least they get their legs back in place for landing. Not what I would call classical OR correct. I have seen ads with this kind of riding in national mags. So it doesn't surprise me to see a trickle down effect.
HOWEVER, at what point would the TD, the guys trainer or spectators say something to him like, "Well if you don't give 2 cents about your horse (and obviously jumping a 4 yo shows how much you care about longevity), how about your own fool neck?"
Crappy riding, poor horse so much for rated shows putting the welfare of the horse foremost.

[Pony Person]

Why would they want to??
Yeah, really. Not only because you'd hurt yourself (especially if you're a guy:eek:), but also it can't be good for that horse' back...

[SMF11]

Why would they want to??

Good lord, I don't know! Why do some saddleseat people grow the horses' hooves incredibly long, break their tails, etc etc etc -- I fail to see anything good for the horse there either. HOWEVER, the rider in the video is doing something that very very few other people can do, that's all -- in no way is he a "beginner" as some earlier posts stated.

[NeverEnd]

This has to be some sort of twisted demonstration. Someone of intelligence would not let this guy continue to ride like this - It looks like a nice show! There are glimpses throughout that would suggest he is a legit rider. There's no way an unaccomplished rider would maintain balance whilst flailing all over the horse's back. Nevertheless, SUPER pony!

[dizzywriter]

I'm not good at the multiple quote thingie, but let's see if this works.

Good lord, I don't know! Why do some saddleseat people grow the horses' hooves incredibly long, break their tails, etc etc etc -- I fail to see anything good for the horse there either.

I have dealt with serious people who think that any kind of riding horses for recreation is wrong and bad for horses. I usually reply that if we didn't ride horses, they'd be extinct because humans would've eaten them all for food by 4000 BCE or so if they hadn't domesticated them for work. "Work" is the key word here. Why is everyone all hot and bothered about a horse that was not abused in any sense. One smack of the crop, a few jolts to his back, and carrying a rider that was so perfectly balanced, he'd fly in the air with the greatest of ease and land in the saddle EVERY time. Christ, anyone who isn't a perfect rider is causing some discomfort and sometimes pain to their horse.

HOWEVER, the rider in the video is doing something that very very few other people can do, that's all -- in no way is he a "beginner" as some earlier posts stated.

Yes.

[War Admiral]

Well, I hadn't seen it before. Couldn't finish watching it TBH, 3 jumps was enough for me. What a saint of a horse!

[drmgncolor]

Good lord, I don't know! Why do some saddleseat people grow the horses' hooves incredibly long, break their tails, etc etc etc -- I fail to see anything good for the horse there either.

WTF? Seriously? :rolleyes:

FWIW. I personally think it's quite impressive he didn't fall off! Maybe not the best for the poor saint of a pony, but that there is some good ridin'. Unconventional, yes... but good ridin' nonetheless. Either my ass would have eaten grass real quick, or I'd be peeing blood for a week if I tried that.

And another thing. There is NO way that pony was hurting worse then that gentleman, unless of course he was a gelding himself. DH couldn't watch.

[arnika]

If you read the comments after the video, one says this was a show in Portugal and that it is just the way they ride there. Pity the poor Portugese horses!!!:no:

I wanted to take a whip to the idiot riding that poor thing. The horse is so forgiving and the rider is just incredibly bad. He has a good natural balance to be able to get his seat back after losing it each jump but he has NO clue what a distance is and he throws himself ahead of the horse constantly. Crappy, crappy, crappy rider!!!

[Rebe]

Actually, if you check out the other thread over in Off Course, you'll learn that this guy is a polo player, and the class is one of these "trade with a jumper rider and polo player" kind of things.

You will note that the rider, while totally unschooled over jumps, has outstanding balance, never hits the horse in the mouth, and gets his stirrups back on the fly between every fence.

So he's an accomplished, high level rider, but clearly out of place in the air.

And yes, the horse is fantastic on many, many levels.

[Rebe]

He is indeed a polo player, and the class is one of these challenges where a polo player and a jumper rider trade out.

You will notice that the rider, although clearly overfaced by jumping, has superb balance, and never once hits the horse in the mouth. And he does do an outstanding job of getting his stirrups back on the fly (which he does after every single jump, of course).

And yes, what a lovely horse.

[klicup]

That cant be real?! I was afraid to watch it more than once (in case it is contagious)!

[billiebob]

Holy moly.

I must admit, I was giggling at "I Believe I Can Fly." Just too perfect.

Polo ponies, in my experience, can be good little jumpers. I taught some of the polo ponies at my old barn to jump. One of them, who in her youth belonged to a 10 goaler, was pretty damn good and was doing 2'6ish happily.

[Fixerupper]

Yeah, really. Not only because you'd hurt yourself (especially if you're a guy:eek:),...

NO KIDDING :lol:

but also it can't be good for that horse' back...

In fact the guy never did fall on the horse's back...he was on it's shoulders or neck ...:p ...can't say that would be altogether comfortable (especially for the guy!!) but he did 'free up' the horse's back for the bascule!! ....as mentioned before....big effort over the red and white oxer :winkgrin:

[Kenike]

I hope that poor horse had a visit from both the Chiro AND a massage therapist after that round!! Good grief!

But I'd take that horse in a heartbeat!

[paint hunter]

Perhaps it should be submitted to GM's monthly jumping clinic feature in Practical Horseman?

I am sure his comments would be priceless.

[meupatdoes]

Different take on the same thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsLzRdm0y2o

Just freeze it at :54.....wow.

See also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ0WHIOQayQ
and note opening comment.
:D

[JumpQH]

Different take on the same thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsLzRdm0y2o

Just freeze it at :54.....wow.

See also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ0WHIOQayQ
and note opening comment.
:D

All I can say is that if I tried to jump the way she does, I'd be on the ground in no time!

[Ozone]

His man stuff must be all messed up! I give him credit for staying on and keep on going because I do not think ANYONE (who knows how to ride) could pull that off!

Nice horse too bad!

[Chylli]

I don't know who I feel more sorry for, the horse or his wife!

[SuperSTB]

I took a closer gander at the video... he really doesn't slam into the horse's back for the most part he's landing in the stirrups with exception to the jump where he gets a pommel in his arse landing in front of the saddle.

So by not 'slamming'- wouldn't his weight be more distributed through out the saddle? Definetly not a beginner rider- I think he's just showing off.

[catknsn]

I cannot believe he's a polo player unless he's a beginner one. Most polo players have a tight knee/thigh on the horse, if not a lower leg because the riding is different. Most can jump decently with a few pointers. Most have ridden buckers, etc. - the motion of the jump wouldn't throw them that violently out of the saddle. If anything I would expect a polo player to get left behind/not get OUT of the saddle over the fence.

That video is just hideous. Can't believe he hasn't broken his neck.

[catknsn]

One of the comments on YouTube say he is purposely lifting himself up so they horse is practically free jumping. Yeah, right. I couldn't watch anymore after the third jump...

I think so too. I think that action HAS to be deliberate.

[BHSinTN]

This horse gets the "Saint Award" for the year in my book!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM&feature=player_embedded

[SkipChange]

already been posted, about a million times...thanks though ;)

[jumpsnake]

Just saw this on the h/j forum and about fell out of my chair.

Be sure you are not drinking anything and that you are sitting down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM

link is weird- maybe someone can fix?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I think that I read this is a polo rider in one of those switch classes (you know where a jumper rider gets on a cutting horse etc)

Nice nice nice horse....rider must be decent to have the balance to stay on (and obviously doesn't really know how to jump) but boy...he probably needed a lot of ICE and no parties for a while;)

[Brandy76]

Certainly blows up that argument I have in my head "If I had only sat just a bit more chilly to that oxer, I might not have had a rail there."
Ha.

[gchildean]

A friend of mine posted this on facebook. My first thought was "is this guy for real?" I felt really bad for the horse. Then when it got to the slow mo section the music selection really made sense. How the heck that guy stayed on (not to mention not passing out from the pain that the boys down stairs must have felt) is beyond me.

[jpalisades]

All I could think watching this was:

My little horse may not be so picky about needing a very quiet-dont breathe to deep as it may move my hands even slightly- type ride to leave the rails up, if I hire this guy take him around a few rounds:p

[Coyoteco]

It just makes me furious to see it. It is horse abuse and should not be condoned or tolerated. Forget the owner, I'd beat him up myself and am just furious everytime I see this "enjoyed" by people.
Man, it makes me so mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kanga]

OMG!! That horse is beyond a saint. If there were a way to buy and import that horse, I would LOVE him for a student!! It is just unbelievable that he kept jumping.... Some horses are truly amazing!!

[dani0303]

I would give my left nut (if I had any that is) for that horse. No pun intended of course ;)

[Nomoreusernames]

This is abuse, and the jerk smacks him with a crop.....I hope he smashed his "you know what" crashing it on the saddle.

[spmoonie]

Somebody needs to take his stirrups away from him. That is the problem (well, one of many). He is launching himself out of the saddle----combined with the fact that he should probably still be learning to post on the correct diagnol. :lol:

[Janie]

Someone elsewhere posted that he was a paraplegic and is normally in a wheelchair. Possible?

[Alagirl]

Someone elsewhere posted that he was a paraplegic and is normally in a wheelchair. Possible?


No, not the way he fished for the stirrups...:)

[Janie]

I thought that too.

[KateKat]

Different take on the same thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsLzRdm0y2o

Just freeze it at :54.....wow.

See also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ0WHIOQayQ
and note opening comment.
:D

Again...WTF

[Artfulldodger]

That horse is a true Saint! I am pretty sure there was a need for that guy to ice after that.

[riderboy]

That is really an unbelievably good horse. You can bet that Big Jim and the twins took one hell of a pounding. And, I might add, he deserved it for doing that to a such a good boy.

[TheOneandOnly]

Holy cow!! This again?? You guys must not prowl as much as I do... I'm tired of seeing it! Sheesh!

[juniormom]

I haven't seen this before, but it is a saint of a horse! However, I almost couldn't stand to watch the entire thing. The guy didn't even pet him. :(

[equest]

Poor horse!
If there is any justice, that guy should be unable to sit down for a week or so!

[imapepper]

Different take on the same thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsLzRdm0y2o

Just freeze it at :54.....wow.

See also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ0WHIOQayQ
and note opening comment.
:D

I have seen someone ride in the local GPs and A/O jumpers in TX (it was about 12 years ago) that had a similar style. The guy was from Germany and had very nice little horses. They jumped really clean.....the jump offs were ummm really something to see.

And I would totally believe that it was a pentathelte. I rode with some years ago and it was horrific. On the bright side for the horse, he was probably leased for the event and had pros riding him for the intial jury ride to determine that he was capable of the course and then he will go back to his regular rider and program. I am sure that is not his regular routine and rider.

[Blacktree]

Actually, if you check out the other thread over in Off Course, you'll learn that this guy is a polo player, and the class is one of these "trade with a jumper rider and polo player" kind of things.

You will note that the rider, while totally unschooled over jumps, has outstanding balance, never hits the horse in the mouth, and gets his stirrups back on the fly between every fence.

So he's an accomplished, high level rider, but clearly out of place in the air.

And yes, the horse is fantastic on many, many levels.

Ok, that makes WAY more sense! Still don't think doing that was fair to the poor horse, but I feel way better knowing that this guy isn't planning on going around riding like that for years and years. :lol:

[BridalBridle]

We should get a vet and have the boil on his back lanced open and drained:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[DennisM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM&feature=player_embedded

[canadiandressagediva]

That poor horse!!!

[slc2]

I think it's amazing. Every single jump, he lands back in the saddle. Some kind of luck!

[kookicat]

Crotch bashing. :eek:

[onlinejumper]

polo player tries jumping (http://horseshowliving.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=35&func=view&catid=2&id=&id=135&catid=2)

[Pally]

Oh man, I saw that on another forum without the explanation that it was a polo player. While I still can't get over some of the arials that guy did, I do feel a lot better knowing this isn't something he trains for or does regularly.

[Creaghgal]

No Friggin' way!

Just how many times is this going to get posted about??? Are we going for a new COTH record?

Out of intrest & in a blatent effort to hijack a thread What is the most posted thing in COTH history anyway?

[onlinejumper]

I know, I couldn't understand how he could ride quite well between the fences and then get quite so much air over the fences! Did you see the other link on the same site to the irish comedian? V. funny!!!

[Harryson]

At the very least the rider will not be able to produce a line of "incredible" little jumpers, as he apparently thinks he is.

[Velvet]

Okay, so I probably have the wrong jumper rider's name, but wasn't Hap Hansen (or some other well known jumper rider) doing a very bizarre style for a while? I remember watching them doing a Grand Prix course (can't remember if they also rode in the Puissance class) and they would throw themselves out of the saddle in the air and then attempt to control themselves on the landing side.

It was better than this, but honestly, not a whole lot different in many ways.

[SkipChange]

Okay, so I probably have the wrong jumper rider's name, but wasn't Hap Hansen (or some other well known jumper rider) doing a very bizarre style for a while? I remember watching them doing a Grand Prix course (can't remember if they also rode in the Puissance class) and they would throw themselves out of the saddle in the air and then attempt to control themselves on the landing side.

It was better than this, but honestly, not a whole lot different in many ways.

I tried looking for videos of hansen on youtube and the ones on there showed a rider that was very quiet in the saddle.

this video has been posted on COTH half a million times. General consensus is this guy's regular discipline is not jumping.
a) pentathlon rider
b) some weird polo switch ride deal

there's a thread currently in which several posters have suggested pentathlon take up dressage instead of jumping

[meupatdoes]

My eyes are as tired of seeing this video everywhere as his family jewels are of that pommel.

[warmbloodguy]

That does not look very comfortable, and that poor horse to have to put up with a rider which such shitty (is it ok to use that word on here?) balance! I think I would have been on the ground writhing in pain after the first jump, haha! :lol:

[goeslikestink]

hes got no seat----- lol was the funniest thing

[49'er]

Poncho Frankel rode Sutter's Showboy, an Appaloosa Open Jumper, in that style in the 60's in California. She was very controlled about it, probably weighed about 100 #, and was very successful in that day and age.

[YankeeLawyer]

Okay, so I probably have the wrong jumper rider's name, but wasn't Hap Hansen (or some other well known jumper rider) doing a very bizarre style for a while? I remember watching them doing a Grand Prix course (can't remember if they also rode in the Puissance class) and they would throw themselves out of the saddle in the air and then attempt to control themselves on the landing side.

It was better than this, but honestly, not a whole lot different in many ways.

It was not Hap. I think you are thinking of Aaron Vale, who for a while adopted a very exaggerated style (he would open his hip angle early going into landings and sometimes land the jumps one handed). But I never saw him flop on the horses' backs or otherwise come down too early in the saddle. Aaron is a very good rider. http://www.thinkslikeahorse.com/

[hitchinmygetalong]

This video was just posted a few days ago in another forum on the board.

I believe this is a decathlete or somesuch. The equestrian part of the competition is obviously not his strong suit, but you must admit he does show some athleticism by staying on board.

[Moderator 1]

We've merged a bunch of threads started about this *interesting* round in various forums and moved the resulting mega-thread here to Off Course, where folks may see it before posting again.

Thanks!
Mod 1

[TBROCKS]

You have to admit, he has some mad skilz when it comes to getting his foot back in the stirrup after it comes flying out!

[LearnToFly]

I'm about 95% sure it's a video of a pentathlete... the whole thing is a bit odd to me... take someone who isn't really a rider, throw em on a strange horse, let em warm up for 20 minutes, send em out in the ring for a showjumping round.

IIRC, pentathletes are notoriously bad riders. In support of this theory, I googled it, and on the first several pages of images I came up with:
Exhibit A (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07Ub4VN8bh363/340x.jpg)
Exhibit B (http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-au/INTL/1/530/420/90/http://au-portal-origin.web.aol.com/au_gallery/i/s/s_beijing_olympic_injuries_0827/19-olympic-bloopers-injuries-crashes-530a.jpg) (note that this one is at the OLYMPICS)
Exhibit C (http://assets.teamusa.org/assets/images/article/photo/6533/mid/Taormina.jpg)
Exhibit D (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/084G5rH9HX7In/610x.jpg)


I could go on, but I won't. Oh wait, last one (http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/oly_08_25/oly18.jpg). :eek:

You know, it might be less exciting for a casual spectator to watch, but they should consider switching over to a nice flat test or something.

Seriously, though. If these people are as bad at shooting, fencing, swimming, and running as they are at riding, I bet the sport is chock full o' poked out eyes, drowning victims, shooting victims, and lots of scraped knees... sheesh.

WOOOOAAAAAH. Wait. I didn't even know a pentathon exists?
And that last picture looks like it could be a still from "Zombieland"

[ESG]

Oh please, I doubt the horse needs "rescuing" :rolleyes:. Looks like a tough little pony to me and to be perfectly frank I see eejits riding like this all the time at some of the ridiculous shows I sometimes end up at over here in North America and as these useless riders compete all the time on the same horses then I suspect the horses are just fine. Goodness, some perspective is needed I say ;).

Considering that this was either in Spain or Portugal, I'd say you're off the mark by a continent or two. :winkgrin:

Typical Iberian horse - patient and forgiving to a fault.

Rider doesn't need us to criticize him - I think he's been punished enough,.......especially in certain areas.

Also, if you really watch on the slow-mo, he manages to land either with his feet in the stirrups or on his knees, most of the time. Yeah, there are a few rack'em/stacek'em moments, but for the most part, his child-siring days aren't over. Also, you'll notice that he is VERY kind to the horse's mouth,...................something a lot of more educated/talented riders might think about working on. :winkgrin:

[Mor4ward]

At least we don't have to worry about him having children. He must be infertile after that ride. Scary!!

Yep - pretty much guaranteed that the pommel took him right out of the gene pool!

And *agree* - that horse is a SAINT!

[Cloverbarley]

Considering that this was either in Spain or Portugal, I'd say you're off the mark by a continent or two. :winkgrin:


Yes, I'm from Europe. I know this competition is held in Lisbon :).

[Foxtrot's]

..read the thread - he is apparently a polo player.

I'll bite: The most posted threads - I guess: Parelli; barefoot??

The longest thread: stick art?

[hijumpin1]

well, at least you don't have to worry about him having any kids to follow his style. with as many times as he made contact with that pommel, he might as well be a eunuch.


Another reason for natural selection!

[DiablosHalo]

That made me:

laugh- bc it was just funny that he pounced over every fence!

Wonder- bc HOW could the stewards let that guy be allowed to continue riding like that?

Sick to my stomach- that he landed on that poor horse every time. It's abusive. :(

[LLDM]

Count me as one who had very mixed feelings. On one hand, it was very hard to watch. Every jump looked so bloody painful for both of them - although I felt very bad for the wonderful pony and was laughing at the guy (in a you really deserved that, dude - kinda way).

On the other hand - since it was a one off ride - If that's the worst thing that ever happens to that horse he is one lucky guy. There is much worse going on for many, many horses than that one time disaster. Still didn't like though.

Have to admit that it is totally YouTube worthy!

SCFarm

[staceyk]

Hi,

Isn't this an old "style" of riding that I used to read about years ago, in books written in the seventies? The intent was to leave the saddle to interfere less? Sorry if everyone has discussed this to death...

[Fairview Horse Center]

This was exactly the kind of riding I saw at the Olympic Pentathlon. Rider after rider in that heat, and horses had to go with 3 or 4 different riders within a 2 hour time period.

It made me SO angry, especially as the crowd was booing the horses. :( "Bad horse stopping at that jump, that poor rider drew a bad one", etc, again, and again. I did attempt to educate the crowd near us in a very loud voice, by pointing out the jerking in the mouth, horrible landing on their backs, etc. It was sad, and I can promise you I will never go near another Pentathlon. :mad: :mad:

[5]

If the horse is a gedling I think the rider and horse became the same sex around 3:37

[Mallrat7777]

Wow! What a good horse!! Enjoy :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM

[Mallrat7777]

Wow!! What a good horse! Enjoy :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM

[JollyBadger]

:eek::eek::eek:

Actually, I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.

Poor horse.:(

[nightsong]

I don't think horse abuse is funny AT ALL. What is WRONG with you???!!!

[tBHj]

This has been posted atleast 7 times already.

[mothermucker12]

this video has been shown here a few times ...i feel sorry for the horse

[wingedmare]

While watching the video I had flashbacks of an exchage student in college who rode VERY much like that. Hey was very good and getting the most out of a horse in a stadium course, but he would fly out of the tack the same way (though not as dramatic). I think he was from central america and so I figured this guy may be as well and that is just how they develop riding...

However my friend coined this as "The Best Worst riding" she's ever seen. LOL

[KathyR]

Why would this rider even attempt to jump? Great horse to put up with him.

[WhatzUp]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMiCyoRzYM)

The poor, poor, poor horse ...

Yours in sport,

Lynn

[FlyingHorse2]

If you watch how quickly he recovers and his navigation overall on course, I think you'll find this is a parody of some sort. He's actually quite a good rider and for whatever reason, has decided to make light of poor riding in the jumper ring. Unfortunately, the horse he rides, pays quite the price for his idea of a parody. :no::mad::confused: Mad, Sad & confusing all in one.