OLYMPIA

[isitjustme]

Is it just me or is the standard of Olympia ponies going down? I remember Olympia 5 or so years ago when every pony there looked and went amazing. They were the best ponies of the season and deserved their place in the prestigous final. This year though i felt the quality was missing. Dont get me wrong some ponies were stunning and went beautifully. But some were just not good. I personally felt the Connies Welsh Cs and Fells were quite poorly represented. There was only one Fell. There are some fabulous fells out there so where were they? Why are the best ponies not qualifying? For example Rhoson Shem who is a lovely pony who always goes so well did not qualify! He deserved his place there above several other ponies based on how they looked and performed. One large hairy was so strong the entire time it was in the ring that it looked like the rider was about to lose control at any second. Another large breed was so lame it could barely canter. And many ponies just wernt turned out well. They didnt have the coats and condition you expect to see on an Olympia pony. There were some ponies looking fantastic but not many shone in their perfomances. The shows were on the whole 'safe' and average. The only pony who really sparkled in its individual show to me was the Welsh A who had the highest ride mark of 49. At Olympia i think every pony should have the wow factor, and that seemed to be rather lacking this year. Does anyone agree?

[Jolie]

I wasnt there so cant make a full comment.
I agree that the ponies that get to olympia should the best in the country and once there should be at their best and should all be so good that they all get top or near top marks, I personally am a welsh B person, and was shocked to see that only 2 got there when there are many beautifull B's in the country also the fells, it was nice to see high numbers in the others breeds as this shows that the quality in these breeds has gone up over the past few years.

[Milliesmum]

I was there, and what struck me the most was the amount of condition the ponies were carrying, some of them were positively wobbling round and were sweating and blowing. Some ponies showed a gallop but a lot of them really were too fat to gallop!

I liked the champion from the start, and thought it looked well but not over the top. I also have to give a mention to Muskberry Blue Danube, who has a trot to die for, and the little exmoor was also stunning. And credit to all the junior riders who went out there under so much pressure and coped brilliantly.

[jolyene]

I have to agree that Olympia was sadly lacking this year for me.
Having been and watched for the past 10yrs or so I feel that we are not getting the best through anymore. Sorry to have to say but it is becoming very predictable.

[HOSREGOSSIPGUEST]

I think there are too many judges judging the rider and not the pony, so when it comes to the final and certain people who have qualified a few ponies aren't riding them, they dont go as well for the rider who is on board at the final.

[Ollly]

I really could not agree more! The show looked more like a open show then a Championship!

There was horses stoping,rearing,bucking, hesitateing canter,takeing off, dishing, and thats just the start!

I just had to

[morwenstowstud]

I'm a HOYS fan rather than an Olympia fan. I went to Olympia two years ago for the first time. I'm not sure what i expected, but what I saw was animals in some classes that just looked like nice, but ordinary animals. Nothing amazing about them. A bit of a disappointment really as I'd thought that having got to Olympia they'd be amazing, sparkly, top class beasties. They were just nice animals. Nothing more.

[dun4u]

Could it be that most of these ponies have been on the circuit since Easter? That's a long time to keep up appearance,sparkle and general 'joie de vive' until nearly the end of the year.

[hp]

Oh so here we bloody go again As there are only two of us who rode pones we did not qualify this year I assume this is aimed at me!!!!!!!!
No I am not the rider my jockey is. And if you knew me you would also knowI discharged myself from hospital on Fri to compete.
BUT you do not know me or you could have rung. And If you have anything to say you can. My number is 07951 575735.
For gods sake if you have anything to say at least have the balls to tell me to my face or on the phone. I have nothing to hide, I have given you all my number on a public forum.
Its time you all stopped hiding behind anonymous names and had the courage of your convictions. At least I dare let people know who I am and how to contact me.

Vanessa

[fredaf]

I agree the standard did not appear to be as high as in previous years, but don't forget showing was a little challenging this past year. Dun4u I think most people would give their ponies a break and at least a few weeks turned away between the start of the early shows and Olympia. The judges at the qualifiers can only place the ponies that appear before them and due to the distances to travel eg to some breed qualifiers it isn't always the best of the breed across the UK who qualifies but the best on the day at a particular qualifier under a particular judge.

[thecremellosociety]

I wasnt there but have looked at the photos, i am sure in other years less ponies were clipped and in natural state but well rugged to retain some natural coat, i can only comment on what i saw from the pics but did look like alot more had clipped, Thought the shetland which didint look clipped looked well in its coat and shiney. Will go back and have another look, as it was late last night.

[sarahp]

Just a few thoughts - first that it's not easy producing a pony to be in top condition in December, for heavens sake! Either you rug early and hope they don't grow too much coat, or you have to time the clipping so that the regrowth will be right on the day, and either could be affected by the weather in between. Second that for many ponies Olympia is for some reason the scariest place on earth, much more so than HOYS, so you can never tell what a first-timer there will do, however experienced it is. Some just never settle however many times they go. Third is that for better or worse, the qualifying system for HOYS and Olympia is quite different, not just the fact that many fewer ponies qualify for Olympia but that to do so, on the day you qualified you have to compete with and beat the best of all the other breeds, not just your own. My consistently winning old stallion had 10 Res Chs over two seasons and never did qualify, and I'm sure he's not the only one with that sort of record! Each judge can only judge what is in front of him on the day he/she judges. The result is that the breed numbers can vary dramatically from year to year, with the exception of the breed qualifiers for each breed, designed to make sure all breeds are represented there. These can sometimes throw up exhibits not seen on the major show circuit, and surely the final is the richer for that? The ride marks for the show varied over a large range, so not all "safe and average". Riders don't have to qualify, just the ponies, and some of us are older and less fit than others. So what? It's judged on how the ponies go, not the standard of riding. Riding in there is a great experience I'm sure - never done it and not likely to - so good luck to anyone who gets the chance.

Why can't onlookers just go and enjoy the day without moaning? When I have a pony competing in qualifiers the aim of the season is to qualify, and after that we regard what happens as in the lap of the gods, we're just glad to be there. Of course a good result is thrilling, I'm not saying any different, but being there is so unlike any other show the pony has done that you can't foresee how it will go and have to be prepared to take what comes, the normal "form" of the season doesn't always apply.

[Sazzy]

The quality of ponies at olympia is geting worse! I see some amazing animals on the circuit so why was they not there perhaps its beacuse judges are judgeing the rider and not the real pony!

[lexy]

Personally I thought the standard was just as high as ever at Olympia, with the normal range of ponies that behave or not. There are ALWAYS a few that just find it a bit too much to cope with. Even the ones that did have the odd "moment", most of them then calmed down and performed well in their individual show.

On the subject of ponies not ridden by their qualifying riders - as far as I know this applies to a sec B that was qualified by Sam Roberts and a Sec C that was qualified by Aimee H. And I thought both riders did a really good job. I thought the B's were both stunning and went really well. There was a moment when they were both doing extended trot down the long side behind each other and it was such a wonderful sight ! I was surprised that they were not placed and really through amaretto could have been right up there (he was 7th).

I say a huge CONGRATS to anyone who owns/bred/rode a pony at Olympia this year. It is a huge acheivement just to get there, and I would be ecstatic to ride there one day. Dont let these "moaners" get you down !!

Lexy.

[yep]

Dec 24, 2008 12:23:02 GMT @Sazzy said:

The quality of ponies at olympia is geting worse! I see some amazing animals on the circuit so why was they not there perhaps its beacuse judges are judgeing the rider and not the real pony!

That is exactly what is happening.

[titch]

Probably why the classes are not that well filled at some shows. You get double the amount of ponies in the hoys qualifiers!!! If the new rule goes ahead and i am not saying it is a good thing but at least the person will only get one pony through then we may see some of the other lovely ponies qualifying just with not such well known faces on board!!!!!!
If the rule is introduced for 2009 ut will be interesting if the quality of ponies is any different next year at Olympia. In 2010 or 2009 i may have a go in a qualifying round and find out for myself.

Well done everyone for just getting there.

[Stary]

Showing will never change! Judges judgeing the riders and not the ponies! This is why the classes are becoming less popular and less quality!

After all if a producer is produceing a pony they should be prodcuseing it so that it goes and does well with any rider not with just a face on top

[redruthless]

:-*well here we go ........congrats to all who got to olympia you did well lots of ponies tried but did not make it on the day you qualified you were the best....at olympia you tried your best and on that day the best won in those judges opinions.dont take it away from the winner or any others who were there give them a huge clap and thank them for going and putting theirselves in the spotlight .......i wasent there but so thrilled my great mate vanessa rode her own pony oh well done that took great guts vanessa hope you had a fab time and made paul so proud.well done all of you but a big big well done to the stamfords.........oh and by the way i cant comment on whos gay or not but im sure the ponies not and he was the winner with the help of his rider.........perhaps we should look at our selves before running others down ..............did you qualify no then just try again another year........redruthless

[Milliesmum]

This thread has now been edited. Any more irrelevant posts relating to people's sexuality will be removed and the persons IP address will be blocked.

[Whey hey]

Well done Vanessa you are what showng is all about glad you enjoyed it. ;D

The pony looked fab too,

[sarahp]

[Lexy posting on sarahp's computer !]

Vanessa - out of interest, which pony is yours ?

As for the winner, well he actually won based on his conformation mark more than his ride mark ! (not taking anything away from Matthew for a great job, but just saying that his was not the highest ride mark that was Destiny). Also there were plenty of amateur owners in the final line up including Charlene on Solo and I am sure others (but cant remember off top of my head !).

[flyer]

I would just like to ask sazzy/yep/stary which of the top 6 ponies placed did not deserve to be there? In my opinion each one of those ponies represents its breed perfectly...no lack of quality there!!!

[colourful]

Well congrats to all that got there, what an achievement, well done.

Now then to those of you that are moaning about the quality of the ponies being " sub standard" compared to previous years, and the ponies that didnt qualify and you think should have qualified please-----------


for the record-------- can each and everyone of you post which of your ponies got there? and their placings? so that those who were " lesser quality" can all learn a lesson from you and get an idea of how it should be done!


You cannot expect perfection every time - they are real living breathing gods creatures - not blinking machines!

Those that got there and broke their hearts and bank accounts, a serious well done - I wish I had done it too. Big pat on theback guys!

If you dont like it - Dont go and Dont show!- yes i know many people hate that statement - but life is like that - choices, not always good but you always have a choice

Happy Christmas ;D

[diadem]

Well i went, took lots of blurry but moving piccies, got there late too, due to a really bad night of no sleep, heartburn, dragged myself to the show and settled into at around 10.4g, devestated not to have seen the wonderful Judge, to see him float majestically around the arena. Even though I eventually had a chance in the parade.Others that stuck out me were the grand little chap Walkmill (sp) Robin, a real little showman And to echo Lexy the sight of the wonderful Bs was just breathtaking, moving for fun and really doing theyre breed proud.

I applaud Nessa greatly for having the guts to get on her beloved mare, whist feeling so poorly and really do a great job. It was her dream to do it and I think you that you who are directing comment at her ride, should shut the hell up. she did nothing wrong and deserved to be there. Well done Nessa, you and Betty rocked !!!!

I was disappointed at the haphazardness of the final line up, it had no pagentry, no air of being a championship. It was very rushed I thought. Ive never really done Olympia before, so it was from a first timers eye view. But it contained some wonderful ponies and I dont think the standard was at all low, In fact look at the Hairies connies they were a very impressive sight as they had a strong contingent, some of the breeds just didnt get many ponies through. But those that got through, I thought really did a great job for therye breed. It was the lack of finesse about the programme that got me.

Think NpS do a better job in the summer show evening performance, IMO

[Guestless]

Dec 26, 2008 15:41:49 GMT diadem said:

I was disappointed at the haphazardness of the final line up, it had no pagentry, no air of being a championship. It was very rushed I thought.

I agree - the Best of Breeds were called out far too quickly IMO and I think it was unfair not to allow those called forward to enjoy their moment getting awarded their rosettes before the next one was called....and what would have happened if one had reacted to the cheers of the next one being called. The programme ended up running ahead of schedule, so it's not as if they were tight for time.

[hannahlh]

Have to agree with colourful....The Horses are animals..not machines you cant expect them to go round without blinking an eyelid at the crouds applauding so loudly!!
Personally i have no issue about the 'quality' of the horses there, to me they were all beautiful and deserved to be there..to others that could have possibly qualified and didnt, well that was the luck of the draw at whichever qualifier they were at, simple as that, they will have their day under a different judge.
Also, whilst i agree that SOMETIMES, SOME judges place faces above better ponies...can anyone really say that the ponies that were produced or had faces on them didnt deserve their place there??? The ponies that were there were the best of 2008...and the ones we have heard most about this year...whilst other ponies like Rhonson Shem etc could have been there... stunning pony and will have many more chances.
Roll on 2009 i say..and good luck to everyone!!!! xxx

[nickiop]

Big well done to Nessa and Betty I would just explode with pride if any pony I was connected with qualified for Olympia..... and as for riding her youself that took guts I would have been a nervous wreck and would have needed half a bottle of whiskey to mount a pony and ride it into that ring.....massive well done to all who qualifed its a fantastic achievement and you should all be bursting with pride.

[bigmomma]

Ditto Nickiop, Ness you did a brill job having got out of Hospital days before the final and if you had not rode would you have ever had the opportunity again? It is certainly a show I too wouldnt miss competing at even as ill as you were. Keep your chin up as I know how upset you are... you rode there, thats a dream of so many others including me. xxx

[Shoe shine]

Thought the standard of ponies representing the breeds at Olympia was much the same as usual but the turnout of many wasn't up to the usual standard. Never seen so many "peeled" ponies there before. The art of preparation seems to have gone out of the window and some of the jockeys could've cleaned their tack and boots better. These small details are noticed by the crowds. Come on forget being spoilt kids grouching over rugs and the divine right some feel they should have to qualify and consider a prestigious turnout award instead. Some looked a credit, others like a poor cut at the barbers.

[handh]

Some interesting comments in the Horse and Hound Olympia report...

'From the spectators point of view, the general opinion was that 2008 was perhaps not a vintage year for this championship.'

'There were "A few also-rans - which is inevitable.'"

'I was disappointed with the Connemaras: Ive seen them better.'

'Ride judge Alan Robertson considered that Destiny gave the best show of the day. "But I accept that part of it is breed type and conformation..."

It comes across to me that the Welsh A was his winner? Perhaps not the result he wanted?

And the best of all!!

'He is a different type of Highland, but very good of his type.'

What a load of old twoddle! How many types are there? The animals either meets the breed standard or it does not. Surely the Olympia winner should be the perfect representation of the traditional breed standard?!