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Post by I give up on Apr 23, 2010 8:34:20 GMT
For goodness sake people. He won fairly, he's won recently, it just shows you how good he is and a tribute to his owners who are obviously good with horses! Grow up you lot, firstly you'd all complain if he "went local" (as an aged pony who most of you say in a previous thread is ok!), secondly, what would you like them to do with him? Ahhh I know give him to someone who hasn't got as much knowlegde as minkara has and let him troll around the local's going downhill and people saying "what a shame!". We have a vet who's been there got the T shirt and people complain about her doing vets at local level. She didn't qualify for Olympia, we'll try again, but you all complain about her being out and about, perhaps we should just put our vets in the field and let them die from boredom??? Get a life you lot and be happy that the winner was worthy!
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sjc
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Post by sjc on Apr 23, 2010 8:39:12 GMT
Just for the record, i certainly wasnt saying that! , I love the challenge of competing with a pony like phantom, it would make me very proud of my 28 year old if we qualify! I have see many fab ponies/horse over the past few years doing vhs classes and wish everyone good luck, just i can kind of see the other point of view x x
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Post by overatdaknee on Apr 23, 2010 8:47:17 GMT
Having seen Phanty's version of 'Airs above the ground' he certainly has plenty of life left in him and will be the one to beat once more this season. There are some fantastic veterans out there who deservedly make their owners proud and prove that over a certain age is definitely not over the hill. With regards to any limitations on Olympia appearances, please lets not dumb this competition down as it is looking for the best Veteran and remember (tongue in cheek) that at their age their show ring life may be limited anyway :-)
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Post by proudwilliam on Apr 23, 2010 8:49:55 GMT
I agree with overatdeknee it sounds a bit like sour grapes attitude to me.
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Post by Rockstar on Apr 23, 2010 8:56:13 GMT
Surely the whole point of the VHS Olympia final is to find the absolutely best veteran in the country? That can't happen if you put too many restrictions in place. I rest my case. Absolutely. Makes me mad when people suggest it should be an amateur competition as well, Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!
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Post by starjump on Apr 23, 2010 9:05:45 GMT
Just registered my vote for Phantom . He is amazing ! x
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Post by I give up on Apr 23, 2010 9:17:37 GMT
Surely the whole point of the VHS Olympia final is to find the absolutely best veteran in the country? That can't happen if you put too many restrictions in place. I rest my case. Absolutely. Makes me mad when people suggest it should be an amateur competition as well, Grrrrrrrrrr!!!! Ahhhh, but that's exactly what it is! Rules state no proffessionals, but I don't think that includes the horse!!! ;D
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Post by dawnie on Apr 23, 2010 11:44:05 GMT
Hmmmm ... perhaps instead of "Search for a Star", they need to start a sort of "Dust Off Your Star" competition run along the sames lines as SFAS? That out to pacify the whingers
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Post by sidesaddlelady on Apr 23, 2010 12:29:43 GMT
This thread seems to be getting aimed more and more at one family and their pony. They are not the only horse that has won before and got through to the final a second time. They are just lucky enough to have won twice and a worthy winner both times.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions without picking on anyone in particular. I personally would not enter a regional qualifier again if I had previously won, and it looks like some others wouldnt either. However, the rules were amended so that winners could re-qualify and if they choose to do so, so be it.
I would rather see a rule that horses were only allowed to compete at no more than 3 regionals, especially after the sad demise of an old horse returning home after travelling a long way to try to qualify. Also, the lovely pony that qualified at Great Chart which died prior to attending Olympia - the regionals are so far apart that to qualify you need to travel huge distances with the oldies and I think that many with over 25s riddens just dont like to do it for the sake of their horses.
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Post by network on Apr 23, 2010 12:58:07 GMT
This thread seems to be getting aimed more and more at one family and their pony. They are not the only horse that has won before and got through to the final a second time. They are just lucky enough to have won twice and a worthy winner both times. Everyone is entitled to their opinions without picking on anyone in particular. I personally would not enter a regional qualifier again if I had previously won, and it looks like some others wouldnt either. However, the rules were amended so that winners could re-qualify and if they choose to do so, so be it. I would rather see a rule that horses were only allowed to compete at no more than 3 regionals, especially after the sad demise of an old horse returning home after travelling a long way to try to qualify. Also, the lovely pony that qualified at Great Chart which died prior to attending Olympia - the regionals are so far apart that to qualify you need to travel huge distances with the oldies and I think that many with over 25s riddens just dont like to do it for the sake of their horses. Well said, have a karma from me. I thought that the VHS were supposed to monitor that the veterans were not dragged all over the country and over shown, that certainly isnt the case, I know of ones that have been taken to all 10 regional qualifiers in a desperate attempt to qualify, it frustrates me that we have to travel quite a distance to get to a regional qualifier as it is without then dragging my horse all over the country
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sjc
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Post by sjc on Apr 23, 2010 13:13:53 GMT
Im sure sidesaddlelady, a few years ago, you were given a certain 'area' for your final and it was only at one show you got your chance to qualify. I agree with your point too, a karma from me x x
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Post by Rt Hon on Apr 23, 2010 13:16:11 GMT
Reckon someone has been extremely clever and put up this thread to attract more votes
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Post by dawnie on Apr 23, 2010 13:23:20 GMT
Im sure sidesaddlelady, a few years ago, you were given a certain 'area' for your final and it was only at one show you got your chance to qualify. I agree with your point too, a karma from me x x Oh glad its not just me. It's a few years since we had a go a VHS but that was in my mind too, thought there used to be a rule like that. LOL so glad I didn't dream it up
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Post by minkara on Apr 23, 2010 13:38:37 GMT
sorry to disappoint you Rt Hon Guest, the conspiracy theory is wrong!! no idea who started it, but seeing as people said they loved him, thought they might like to vote, I might be loud, but only have one computer , one name, and have never posted as a guest or anything else than minkara!!
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Post by sidesaddlelady on Apr 23, 2010 14:22:49 GMT
I think it is right that veterans may qualify at more than one regional, as if you are allowed only one in your nearest area, it may fall on family holidays and, dare i say it, the one day when your oldie isnt feeling quite what he ought. So, two or maybe three goes at qualifying is OK in my book, but think that a stop ought to be put on the long distance travel to all regionals.
It can be really hard on the legs travelling long distances and then competing on hard ground as a lot of these oldies have to do as many of the regionals are in the summer and outdoors. That is why we always hold our qualifier at Great Chart indoors at the end of the qualifying run.
Really hoping that more veterans, especially the over 25s group have a go at the in hand qualifiers and really glad that our regional show has been picked to hold one of these.
We have waited with our pre veteran before contesting these classes as I also personally believe that 15 is too young.
As we have two to compete this year, i wonder if there is a rule against qualifying one as a pre veteran and one as a veteran at two different regionals, but with the same rider....
oh well, day dream over and back to more rosettes......
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jdd
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Post by jdd on Apr 23, 2010 14:24:32 GMT
Isn't the point of an open competition to compete and be the best, not be the best of those allowed to compete?
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Post by OverTheHill on Apr 24, 2010 17:46:05 GMT
This is an interesting thread. As a VHS competitor I am delighted that many of the bigger shows and county shows are now running VHS classes. Placing too many restrictions on competitors would deter shows from running these classes. I for one really welcome the opportunity to continue to compete at major shows and to feel that I am taking part in a worthwhile competition against other top class animals.
I'd always thought that my pony was just obliging me by willingly going to shows, but as I've taken him out less, I've realised that actually he loves it even more than I do and still very much wants to do it. I thought he might want to slow down a bit and hadn't intended doing much with him, but when I've taken other ponies out showing he's been whinnying hysterically at the lorry when I bring it to the stables, pestering to go into the wash bays, watching my every move when I'm getting ponies ready. I'm not imagining it; he's been distraught. I'm thrilled that he genuinely wants to keep going, and I know that if I myself had the energy to go to every regional round he'd be more than up for it. Thank goodness for the VHS, because I don't know what I'd do with him otherwise; if I take him to local shows I'm accused of pot-hunting and if I contiune to do the classes I've done for the past 10 years with him I'm constantly told by 'ringside commentators' that it's about time he retired....
The bottom line is that if you've got a top class animal there are always going to be people who complain that things are unfair because you beat them...whatever the context. But that is the very nature of competitive sport; the aim is to sort the best from the rest. Anyone who can't handle that should aim to get better or get out.
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Post by alex2009 on Apr 24, 2010 18:31:46 GMT
How sad this post got so personal. Phanty is a star and a credit to the class his success has only promoted the VHS and this wonderful competition and long may he continue to!
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Post by Fair Play on Apr 25, 2010 9:05:43 GMT
How sad this post got so personal. Phanty is a star and a credit to the class his success has only promoted the VHS and this wonderful competition and long may he continue to! So sad that the world is full of jealous people. Leave the pony alone. He won fairly, would you be questioning the rules if "Dobbin" had won.........NOPE, you'd all be saying it was wrong for the vhs to be represented by "Dobbin"!! THe Vhs also have rossettes for local events so if you have a vet and don't want to do area's/regionals, leave them to the people that do, but please leave the nasty comments at home. Overthehill, good for you, enjoy your Veteran for as long as you can, we have the same problem, ours is not happy being left at home, she's only 19 but looks fab and hates being "field nanny" and I don't blame her! She will continue to go to shows for as long as she wants and will retire when SHE SAYS not me!
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Post by bowditchblobs on Apr 29, 2010 14:43:13 GMT
Id be chuffed if this thread was about me it would mean that my pony is that GOOD!!! Lol, green eyed monsters me thinks??? Phantys goregous i wish him all the luck [he doesnt need it realy] this year, it is about time showing excepted older ponies, i remember a judge being surprised when i said my sp was 12!!!
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EJM
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Post by EJM on Apr 29, 2010 14:52:09 GMT
Furball my boy was second in a huge class of novice hacks at the Royal Highland Show at 18 years old now that was in 1998. Still got my boy and we have been one of the lucky ones to of been to olympia in 2002. Best of luck for the reining VHS champ to make it a third title that pony can move!!
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Post by jules on May 7, 2010 0:08:26 GMT
Interesting to see so many opinions on this thread. Anyone who has ever seen Phanty perform will realise that he lives to show, his ears look like they will positivley pop off his head during every performance. He deserves the chance to defend his title. I look forward to seeing him out and about this year and wish all the vetrans showing this season the best of luck.
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Post by Hack'Doff on May 13, 2010 12:27:47 GMT
The Veteran Classes are a great way for some older horses to continue doing what they have loved doing all their lives. As for the pressure my boy is so bothered by it he nods off in the line up. If you and/or your pony cant hack it, stay at home and dont condemn the horses that can or the people who continue to put time and effort into them.
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Post by hs on May 13, 2010 12:54:15 GMT
I think the veterans should be allowed to win as many times as they wish to contend - after all a 15 year old could win and that is still quite young and they could have another 10 years in them - however I do agree with limiting the number of attempts at qualifiers to say 3 per horse per year as there will always be some people who push their horses beyond what is reasonable.
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Post by cob lady on May 13, 2010 17:59:36 GMT
It's not a case of not being fit enough or too old for the job, afterall there are horses going round Badminton the same age, it's the fact that once you have won, judges may feel intimadated to put something above you, take Windsor yesterday, for example. The grey pony won the class even with a couple of hic-ups that should of lost him his first rossette. followed by Overdrive that has done his share of winning at the Royal International etc, oh then followed in 4th by the owner of Blue Chip (big VHS sponsors and producer of lots of show horses) What was a judge to do apart from dismis everything else in the class....Step down and let other people in with a chance, or just open the class up to all all the professionals. Actually I don't think they would want to do it, it's become as fixed as regular showing...it's not what you know and all that!!!!!!I would never enter a VHS class and glad I din't waste my entry fee and time for the judge to look for the people and not at the actual animals. shocking
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Post by bamboo on May 14, 2010 14:28:53 GMT
Not to mention Anna Levy-shes a bloomin RI and Horse of the Year show Judge and produced show horses for donkeys years..Isn't in all home produced, and aimed at amateurs...mmmmmmm.
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Post by rl on May 14, 2010 21:21:18 GMT
I think you will find that Anna Levy was disqualified last year - and they had to re-qualify the pony with the new jockey - but it didn't go through as being much too forward-going (aka no brakes!!!) I know that the pony who stood reserve to her in Surrey did go forward, hope that helps,
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Post by BobbyblueEyes on May 14, 2010 21:38:53 GMT
Anna Levy was 3rd at Windsor on Wednesday!!!Not sure the VHS are concerned about the amature rule they have in place.
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Post by duster on May 14, 2010 22:50:36 GMT
the veteran show is a better idea, when there are lots of classes for the different types etc. However, Phanty is certainly very very hard to beat, so good luck to him. I personally would prefer the final to be earlier; getting and keeping a veteran on top form and shining in his her coat at Christmas, with mud etc about is no easy task, nor is travelling to London at Christmas!
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Post by Gretchin on May 15, 2010 5:12:11 GMT
It is difficult for the average home producer/amature to maintain the condition of their veteran,but a majority the horses that will be going have an army if grooms on top of that.they know it,we know it,yet people will continue to do the classes.such a shame
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