horsesforlife

      Yesterday, I mentioned a look back at day one of the Olympics and how it affected the outcome of the team event. Hopefully, we’ll get to that tomorrow. Instead, I want to put this link out there. It describes the new rule that not only deals with the Olympics, but the future of the sport. Check it out, when you have a moment at

http://www.nbcolympics.com/equestrian/news/newsid=135602.html#equestrian+rider+ safety+rule+revised+Olympics   

       In short, the new rule says once a rider or horse falls they are out of the competition. The old rule allowed a second fall. It came into effect on August 1st. It did play a role in several eliminations including American Amy Tryon.     

     I suspect that this is to curtail injuries to both horse and rider. It’s kind of disappointing to the rider, I would think, that one slip ends their event, particularly if they were in first place. On the other side, it is safer to take a step back, look and evaluate both the condition of the rider. Most falls are injury less at least in my experience. Tell me what you think. Is this rule out of line? Maybe, it’s more of the better late then never kind.

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