You can tell the mare loves the partnership and mutual trust. And that girl has a beautiful gallop! The way she collected herself or changed leads was an art form in itself! Hopefully many years of happy competing to both horse and rider!
that's funny, cus that rider was given a warning about "dangerous riding/series of dangerous jumps" AND for making his horses run even when they obviously look exhausted. There's no horsemanship, or partnership when it comes to Oliver townend.
Um ... the warning may have been in error. Maybe Oliver knows what's going on with his very healthy and happy string of horses. Some respect is in order, but there are those who just want to tear down.
I used to ride cross country, but im old now. Watching this amazing mare brings me back to my precious hey days! Thank you for showing this to the world! Us old riders still get a thrill out of seeing younger people living the dream!❤❤❤❤
could you tell me if they allow/ ever use horses such as Andulasians (clearly not known for jumping events but for dressage). they run around 18 hands which might be more adequate for this rider..
@@janemillerick9614 the whole point of eventing is having a very brave blood type of jumping horse hence why u don't tend to see dressage bred horses at this level
if you knew that the "rider" in this videos is known for abusing his horses, you wouldn't say that. He already received several warnings from the FEI for dangerous riding/series of dangerous jumps, aswell as pushing an exhausted horse. That mare doesn't enjoy, she's just conditioned to do good, or she'll get treated horribly.
A very skilled quiet rider and a very big heart in that mare. She gives her all. Such quiet lead changes and speed changes. They made this difficult course appear easy 🐎♥️
This rider is known as abusing his horses. He already got many warning from FEI for dangerous riding, pushing an exhausted horse, and more. No skilled rider here. The mare has indeed, a big heart.
@@thn6109 sadly horses suffer abuse in every discipline. The level of experience in every sport leaves room for knowledge and compassion. Then you add the politics of the sport and the human factor, the horses being the middle man. The horses try so hard to please and some are used so hard. Are these horses the lucky ones? They just ruled that free wild horses in the USA are going to be shot from helicopters this year. Sadly corruption is rampant and people refuse to look in the mirror. What we see and what is are so far apart. 🙏🏻
No partnership here, only a skilled and talentful mare being ridden by a well known rider for abuses on his horses. Google it, you'll see he received many warning by the FEI itself.
This mare is incredible, you can see how she loves the jumping & at the young age of 9 he trusts her so much. Can't believe this is only her second %*, but I guess when you have wings, you fly!
@@yankeedoodledarling9232the rider still had to guide the horse. The skill of the rider is to be as little of a nuisance to the horse while still managing to not only stay on, but guide. You are right, the rider does not jump themselves, but that doesn’t mean they are not skilled
As a horse owner and former fox hunter and cross country rider, I understand and agree. However, my issue is not with skill. It is with humans forcing horses to do dangerous things. @@brindleface9316
This is a damn good mare and a brilliant rider. First time I have seen such an event. It really shows the skills of the rider and the mare. Great event.
Wow! That horse is ambidextrous - looks as if she jumps equally well on both leads, and for the most part does nice lead changes... and then.. she has her ears forwards the whole time.
That's the world of TRUE horse lovers. The horse is always 1st. If a fall, the 1st question is, how's my horse, Is it OK? And you have a broken arm. The horse is OK. And we thank God.
What an extraordinary run....this horse is in top condition to make these very difficult jumps and continue galloping without a hitch. Wonderful rider too!
Que hermosa yegua. Fuerte armoniosa. En el galope. Corto y largo. Linda su cara ágil y dosificada a la hora de saltar. Lo felicito al preparador. Un abrazo. Colombia
Every once in a while there is magic. No Horse will jump if they don't want to - these horses are conditioned exactly the same as any olypimic athlete. She is stellar to only be nine and have the stamina, scope, and desire to fly. She trusts her rider and her rider trusts her. This is the only sport in the Olympics where men and women compete equally and the riders have b___s of Steele!! I have ridden and trained my entire life and had to work with horses that have been pushed and soured. You do not have a performance of this kind unless both hearts are all in. They have chiropractors and massage therapists; every leg support and protection imagined for both training and cross country. But make no bones about it, she loves what she is doing and anyone commenting believing that "she is being forced" is someone who has never achieved this kind of partnership with such a magnificent creature. It's awe inspiring truly. How is this different than slalom skiing or high jump? Those athletes suffer many injuries and set backs the same as gymnasts etc., etc. This is why, seeing how incredible a team you can become and performing at a 5 star like this which is dangerous but no more dangerous than any sport a true athlete pushes themselves in. The designers are experienced riders. The riders the best in the world and their horses and their safety are their only concern.They would not attempt this if both were not confident and of such a challenge. That is what makes any aspect of being an an elite equestrian such a lofty goal (and an expensive one) and so admirable.♥Kudos to all who participated but this mare - clone her; she is rare and one of a kind! ♥
She sure makes that course look easier than it is! Some tough looking squeezes she had to pull off, and all having a rider who looks a bit too big for her, but there’s enough trust that makes it all worth it in the end.
What a gorgeous mare. What a partnership between the horse and rider and what an amazing rider trusting his mare to know what to do while the mare trusts him lead her.
As a former riding instructor, I don't find his riding exceptional. He is large for her size and sometimes looks unbalanced and is often caught behind on his jumping when he is trying to take her up before the fences. The mare is exceptional and she is the more talented of this pair.
I saw the video footage from v Badminton and that horse was struggling and he looked horrible on that horse. He looks better on this one but I still don't think hea great. Not a horse expert by all means but they way people treat their horses is all that I need to know.
striking breath taking mare ! that was a wild ride and a remarkable one at that but is it me or does the rider seem a bit unbecoming in size for the horse? he seems a bit big so wouldn't the mare do even better with lesser stress with a more fitted sizable rider?
i love this mare !!!! i believe that my new horse will be like that but at show jumping bc my three horses that i had died and my new ine will be a chestnut but there is a problem idk how to name it .......
Warum muss der Parkour so gefährlich für das Pferd sein??? Was soll das? Ist es Ziel von diesen Wettbewerben, dass das Pferd zum Sturz/Tod kommt und auch der Reiter gefährdet wird? So eine wundervolle Stute- diese Art von Parkour hat nichts mit Tierwohl zu tun😢ich wünsche diesem wundervollen Pferd ein langes Leben
Just a wonderful ride...love to see how people come to look after the horse, but what about the rider? He looked pretty tired too....taking off his helmet, giving him something to drink, kiss on the cheek lol
I really liked, "the horses LITERALLY flew over the ocean to get here!!" Ummm, were you expecting them to swim over? Also, points for the dozens of times they said "mare" repeatedly! Do we say, " that little gelding is doing an amazing job! What a great little gelding". Don't we usually just say: horse....?
This is beautiful BUT very dangerous things happen and then its all over . Its called a freak accident due to pushing these horses to the very brink of broken legs.
The Brit commentator needs to get his act together, that's your job I hope you do it voluntarily. If you're getting paid you need to work harder, not get your job on the back of who you know!
Absolutely beautiful amazing mare. The courses seem a little tougher And unnecessary obstacle wise. Has the current human mentality been reduced to that To which expects a horse to be robotic.... it's ridiculous to have spectators that close. This is a concentrative event and anything that might possibly spook a horse even though these, Should not be allowed. Many bystanders holler, have their kids screaming run all over the Place it is ridiculous to have Equine participants to deal with it. Nowadays people are not as courteous and should not be allowed so close. Outstanding mare and rider. Ridiculously unreal dangerous expectations per the course...
No spectators were injured in this or any other major event and the horses have been exposed to crowds before this. There is a long training process involved. Horses have a mane and a tail, the part with ears is its front end.
Last time I watched this 'little gnome' ride a xcountry he thrashed the living daylights out of his grey horse the whole last 3 minutes of the course. The poor horse was nearly falling on its knees with exhaustion. I was disgusted and so were hundreds of thousands of others. Not sure how I feel now, I notice he didn't use the stick on his horse this time so has he redeemed himself all these years later.
..??? WHY TAKE SUCH A RISK WHEN PUSHING THIS GREY BEAUTY TO HER LIMIT (ALMOST ANIMAL ABUSE ). WHOS MORE IMPORTANTE Y O U…….. .. OR. THE JUMPING MARE ???
I would be more impressed if these horses did it without a bit, without a whip. I think some of the obstacles are just ridiculously dangerous. How many of these horses make it to old age without being seriously injured or put down at a young age because of injuries? How miserable are they by the time they're 15 years old?
No rider would keep going if the horse were actually injured or hurting---they'd be disqualified, there are vets who check the horses, & they are pampered & ared for incredibly. You saw the people swarming her while the rider limped along behind---they weren't celebrating, they were putting ice boots on her, she was getting a cool-down bath, whatever linaments she might need, water of course, food, temperature taken, & thoroughly examined to be sure she's not injured in any way---just like the star athlete she is. Believe me, you cannot force a horse to perform like this unless they love the run & jump---her ears were pricked straight forward almost all the time, full concentration, believe me, she was in heaven & her rider made sure at every jump that she knew what a star she was. I suggest you watch Ashley Harrison on her 20-year-old horse, Zeb, who loves XC more than life itself. Ashley has always been so careful with him that he's in amazing condition & does the XC (NOT 5*!) with such joy, & wants to go again after every round. Cruelty would be not letting him live his best life galloping through the woods & flying through the air. So don't worry, these horses are getting the best possible care & getting to do what they love. Are the courses too dangerous & difficult? Well that's another discussion, but I'd want to look at the statistics on injury & death & compare it to racing---I think the breeding has a lot to do with all the deaths & injuries there, & the ridiculousness of racing such young horses---note that this mare is 9 & considered a very young horse for eventing, whereas racers are usually done by 5.
funny fact about it : this rider here in the video, already got warned several times by the FEI itself for dangerous riding and series of dangerous jumps, aswell as pushing an exhausted horse to the end of a course. So they're right imo, still see where you're coming from.@@vintagelady1
You can tell the mare loves the partnership and mutual trust. And that girl has a beautiful gallop! The way she collected herself or changed leads was an art form in itself! Hopefully many years of happy competing to both horse and rider!
that's funny, cus that rider was given a warning about "dangerous riding/series of dangerous jumps" AND for making his horses run even when they obviously look exhausted. There's no horsemanship, or partnership when it comes to Oliver townend.
Indeed, but you don't need to negotiate punishing courses in order to have a beautiful gallop and a magnificent flying change.
Um ... the warning may have been in error. Maybe Oliver knows what's going on with his very healthy and happy string of horses. Some respect is in order, but there are those who just want to tear down.
I used to ride cross country, but im old now. Watching this amazing mare brings me back to my precious hey days! Thank you for showing this to the world! Us old riders still get a thrill out of seeing younger people living the dream!❤❤❤❤
I am old too and I don't know if I will ever ride at Fair Hill again but I would give anything for a good footed jumping horse that sweats well
I still do❤very sorry you had to leave it
could you tell me if they allow/ ever use horses such as Andulasians (clearly not known for jumping events but for dressage). they run around 18 hands which might be more adequate for this rider..
@@janemillerick9614 the whole point of eventing is having a very brave blood type of jumping horse hence why u don't tend to see dressage bred horses at this level
@@elli3mi yes; I can certainly understand that! I was only thinking in terms of the rider in the vid & that a taller mount might be in order..
That mare is beautiful and friggin AMAZING!
Awesome job you two!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
You've said it, it's the horse
Such an athletic mare! You can tell she loves her job. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.
if you knew that the "rider" in this videos is known for abusing his horses, you wouldn't say that. He already received several warnings from the FEI for dangerous riding/series of dangerous jumps, aswell as pushing an exhausted horse. That mare doesn't enjoy, she's just conditioned to do good, or she'll get treated horribly.
A very skilled quiet rider and a very big heart in that mare. She gives her all. Such quiet lead changes and speed changes. They made this difficult course appear easy 🐎♥️
This rider is known as abusing his horses. He already got many warning from FEI for dangerous riding, pushing an exhausted horse, and more. No skilled rider here. The mare has indeed, a big heart.
@@thn6109 sadly horses suffer abuse in every discipline. The level of experience in every sport leaves room for knowledge and compassion. Then you add the politics of the sport and the human factor, the horses being the middle man. The horses try so hard to please and some are used so hard. Are these horses the lucky ones? They just ruled that free wild horses in the USA are going to be shot from helicopters this year. Sadly corruption is rampant and people refuse to look in the mirror. What we see and what is are so far apart. 🙏🏻
@thn6109 Thank you for saying this too. I saw that ride on tv, it disgusted me.
What a stunning mare!
What a bloody brilliant partnership! And what a mare!!!
No partnership here, only a skilled and talentful mare being ridden by a well known rider for abuses on his horses. Google it, you'll see he received many warning by the FEI itself.
This mare is incredible, you can see how she loves the jumping & at the young age of 9 he trusts her so much. Can't believe this is only her second %*, but I guess when you have wings, you fly!
We guessed Cooley was a 5 year old gelding. What a BEAUTIFUL surprise. She was game for every minute of that ride. Thank you both.
What a beautiful horse.!!
It is a difficult course and the rider is very skilled. This horse is beautiful!
It is the horse that is clearing the obstacles, not the rider. She is the one with the necessary talent.
@@yankeedoodledarling9232the rider still had to guide the horse. The skill of the rider is to be as little of a nuisance to the horse while still managing to not only stay on, but guide. You are right, the rider does not jump themselves, but that doesn’t mean they are not skilled
As a horse owner and former fox hunter and cross country rider, I understand and agree. However, my issue is not with skill. It is with humans forcing horses to do dangerous things. @@brindleface9316
The “rider” is a well known horse abuser.
I am not a follower of what is now going on in this part of the sport world, but that is a dreadful thing to hear. @@Angel-od1bt
Such an AMAZING horse. WOW
Phenomenal ride. Spectacular mare. Talented, young, athletic and a beautiful sight to behold.
What a beautiful little horse -- and such a goer!! GREAT riding! Fantastic course! And you could just SEE the trust she had in him: lovely to see!!!
Commentators are out to lunch.
Lovely grey is working hard though
Lucky man this
time! What A Horse amazing!!!!!
This course looks unreal. Wow. Admiration and respect! Gorgeous horse.
Loved It!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful mare. Didn't break stride once!
The stride on that mare!¡
Agree she’s phenomenal!
Brave and fabulous mare.
I love it. Do not tell a mare when she is wrong, but certainly tell her when she is right.
This is a damn good mare and a brilliant rider. First time I have seen such an event. It really shows the skills of the rider and the mare. Great event.
Not so brilliant, as he's known for abusing his horses and receiving many FEI warnings for his behavior.
I think the rider is too large for the horse. He needs a bigger horse. He also looks unbalanced.
@@thn6109 Did he told you that? 🤔😉
@@Strul83 it's well known oliver is notorious for being an abusive horseman.
@@oatspoons279 Oh so it is confirmed.
Wow! That horse is ambidextrous - looks as if she jumps equally well on both leads, and for the most part does nice lead changes... and then.. she has her ears forwards the whole time.
Keen and honest,
Beautiful mare.
Beautiful horse - fantastic ride!
Love LOVE this horse!!! ❤
💖💖💖Amazing team work and the bond between horse and rider shine through💖💖💖
Beautiful
Beauty and talent, can't get no better!
Poetry in motion! Well done to mare and rider! Beautiful to watch.
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
What an absolutely gorgeous mare!! Her softness, her stride - just love her - wish she was on the Aussie team!! She is just stunning!!
funny ending, horse is surrounded by care while Oliver nurses a sore back alone
Uh, yeah, who did the running & the jumping & saved the rider's cookies a couple of times?
I'm sure that's the way he prefers, but yes he did look battered
He had a choice to be there. She did it because he wanted her to.
That's the world of TRUE horse lovers. The horse is always 1st. If a fall, the 1st question is, how's my horse, Is it OK? And you have a broken arm. The horse is OK. And we thank God.
Amazing ride, gorgeous horse.
WOW What a mare ! So lofty but correct and super brave ! Love HER!
Wow that horse is buffed!
Superb!
what a Queen!
Idiotisch
Gorgeous little mare seems to be enjoying herself
These are the best of the best in the world 100 💯❣️
What an extraordinary run....this horse is in top condition to make these very difficult jumps and continue galloping without a hitch. Wonderful rider too!
Amazin horse and rider. Horse never flinched eyes straight ahead
The grey mare reminds me of a polo pony. The movement of the back legs.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ thank you!!!
In my opinion that’s amazing I’ve always wanted to do horse jumping
This is hands down one of the very best rides and one of the very best partnerships I've ever seen. Wow. I'm just blown away.
Beautiful ❤❤❤!
WOW!
Конь потрясающий!!! Как живая сказка🫶🫶🫶🫶🤩
Well, if the FEI are calling that a 5*, then badminton and burghley should be regraded as 7*.
Brilliant. He trusts the mare as she trusts him, a two way partnership. AWESOME
That is a beautiful horse but he looks way to big to be riding her he does not even look balanced.
Stunning mare, great rider, perfect partnership!!!!!! And THAT'S how it's done, folks!!!!!
Clearly you’ve not watched all his rides lol
Que hermosa yegua. Fuerte armoniosa. En el galope. Corto y largo. Linda su cara ágil y dosificada a la hora de saltar. Lo felicito al preparador. Un abrazo. Colombia
Wow!
So beautiful, such a Star
Every once in a while there is magic. No Horse will jump if they don't want to - these horses are conditioned exactly the same as any olypimic athlete. She is stellar to only be nine and have the stamina, scope, and desire to fly. She trusts her rider and her rider trusts her. This is the only sport in the Olympics where men and women compete equally and the riders have b___s of Steele!! I have ridden and trained my entire life and had to work with horses that have been pushed and soured. You do not have a performance of this kind unless both hearts are all in. They have chiropractors and massage therapists; every leg support and protection imagined for both training and cross country. But make no bones about it, she loves what she is doing and anyone commenting believing that "she is being forced" is someone who has never achieved this kind of partnership with such a magnificent creature. It's awe inspiring truly. How is this different than slalom skiing or high jump? Those athletes suffer many injuries and set backs the same as gymnasts etc., etc. This is why, seeing how incredible a team you can become and performing at a 5 star like this which is dangerous but no more dangerous than any sport a true athlete pushes themselves in. The designers are experienced riders. The riders the best in the world and their horses and their safety are their only concern.They would not attempt this if both were not confident and of such a challenge. That is what makes any aspect of being an an elite equestrian such a lofty goal (and an expensive one) and so admirable.♥Kudos to all who participated but this mare - clone her; she is rare and one of a kind! ♥
Best horse top
Amazing mare and rider
She sure makes that course look easier than it is! Some tough looking squeezes she had to pull off, and all having a rider who looks a bit too big for her, but there’s enough trust that makes it all worth it in the end.
Beautiful animal
What a gorgeous mare. What a partnership between the horse and rider and what an amazing rider trusting his mare to know what to do while the mare trusts him lead her.
Beautiful girl, go go go baby, I've been there done this, go baby go , what a mare, she's a beauty
Amazing beautiful horse 💋 from me
As a former riding instructor, I don't find his riding exceptional. He is large for her size and sometimes looks unbalanced and is often caught behind on his jumping when he is trying to take her up before the fences. The mare is exceptional and she is the more talented of this pair.
Agree. Many awkward folds over the fences....often behind the horse. The rider looks bigger than the horse.
For all you say he never unbalanced her once...poetry in motion
The arm flapping is especially notable. Maybe it helps with lift? 🙂
LOL. He's hardly birdlike!@@eh3477
I saw the video footage from v
Badminton and that horse was struggling and he looked horrible on that horse. He looks better on this one but I still don't think hea great. Not a horse expert by all means but they way people treat their horses is all that I need to know.
striking breath taking mare ! that was a wild ride and a remarkable one at that but is it me or does the rider seem a bit unbecoming in size for the horse? he seems a bit big so wouldn't the mare do even better with lesser stress with a more fitted sizable rider?
i love this mare !!!! i believe that my new horse will be like that but at show jumping bc my three horses that i had died and my new ine will be a chestnut but there is a problem idk how to name it .......
She's lovely my daughter done this her horse name is chancer
❤😊
Warum muss der Parkour so gefährlich für das Pferd sein??? Was soll das? Ist es Ziel von diesen Wettbewerben, dass das Pferd zum Sturz/Tod kommt und auch der Reiter gefährdet wird? So eine wundervolle Stute- diese Art von Parkour hat nichts mit Tierwohl zu tun😢ich wünsche diesem wundervollen Pferd ein langes Leben
Plus jumping
A lot of corner jumps.
She is a lovely little mare. He is a big man, but a very experienced rider... Good round! Dies he get penalties fir knocking down the flag?
No he didn't get penalties for knocking the flag, but I have heard they are thinking about making it so you do.
What a giving mare! Great ride!
You only get a penalty if the horse’s shoulder is outside of the flag when it gets knocked down.
@@bwolfproductionz What is the reasoning for giving points if you knock down a flag?
@@flower-ss2jt makes it tougher and more accurate
Whats with the baffomet flashes😮😮😮
How long Gallop
Очень крупный всадник
Just a wonderful ride...love to see how people come to look after the horse, but what about the rider? He looked pretty tired too....taking off his helmet, giving him something to drink, kiss on the cheek lol
Maybe he should be in better shape and drop a few pounds. That would help him.
@@yankeedoodledarling9232 wtf is wrong with you??
The horse always comes 1st in the real world of horse lovers.
Our horse is our life.
Wish you’d add links to these riders social media
I enjoyed it more on mute so didn't have to listen to the nonsensical orators. Please find new commentators.
I really liked, "the horses LITERALLY flew over the ocean to get here!!" Ummm, were you expecting them to swim over? Also, points for the dozens of times they said "mare" repeatedly! Do we say, " that little gelding is doing an amazing job! What a great little gelding". Don't we usually just say: horse....?
Бедная серая лошадка! Пройти такой сложный маршрут чисто.
😢
I love her ears
Poor horse is exhausted. Too. I much
She's a pretty horse. He looks to big to be riding her and he doesn't look very balanced on her.
This is beautiful BUT very dangerous things happen and then its all over . Its called a freak accident due to pushing these horses to the very brink of broken legs.
Oliver needs to lose 30 pounds. Extra weight is a handicap and shows towards the end
These events should be all about the horse and not the riders
Camera work is very poor
She looks like she’s just sort meandering down the course. Doesn’t seem like she’s going that fast.
The Brit commentator needs to get his act together, that's your job I hope you do it voluntarily. If you're getting paid you need to work harder, not get your job on the back of who you know!
After a few minutes of the tweedle dee and tweedle dumb ‘commentators’, I watched in Mute. Thanks.
Beautiful mare! Much too long and stressful of an event for the horses! No wonder most of them have gastric ulcers.
Absolutely beautiful amazing mare. The courses seem a little tougher And unnecessary obstacle wise. Has the current human mentality been reduced to that To which expects a horse to be robotic.... it's ridiculous to have spectators that close. This is a concentrative event and anything that might possibly spook a horse even though these, Should not be allowed. Many bystanders holler, have their kids screaming run all over the Place it is ridiculous to have Equine participants to deal with it. Nowadays people are not as courteous and should not be allowed so close. Outstanding mare and rider. Ridiculously unreal dangerous expectations per the course...
No spectators were injured in this or any other major event and the horses have been exposed to crowds before this. There is a long training process involved. Horses have a mane and a tail, the part with ears is its front end.
Last time I watched this 'little gnome' ride a xcountry he thrashed the living daylights out of his grey horse the whole last 3 minutes of the course. The poor horse was nearly falling on its knees with exhaustion. I was disgusted and so were hundreds of thousands of others. Not sure how I feel now, I notice he didn't use the stick on his horse this time so has he redeemed himself all these years later.
Oh look. Another "look at ME" arbiter on horsemanship has thrown her bit of crap.
Its better to watch in silence, than listen to bumbling commentators.
Not a good horseman lacks balance, often not in sync with the horse, let's not forget the whipping of Balymoor Class,
Toooooo much !?!!!!!!!! Not a fan of this level.😢😮😮😮😮
..??? WHY TAKE SUCH A RISK WHEN PUSHING THIS GREY BEAUTY TO HER LIMIT (ALMOST ANIMAL ABUSE ). WHOS MORE IMPORTANTE Y O U……..
.. OR. THE JUMPING MARE ???
How. Cruel
Biedny koń .Głupota ludzka i ego nie zna granic.
I would be more impressed if these horses did it without a bit, without a whip. I think some of the obstacles are just ridiculously dangerous. How many of these horses make it to old age without being seriously injured or put down at a young age because of injuries? How miserable are they by the time they're 15 years old?
This seems cruel to me. Ive seen horses rap an obstacle and the riders just keep going. Equine cruelty.
No rider would keep going if the horse were actually injured or hurting---they'd be disqualified, there are vets who check the horses, & they are pampered & ared for incredibly. You saw the people swarming her while the rider limped along behind---they weren't celebrating, they were putting ice boots on her, she was getting a cool-down bath, whatever linaments she might need, water of course, food, temperature taken, & thoroughly examined to be sure she's not injured in any way---just like the star athlete she is. Believe me, you cannot force a horse to perform like this unless they love the run & jump---her ears were pricked straight forward almost all the time, full concentration, believe me, she was in heaven & her rider made sure at every jump that she knew what a star she was. I suggest you watch Ashley Harrison on her 20-year-old horse, Zeb, who loves XC more than life itself. Ashley has always been so careful with him that he's in amazing condition & does the XC (NOT 5*!) with such joy, & wants to go again after every round. Cruelty would be not letting him live his best life galloping through the woods & flying through the air. So don't worry, these horses are getting the best possible care & getting to do what they love. Are the courses too dangerous & difficult? Well that's another discussion, but I'd want to look at the statistics on injury & death & compare it to racing---I think the breeding has a lot to do with all the deaths & injuries there, & the ridiculousness of racing such young horses---note that this mare is 9 & considered a very young horse for eventing, whereas racers are usually done by 5.
funny fact about it : this rider here in the video, already got warned several times by the FEI itself for dangerous riding and series of dangerous jumps, aswell as pushing an exhausted horse to the end of a course. So they're right imo, still see where you're coming from.@@vintagelady1