>>> I went to the iceshow in VT last month and I have to admit, I was >>> horrified. I went because I just needed to see for myself. I'm not one >>> to get overly upset by things but I felt what I witnessed was cruel. >>> One stallion's legs went out right under him and he fell on his side. >>> The rider got back on and continued. The stallion was clearly shaken and >>> every time he passed that spot where he fell, he slowed right down. >>> Many of the horses did some sliding and were trying hard to step >>> carefully. The arena was also very small but that didn't stop them from >>> trying to show the flying pace.
Thanks for the report, sad as it is. It's not surprising though - it's simply physics. I don't know if anyone remembers a link I sent in a few months ago, of a show I found on that Icelandic online TV channel - I'm not sure I can still find it. One horse slipped badly and fell, and the crowd roared in laughter. What a difference in cultures... We mostly talk about the long-term damage possible from riding fast and hard on slippery, hard surfaces, but you're right - there are certainly very real short-term (immediate) risks too. How can anyone defend that? >>> The trainers riding were all the well known ones that are living here in >>> the states now. I'm sure many of you can figure out who they are. All I >>> can say is, the studs clearly were not enough and these horses were >>> forced to perform in a situation they were NOT comfortable with. I left >>> the show feeling badly with a lot less respect to the riders/trainers. I remember that it was Sigrun and her American husband, Jason, who seemed to be sponsoring it, so I assume they were also riding. I assume Gudmar too...? Karen Thomas, NC
