Horsing around? (Was: Is there anything...?)

[alexpie at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 56559

>I'm thinking its much more analogous to something like horse-
>racing.  Now, I don't know much about Equestrian sports.  I know 
>its in the Olympics.  This to me suggests that those sports 
>involve a great deal of skill in the rider and that, as long as the 
>horse is sound and up to the task, then the horse one rides 
>would not make a lot of difference in the outcome
 
This couldn't be more wrong.  As someone who has competed in a variety of 
equestrian sports (and, no, racing is not in the Olympics--jumping, dressage, 
and eventing are), the horse is an enormous part of the equation  (half or 
better),and a horse must be a good deal more than "up to the task."  The 
heart, brains, and physical ability of a great horse can make an average 
rider look good, and a good rider look great.  The relationship and 
compatibility of horse and rider are extremely important.
  I think a better analogy to Quidditch might be racing bikes, as they too 
can be purchased and have no emotional or physical components to bother 
about!
Ba, 
emerging from lurkdom to defend all the horses she's loved before


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