Full Moon Farm 1/4 Star recap

Both kids rocking the Davidson's colors and a semi-solid lower leg- I like seeing the way this is going!

What a triumph of marketing over sense to have those air-vests on at NOVICE. Instead of spending 700$ on something untested and unproven, why not spend the money on something useful, like lessons.

This sounded like a great weekend of learning and education. What cute pictures- go eventing!!

What a great thing to see the continual support of the long format. The little chase jumps look great! Glad everyone had a good weekend.

Annonymous: I think Oli's fall was evidence enough for many people and considering those girls are sporting the Davidson's colours I'm pretty sure they're getting quality coaching.

These vests have been tested, and proven to prevent serious injury in case of a fall. I would rather see them take the extra preventative measure against injury. Maybe you should go to some of the clinics and USEA annual meeting and learn the benefits of the vest, among other safety issues. You should not judge the rider for considering their safety comfort level. The older child rides 3 to 4 horses a day and also competes at prelim. level. CLEARLY, I DO NOT BUY INTO YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON SAFETY AND I FULLY DON'T FEEL YOU SHOULD BE CRITICAL OF THE PARENTS FOR KEEPING THESE TWO GIRLS SAFE.

I'm a big fan of air vests. (I wear mine at Training and while jumping at home and also while hacking.) But I have to say I am not a fan of the FMF crew and their tendency to all scream, at the top of their lungs, "GET UP!!" to their mounts on XC.

It's not only annoying, it doesn't make any sense.

Anyways, love the concept of the 1/4 star and appreciate that these lower-level events are offered.

The vests have never been tested in connection with riders. They DO NOT protect against crush injuries, nor do they work the same way a car air bag does, and they can displace a fracture when they inflate. Instead, they have been subject to an enormous marketing campaign and given free to upper level riders absent any sort of consistent testing. A company that makes our riders their crash test dummies isn't one I want to support.

And anyone can wear anyone else's colors - saying that they must get good coaching because they're wearing the same colors as a professional is ludicrous.

You know, after watching the FMF riders have clear round after clear round, maybe you shouldn't pass judgment. I did a little research and they took ten horses to AEC last year and not one stop. They always put in some of the best most organized rounds all day at every event they attend. They don't yell all the time, only when they recognize a problem in the making. They are well prepared and well educated. You don't ever see one of those kids unprepared or in over their head.

Just a thought. There was a time when harnesses on hunt caps were considered stupid. There was a time in not so distant memory when body protectors were thought of by many to inhibit good riding. Heck there was a time in the not so distant past when we didn't wear helmets on our bicycles. I don't have one myself and don't plan on buying one any time soon, but if parents want to go through the extra expense of buying the new vests for their own peace of mind, don't belittle them.

On another note, the two girls in the pictures ride at two to four horses a day and take at least four lessons a week apiece with two different instructors. They are both top ranked riders in the equitation leagues riding strange horses against much older kids who show hunters and equitation all of the time. Their dressage scores are usually in the top half of their divisions and they are going to Dressage for Kids to try to work on making them even better. You will never meet two nicer more polite, dedicated kids as those two. And Full Moon has a boatload more who are just as cool. David O'Connor, who does not know the girls, was watching Savannah ride through at Training cross country and was overheard asking who the heck that kids was and that she rides great. The vocalization cross country is a difference in technique and opinion, but you should now belittle the riders who are trying their best. I think that the vocalization at some fences is much less annoying than watching many riders ineffectively ride backwards to a stop then hit their horse or jumping ahead or getting left at every fence and punishing the horse. That is just my two cents. Everyone is entitled to their own training opinions.

Not riding effectively and not riding with tact are both offensive in my view. Instead of screaming a completely nonsensical phrase, they should try putting their leg on. It does work!

You won't ever hear Buck or his dad screaming at their mounts on XC. In fact, the only one I've ever heard Bruce chide from the saddle is himself. :)

Strangely enough, this discussion began with the report of a fabulous effort made by Full Moon Farm, Karen and Stephen Fulton and their many supporters, to provide a forum for the Long Format Event at a level that would otherwise not be available. Their ongoing commitment and suport of our sport should be upheld in an era of the popularity of the more compact horse trials.

The future of eventing will be impacted by the Elementary thru Novice + riders that have participated in the well organized 1/4 star long format event. Through their participation they have gained a greater understanding of their horses and eventing in general and will be more competitve in all their future riding for it. They are the future long format advocates, having loved their experience and having grown as a result of being there.

The long format provides a far greater connection between rider and horse. The endurance phase is "extreme" even at the lower levels and forces an awareness of making choices to impact your horse's fitness and recoverability. It fosters a much deeper level of trust. I personally am a better horse person for having been involved with this event.

While many readers may think that they have also acheived this connection with out the Long Format in their repetroire, please remember that the youngest children competing at this event were only ten years old. Much younger or less experienced than otherwise possible, they learned how to evaluate the three days in light of their specific mount and to make choices in advance for both success and more importantly for taking the best care of their horses.

Along with so many other things, the Elementary riders learned how to wheel a cross country course for the first time and how to plan and execute their ride to come in at optimum time. They will be a force to recon with at 15+- when they compete at the recognized shows with 5 years under their belts making time within seconds of optimum.

Not limited to children only, anyone who wants to explore their limits with their horse should plan to attend next year. A memorable experience for all and may I just say that everyone left Steeplechase with a huge grin.

Many thanks should go to the professionals who volunteered their time to teach what they have worked so hard at to the upcoming generation. Your lessons were well received and have made a difference. Thank you!

From reading the comments it is hard to decide if FMF has one anonymous critic or several. Either way we will undoubtly go on using "our natural aids" whichever way seems best at the time without shame. Using my voice costs me nothing. Having a bad stop could be quite costly. Wearing my $700 vest could help make the ride in the ambulence unnecessary.

My son's Karate class yells "AiHA" all the time as a way to focus energy and stimulate adrenaline. I yell "Get Up You Buzzard Let's Gooo!" routinely. You may laugh, I know I do too.

We should try to overlook our differences in public since the volunteer who helps catch your horse at the MTCA HT at Shawan Downs or elsewhere may well be one of the many Full Moon Farm riders or their parents in disguise. We give back to our sport because it is the right thing to do.

I would like to think everyone's time is better spent getting the word out about The Full Moon Farm 1/4 Star Long Format Event and trying to organize more like it!

Amen!

I couldn't agree more Kim, thanks for writing, and thanks to everyone at FMF for putting on a superb event and for serving the eventing community so well.

The link to the 1/4 results does not go to the 1/4 star but to the starter trials.

You have worked hard to train your body learning all the moves until they become automatic. Now train your body to win! http://shmyl.com/ttciton