Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted August 25, 2004 Ok, this is the first time I have ever seen this, and I already can't quit staring at it. How in the HELL are you supposed to judge a dancing horse? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fökai 0 Report post Posted August 25, 2004 On an equally outrageous note, there was a Olympic TRAMPOLINE Competition after the team competitions last week. Gymnasts on TRAMPOLINES, people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vanhalen 0 Report post Posted August 25, 2004 Next they will be rating people out of 10 for using the bars, craaaazy this world Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted August 25, 2004 How in the HELL are you supposed to judge a dancing horse? With extreme scrutiny. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted August 25, 2004 How in the HELL are you supposed to judge a dancing horse? With extreme scrutiny. The same way they judge dog shows. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Nanks Report post Posted August 25, 2004 The riders have a set routine they have to complete which includes a path they have to follow (the arena is marked out with letters) and specific movements they must peform. These movements include riding at a particular gait (canter, trot, rising trot, walk), flying changes (the horse must change it's leading leg mid-stride) and the more showy kind of movements like Piaffran Passage (where the horse kind of dances diagonally) or walking backwards. They're judged on how fluidly they complete the course, if the horse tosses its head around or is awkward with a movement or steps outside the course, etc. There are heaps of mistakes that draw penalties, it's outrageously difficult to master. No, I didn't go and research this, my Mum's a mad equestrian and a good friend of mine was in the Eventing Team for Australia this year so I can't really avoid this kind of knowledge. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cuban Linx 0 Report post Posted August 26, 2004 They should give the medals to the Horses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Nanks Report post Posted August 26, 2004 There's actually been a formal protest made regarding that. The horses are the only Olympic Champions who aren't awarded medals. Both horse and rider are actually recorded and acknowledged as Olympic Champions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites