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Why no crops?

4K views 22 replies 13 participants last post by  ~*~anebel~*~ 
#1 ·
NBC Sports Network is showing show jumping. Not a single rider is carrying a crop. What's up with that?
 
#4 ·
When I did a clinic with Ernest Dillon, he about had a cow that I wasn't riding with a crop, my horse never lacked the forward part, but he said you should always have it. So you don't need it and don't have it. Seems like a lot of show jumpers, especially higher level ones have the same philosophy.
 
#6 ·
I don't know but show jumping horses as far as I know are broken and ridden away to be responisve horses that are sharp off the leg so they wouldn't really need one. And what if an awkward landing or take off left the stick in an awkward position and they had lost their contact a bit. It would be hard to gather both up and collect yourself in preparation for the next jump in time. I'm really not sure but those are the first things that would come to my mind.
 
#7 ·
A lot of them get caught up in the moment, if you look a lot of upper level jumpers have some pretty gnarly bits on, some even with bits and a hackamore. And riders riding at that level would have no problem collecting themselves while carrying a crop, I doubt they notice it much. They also need it, because if a horse isn't as responsive off their leg in even one part of the course it can make a huge difference, and not in a good way.
 
#9 ·
But taking your hands off the rein even for that spilt second to give a tap to get that impulsion can also make a big difference. I have also seen riders jumping who in the speed of the round did not have a chance to recollect their reins (the horse was tanking in this case) and if they had a stick things would have got messy. and going down a tripple on a young horse who you need to mind and hold together would not fare well from the loose reins that could have been dropped after a tricky turn/landing let alone a stick waving around the place. the riders in my mind often have enough in their hands with the horse with out adding a stick to the equation. And alot of the horses at the highest level of any discipline are nutters. The sight of a stick could drive them up the wall and if the rider dropped it and it brushed against their legs... you'ld be gone.
 
#10 ·
Well I learned something new today. I was the GM clinic in Wellington online every year and he's such a stickler about the use of crop and spurs that I never considered they were not used while showing. I did notice most of these horses were jumping what was in front of them no matter what, and it did come down to effective riding between the fences to get the proper balance and stride.
 
#11 ·
I think it was GM that said that riding without a crop is like going to war without a firearm. That being said, i ride jumpers and always carry a crop. I think in the 2 years i've had my jumper, i've had to use it maybe... three times. But I am always glad that i have it in my hand when the time comes. I have even simply waved it around in his view to get his attention back on me, when we're on course. He straightens right up. haha!
 
#13 ·
I myself pretty much ALWAYS ride with a stick. What I said was just trying to think of a reason why they dont. Don't know if I said it but mabey it could be just as simple as they don't feel they need it that they can control the horse fine with out it.

CandyCanes tell me how many top top class horses do you know that were not sharp/quirkey?
 
#16 ·
Carrying a crop all depends on the horse you are riding. Some horses never need a crop and others need it once in a blue moon. Top riders tend to know their mounts pretty well, so they know if they need to carry a crop with a particular horse. There is not an expectation to carry one what so ever. Also, every horse is an individual. You'd be surprised to learn how many of those top horses are not as nutty as they seem.
 
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#17 ·
I agree with this and more. It might even depend on how the horse feels that day, the environment, conditions, a particular round, etc.

Steve Guerdat won the Geneva Grand Prix that was televised on NBC the other day and also won the Individual Gold Medal for Show Jumping at the London Olympics, on the same horse. At Geneva he did not carry a crop. For the Olympics, he did carry a crop.
 
#19 ·
I agree Saddlebag. Sometimes I think the owners put a lot of pressure on the riders as well to give an outstanding performance every ride. Even top horses have their off days and its always disappointing to see a rider go overboard on disciplining their mounts due to the pressure they are under.
 
#21 ·
Were you watching a CSI? FEI sanctioned competitions (CSI and CDI, etc..) run under FEI rules.
For dressage, whips are not allowed in the competition arena. For jumpers it may be the same with crops.
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#22 ·
Crops are most definitely allowed in jumpers. Did you miss my post on the previous page of this thread that said
Steve Guerdat won the Geneva Grand Prix that was televised on NBC the other day and also won the Individual Gold Medal for Show Jumping at the London Olympics, on the same horse. At Geneva he did not carry a crop. For the Olympics, he did carry a crop.
 
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