[pwynnnorman]

Most of the jumps are here: http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...ost=good-times. I jsut uploaded them to show a friend.

[FlightCheck]

Thanks, Wyn.

[c_expresso]

It looks like it would hurt to land on all those pointy decorative animal stuff.

[Debbie]

Thanks. Some of those obstacles are truly works of art.

[snoopy]

Works of art....should our horses be presented with works of art or clear, honest fair questions that do not distract from the job at hand.
I am speaking in general terms here.

[Debbie]

The latter....

[LexInVA]

Reminds me of a nicely designed mini-golf course.

[snoopy]

Lex


Exactly what it reminds me of!!!!!

[Debbie]

It reminds me of the visual appeal of big time grand prix show jumping courses; except instead of using the decor as standards, the horses actually jump the art.

Snoop, you hit on this in another thread on another aspect, but maybe it's to appeal to an American need to be entertained/visually stimulated -- Disney-esque.

[snoopy]

yes I was thinking how to tie the two together. It would seem that americans really like the razz-a-ma-tazz (sp). I am sure this has to do with pictures, video, entertainment, sponsorship etc.

[LexInVA]

Let's assume these big name courses are being designed the way they are because (according to the USEF) people don't like to walk much and they want some freakish theme park feeling to it. Where do we go from there? Can we find a middle ground? Will Darth Phillips punish us all for our lack of faith? Would his daughter do well on the courses he has recently designed here? Will David O'Connor sound off like he's got a pair or will he roll over for a belly rub and a treat from the USET board? Does Karen O'Connor have anything to say? If you buy one...are you really getting another free? Tune in tomorrow. Same Bat-Time. Same Bat-Channel.

[snoopy]

Let's assume these big name courses are being designed the way they are because (according to the USEF) people don't like to walk much and they want some freakish theme park feeling to it. Where do we go from there? Can we find a middle ground? Will Darth Phillips punish us all for our lack of faith? Would his daughter do well on the courses he has recently designed here? Will David O'Connor sound off like he's got a pair or will he roll over for a belly rub and a treat from the USET board? Does Karen O'Connor have anything to say? If you buy one...are you really getting another free? Tune in tomorrow. Same Bat-Time. Same Bat-Channel.

You are on some seriously good form tonight

[Shrapnel]

OMG!!!! ARE YOU FLIPPING SERIOUS!?!?!?!?

What a HORRIBLE course!!!! Yes, the jumps look "pretty", but last time I checked a CROSS COUNTRY COURSE is NOT supposed to be a freakin art show!!!

Wow...what has eventing come to??????

[Balista]

A need for a new division? ... "decorative presentation, best use of flora and fawna, and creative chainsaw". Ribbons through 10 places and a cash prize with the opportunity to work w/ Martha Stewart ......

Did my horse really jump that stuff or have the " chainsaw sculptures " been added recently? I thought ya'll were joking about the cheese and rat....could it be a self - portrait of CMP?

[polarbear]

I must say the pics show ALOT of BIG skinny jumps, particularly mushrooms (!)..I don't have an opinion on upper level course design because I know NOTHING about it and it most certainly will not ever affect me. I will admit the pics help me understand some of the POV's I've seen expressed here..

AND many of the decorations are pretty inoffensive and actually kinda cute, aside from the cheese wedge thing that's scary..

[Debbie]

I think decorations are one thing, but look at the dolphin jump and that's when decoration moves to art and moves away from functional. I believe someone posted that part of the carving was under water and a hazard - hard to tell from the photo.

LexinVA - Can you write a daily update?

[Meredith Clark]

The ditch to armidillo was crazy pants!!!!

nothing more to say...

[Jazzy Lady]

Okay... I gotta say it... those cordwood tables are beautiful. Wow.

The houses with the porch covers sticking out further... not so nice.

[Balista]

I agree....

[Meredith Clark]

I stand corrected.... I just got to the mouse pop'ing his head out of the cheese...