[Beverley]

And I never thought I'd start one of 'those' threads, but I just have to comment on what I saw in the last few minutes of his show tonight (shall we say, a certain BNT that reminds one of pizza), which I happened to see while channel surfing.

What I saw was: entrance in spotlight to wild cheers and applause, soaking up the adulation of the crowd. Then, a few minutes of anthropomorphism of horse behavior, while wandering the arena on (I guess) a star horse (though whenever he halted, and he probably doesn't realize this, he snatched constantly at the reins as would one who doesn't trust a horse to stand still). Then, a statement that 75% of the world's horse owners are female, 80% of those females have no intention of competing on their horses, and among that group, those who follow his teachings are 'the shiny finger on a sore hand,' and 'are definitely being noticed.'

Well, that last part is true, but not in a good way. I was appalled. But he certainly makes no bones about the secret to his success, and it has nothing to do with good horsemanship, only shrewd manipulation of his unknowing target demographic.

So there ya go. Feel free to let this one die with just one post. And go back to that other thread that's way more fun.

[Bluey]

You click on certain horse infomercials on RFD-TV at your own risk.
Especially Wednesdays.
Not good for your blood pressure.

[trubandloki]

I sheep are already there, they think being in that demographic makes them special so him pointing it out to them is only making them feel more special.

[fburton]

anthropomorphism of horse behavior

Why do they do it??

[OveroHunter]

What he lacks in horsemanship he more than makes up for in marketing

[SLW]

The narcissism he oozes is overwhelming.

I read this artice on Fugly yesterday and the points made are good ones and common sense reasons. Poor horses. http://fuglyblog.com/2012/07/24/wiggle-wiggle-wiggle/

[mp]

I watched that show a few times.
The one I remember best was described as "Wife takes a lesson with a well-known dressage trainer."

Here's what was shown:
1 minute of husband introducing well-known dressage trainer to arena filled with adoring followers of husband
1 minute of applause
1 minute of husband talking to well-known dressage trainer, interspersed with lots of applause
2 minutes of lesson -- mostly CUs of dressage trainer coaching wife with 10 seconds of actual footage of wife trotting
10 seconds of applause as wife rides out of arena at a walk
10 seconds of applause as well known dressage trainer waves to crowd
10 minutes of husband talking about how great it was and lots more applause

[macmtn]

(makes popcorn and snags a beer)

[GaitedGloryRider]

Never gotten hard up enough to watch that fool. I'd rather watch Richard Simmons sweat to the oldies.

[Antaeus]

Never gotten hard up enough to watch that fool. I'd rather watch Richard Simmons sweat to the oldies.