This week our new North American editors explorer the Las Vegas horse show in the South Point hotel and casino. Last week they were already present at the second week of the HITS Thermal Sun Series... time to see where the differences are between European and North American shows. CEO and founder of Equnews, Bram Van Hulle, was our ginne pig to explorer the North American show atmosphere. Having experienced the Rocky Mountain Showjumping in Calgary, the Royal West in Calgary, the HITS in Thermal and the Las Vegas show there are some major differences with European shows such as the CSI4* and GCT Antwerp, CSIO5* in Lummen, the Gucci Masters in Paris, the horsehow in London, the Mechelen Christmas Showjumping, etc. "The first thing that strikes is how serious people take the local shows. Not as much as the international crowd that finds a perfect mix between professionalism and relaxation. Local hunters and jumpers in North America are very concerned with their sport. So concerned it seems like all the fun has gone away." explains Bram "Needless to say that shows are a bit more a-social in North America compared to the European shows were almost every night concludes with a nice chatter or party. However there are changes, I must say. After having experienced John Anderson's Rocky Mountian Showjumping, his party mood was definitely improved at his Royal West indoor show. Also the Las Vegas horse show leans very close to the European spirit. Although I have a strong feeling this has to do with the location rather than the organisation. Nevertheless it works, so why not implement it in every show?" "Anyway wether a party is necessary or not is not so much the question. It is a SPORT / HORSE show," continues Bram. "And as your partner in crime is your four-legged friend, the biggest difference between Europeans and North Americans is the attitude towards the horse. Yes everybody loves to have a groom. But in North America they take it to the extreme (at my modest opinion). It is like riders lose the feeling and touch with wath it is all about. Cleaning, tacking the horse, mucking out your stables, taking care of a beloved animal... and that is something I miss with these Americans. They just, if I may be so free, put their 'ass' on the saddle, ride their ride, with an overly amount of guidance, and leave the horse with the groom." To conclude Bram stated that if Europeans might learn one thing from the North Americans it is the professionalism, display and marketing... Yes Europeans take their sport serious as well, but sometimes it is like they just don't care. But please North Americans learn the basics from the Europeans. Take care of your horse, don't be afraid to make your hands dirty, it will help you to improve and gain that extra feeling... Of course this is in general, not everyone is the same in our sport ! No criticism was given just noticed ;)
