[pluvinel]

Wonder what is the future for equestrian.

[trubandloki]

How is wrestling compared to equestrian in the grand scheme of things? I am not sure I get why the worry.

[Willesdon]

Equestrian sport is seen as a niche sport - like wrestling - within the Olympics. There is always competition for which sports are included because they are limited to 26 and new ones are always fighting to be included. However, equestrianism is growing world wide at great speed (check out the FEI website) which is good. And the huge success of the 2012 Olympics in Greenwich Park (limited site, urban setting, massive crowds in sold-out stadium, new countries winning medals) means that the future is probably safe.

[Sandy M]

See a very odd choice to me to pick for elimination (I don't really care, but still):
a. It's a classic event dating back to the historic, ancient Olympics;
b. I understand that over 29+countries participate/have medalled in wrestlin in recent years so there's fairly widespread interest in particpation ; and
c. Compared to many Olympic sports, I can't think it's all that expensive to stage. I mean really, a hall, some mats, bleachers?

[Sticky Situation]

So if wrestling's out, what are they adding in its place?

[Mozart]

I was thinking the very same thing when I heard that news this morning. Wrestling is clearly athletic (not that equestrian is not but lots of people don't think it is), has been in the Games a very long time, is even Greek and can't possibly cost that much to put on.

I too thought it did not bode well for the equestrian events.

[mbm]

i hope horse sport does get booted. i think it would be good for the horses and the sports themselves.

[Foxtrot's]

Honestly - I would like to think that IF equestrian got taken out of the Olympics, something else would take it's place. I feel the World Equestrian Games suits the equestrian world very well, better, than the Olympics....but there is still that Gold standard of striving for Olympic Gold in everyone's mind.

It seems more people around the world would be watching the wrestling on tv than equestrian, and I'd think more people would understand and like wrestling, but not sure of the figures.

[Guilherme]

For most people, sadly, wrestling is the WWE.

As long as host countries have strong equestrian traditions the equestrian sports are probably OK. China, I understand, came close to not staging the equestrian events because horsemanship is associated with either the Mongols or the West; neither are well treated in modern Chinese history. That said, the PLA still maintains several mounted units to patrol long stretches of frontier borders.

Brazil has a strong equestrian tradition. It might be a bit more rodeo than dressage oriented, but lots of English riding can be found.

In 2020 the three contenders to put on the games are Istanbul, Madrid, and Tokyo. At least two of the three have long equestrian traditions so they are probably safe. 2024 also has a lot of places with equestrian traditions interested in bidding, including Tulsa, OK.*

G.

* I think Bob Wills would approve!!!

[jumpytoo]

apparently they kept pentathlon, which I had heard WAS going to be dropped.
interesting change

[Lady Eboshi]

apparently they kept pentathlon, which I had heard WAS going to be dropped.
interesting change

The idea that they could remove wrestling, which is one of the oldest, physically purest (almost naked--no equipment) and most elemental of the ancient combat sports, while LEAVING IN:

Beach Volleyball
Synchronized Swimming
Shooting of uber-technological rifles
That gymnastics with streamers thing

Just BLOWS MY MIND. I guess it's All About the TV . . . (sigh)

[Adamantane]

The idea that they could remove wrestling, which is one of the oldest, physically purest (almost naked--no equipment) and most elemental of the ancient combat sports, while LEAVING IN:

Beach Volleyball
Synchronized Swimming
Shooting of uber-technological rifles
That gymnastics with streamers thing

Just BLOWS MY MIND. I guess it's All About the TV . . . (sigh)

Liking your post was just not sufficient. I completely concur!

[rabicon]

Lol good one lady. I agree. Also, listening to them talk about cross country day at the last Olympics it was the largest I believe attended event in the Olympics that year and they actually turned away thousand upon thousands to people because there was no room. Hopefully we will be ok.

[cobiemurphy]

Equestrian safe for 2020 Olympic Games.

http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/02/13/eq.../#.URr2T3waySM

[Piaffe11]

From what I heard on the news this morning, wrestling was dropped due to lack of an audience (both in person and tv viewing). I don't think the equestrian events have that much to be worried about in this way... Or at least I hope not!

[jumpytoo]

Beach Volleyball
Synchronized Swimming
Shooting of uber-technological rifles
That gymnastics with streamers thing

all events that you would have to PAY ME to watch. and don't forget dancing with a ball.

[Polydor]

As for what they are adding , aren't they adding golf for Rio? Or is golf just a demo sport?

P.

[Adamantane]

Wii events.

[TequilaMockingbird]

The idea that they could remove wrestling, which is one of the oldest, physically purest (almost naked--no equipment) and most elemental of the ancient combat sports, while LEAVING IN:

Beach Volleyball
Synchronized Swimming
Shooting of uber-technological rifles
That gymnastics with streamers thing

Just BLOWS MY MIND. I guess it's All About the TV . . . (sigh)

All these sports could be vastly improved for the audience by requiring the participants to be drunk. I would totally watch drunken synchronized swimming. And I would totally watch drunk target shooting, though only on tv.

[Adamantane]

Wii events.