Attending Horse Trials in Ireland

Safely Over
@JudyEv (381971)
Rockingham, Australia
November 2, 2015 5:47pm CST
A few days after we got to Ireland back in May we attended the Tatterstall's international Horse Trials at Fairyhouse not too far from Dublin and close to where our son lives. I've watched horse trials on television before but this time we were two of the crowd rushing from vantage point to vantage point trying to get good photos. You can see a selection of the photos I took at: Every second person had at least one dog in tow and there were a number of interesting stands as well as a 'ride past' of horses and hounds. One of England's most accomplished riders, William Fox-Pitt, rode six different horses in the various divisions. While he'd have plenty of help in other areas, that is still a lot of riding and physical effort. As an indication of how dangerous this sport can be, Fox-Pitt was recently put into an induced coma after a fall in France. He is on the mend now.
I created this video with the YouTube Slideshow Creator (http://www.youtube.com/upload)
10 people like this
8 responses
Anna
@LadyDuck (502316)
• Italy
3 Nov 15
I have watched your video Judy, interesting. I love so much horses that I have to say that I do not appreciate to see them pushed to those extreme sports. I feel sad if a horse is hurt.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 15
I have had a lot to do with horses over the years including riding and driving a pair in harness. I must say as I get older I enjoy watching these more extreme sports less. There were no accidents the day we were there but sometimes the horses are pushed to their limits and they just keep on giving. They are very noble and generous creatures.
3 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (502316)
• Italy
3 Nov 15
@JudyEv I know, one of my best friends used to participate to professional horse jumping races. She does not do this anymore, but she always said that sometime the horses are pushed too much and they suffer and can also die.
2 people like this
Fleur
@Fleura (34962)
• United Kingdom
3 Nov 15
That must have been an interesting day out!
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Nov 15
I've watched Badminton, etc on TV but to be there in person was pretty special to me.
1 person likes this
Fleur
@Fleura (34962)
• United Kingdom
4 Nov 15
@JudyEv You can't reproduce the atmosphere of being at a special event.
Jabo
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
4 Nov 15
I've attended horse trials in England, and you get a good workout yourself going from jump to jump yourself.. It's good fun though.
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Nov 15
I really enjoyed seeing such top-class riders and horses. Very few ever come to Australia and if they do, they mostly borrow horses. It was a great day.
1 person likes this
Sharon
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
3 Nov 15
I love horses and would love to attend an event like this. I hope you had a great time.
1 person likes this
Sharon
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
5 Nov 15
@JudyEv It sounds like so much fun. I'm glad that the weather cooperated.
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Nov 15
The weather was kind to us and we spent most of the day there. We did enjoy it, thanks.
1 person likes this
susan
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
3 Nov 15
I enjoyed the slideshow.... I like the canes and sticks too.... I used to do first aid duty at such events... and used to really enjoy it....
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Nov 15
We spoke to one of the first aid people at the event. You all do a great job. It must get very boring being on duty at an event where you don't have an interest.
PaintsOnSlate
@PainsOnSlate (21845)
• Canada
11 Nov 15
I can imagine you saw some beautiful animals. As a child I had a couple of horses and rode them. It was fun and they are gorgeous animals and smart too. I rode for pleasure only.
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 Nov 15
I rode mostly for pleasure too. We had a vast area of bush behind the farm and I would spend hours riding there. We also used horses for all the stock work on the farm.
Fiacre Banks
@xFiacre (14805)
• Ireland
3 Nov 15
@judyev that photo makes me want to say "ouch" on behalf of the horse and to tell it to breathe in!
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 15
I have a few photos of horses jumping this and some of them look very awkward. Ireland has some wonderful horses, especially in the sport horse area.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (238298)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Nov 15
I've mostly done pleasure riding, but some of my friends compete in jumping events here in the US.
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Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381971)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Nov 15
Even watching dressage on TV - the horses are in a lather of sweat before they even start. We've helped at endurance rides which often start in the middle of the night and some leave at a gallop when they can't really see where they're going. And don't even get me started on the poor horses and donkeys in Luxor...