A lot of ink has been spilled recently regarding the rising costs of participating in (inter)national competitions as well as the general rising costs. Earlier, we dropped that the rule-makers in the sport, should not forget that the sport lives by the grace of the hobby breeder and/or rider. But it is all not that simple. For even the de de basis of the sport should not forget that upgraded infrastructures, luxury saddles, etc. come with a cost. Time to take stock and strike a balance!
"... Where is that time... " That's how I could start here. Where are those days when at a regional competition you still encountered tractors with trailers and riders wore rubber boots? Where is that time when you started internationally based on selection rather than by buying a starting place? Where are those days when you could buy a handsome moving foal for 2,500 euros (or less)?
Times are changing, and thankfully so! Some visionary individuals - whom I am not going to name right now - have transformed the sport in the last 2 decades in a big way. Our industry is increasingly combining lifestyle, luxury and a beautiful symbiosis between humans and animals. That, of course, sets precedents. We have become a professional industry, amateurism is flowing away
Rural riders no longer want wooden hurdles with half-decayed beams on a stubble field. Preferably, we all ride on a decent sand surface and preferably it measures at least 100 by 100 metres, because say it, 20 x 60m (something called a big indoor arena 15-20 years back) is now relegated to a warm-up ring.
Today we want to compete and to pass the time we like to stroll past shopping stands, sit cosily on a terrace with top sport in sight and preferably hear a lounge band playing live music. We are a spoilt generation that gets to experience this Unfortunately, often without thinking about the costs involved.
And what about football?
Football is FREE to watch on the net, we are not that far yet in the horse sector. Watching the Grand Prix of a top competition today will cost you a subscription to - yes FEI TV. Of course streaming companies have to be paid, but the top competitions should definitely be offered FREE by the federation, after all, this body is there to promote and lead the sport, not to go after money. Point, because elaborating on this might take me a bit too far.
If you go to watch a football match today you pay for your ticket. Depending on the price, this is with or without food included, with or without seating etc. So why do we just find it so normal that at equestrian competitions we should get free entry? It makes me realise that - although we are a completely different industry and sector - we are still allowed to look into someone else's plate sometimes.
Respect for each other makes it grow
We are spoilt, thankfully. But we should not forget that this pampering is there because of the efforts of many. I recently went to Antwerp - at the invitation of Mr Johan Lenssens - to eat lobster. A first impression of the little restaurant was that time had stood still there for 60 years.... but the lobster, it was tasty and plentiful. Fortunately, I don't have my standards high and took the step to go in and fully enjoy the experience.
Point is, we need to be open and respectful of any initiative that supports our sport. It is our duty to remain critical and thus allow the sport to continue to evolve, but with respect.
Best example? A regional competition where the organisation showered participants with in-kind prizes. Did you know that for the sports part, that organisation receives 6 euros per combination as income? Knowing that ... the situation was as follows: The organisation communicates that it does not call the top 8 but only top 6 in piste and thus gives out in-kind prizes. After all, this way it can fulfil its promise of nice prizes. When a place 7 addresses the organisation, it still makes the effort to give a small prize, simply because they contribute a heart to the sport. Afterwards, the father of place 7 tells the bar, that it is a farce that she only got a set of stockings ... Look, such things make my blood boil. Be glad Place 7 still got something. Because the father, makes sure that at some point the organisation can say: get rid of it, it's been good
The organisation won't get rich, but all the respect it deserves! Whether it is about a luxury top competition or a small initiative ... it is more important to give positive feedback than negative comments.
Conclusion: Being critical is good, a must! But we must not forget that our demands always come with a price and that those prices are there because we make our demands. By having respect as a society for the organisation, the participant and yes ... also the federation, we can further professionalise our sport and open it up to the outside world.