What a crazy ride it has been to be seeing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on our screens as of now, July 2021!! Of course as things go, life anywhere during this pandemic has been extremely challenging, yet alone getting countries together for another Olympic Games. However here we are, and the Equestrian is under away with the Individual Dressage now finalised, and the Team Special on tomorrow!
I think it is important to reinforce the point that was made by some others in the Equestrian Australia community, that despite the scandal that arose in the Australian Jumping Team, we still all need to remain kind in our judgements and opinions. We are all humans living through this extremely stressful time, and as much as I don’t condone illegal drug use, people can and will make mistakes. The timing is awful, however no one is going to be as unforgiving as the rider who made the mistake than himself. So please, regardless let’s be kind to each other, because we are all dealing with our own demons and challenges amongst the worldwide challenge of COVID.
A highlight that occurred in the time for the 2020 Olympics, is the FEI’s new ruling on horse’s whiskers. Horse’s whiskers play a sensory role for the horse, and the shaving of them, makes this ability not possible between shaves. If you think about the way horse’s see, they can not see with their eyes around their muzzles and chins, so being able to use their whiskers to feel things, makes finding food or avoiding knocks and undesired things a lot easier.
I hope you can all find some time to watch some more of the of the Equestrian disciplines to come, and perhaps even watch and support some of the other athletes competing in the many other sports currently available for us to view on 7.
Feature Image courtesy of nippon.com
-Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management.