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Larkspur

(12,804 posts)
14. I doubt Anne rides Ralfalca or ever did
Thu Aug 2, 2012, 10:58 AM
Aug 2012

at least before the Olympics. These Olympic horses are not your typical backyard horse. They are the Ferraris of the equine world and usually only the designated rider/trainer rides the horse through the Olympic events. Riding is a team sport between horse and rider, so having the horse be ridden by multiple riders before the Olympics could cause confusion with the horse and more mistakes in the events.

After the Olympics, the horse may get another rider, like a promising up-and-coming but inexperienced show rider, or be sold to another owner. At this level, horses are a business. Olympic and World Cup riding is as much the "sport of kings" as horse racing is.

Agreed. Swamp Lover Aug 2012 #1
LOL ananda Aug 2012 #2
''Nay!''>>>> Gabi Hayes Aug 2012 #3
Considering the fact that the 99% have been covering avebury Aug 2012 #4
Your tax deduction info is wrong - they tried to claim $77k deduction. The IRS allowed $49. nt riderinthestorm Aug 2012 #8
I sort of hope Rafalca does win. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2012 #5
She won't win. The $77k tax deduction wasn't allowed - the IRS allowed $49 only riderinthestorm Aug 2012 #9
Some right-wing radio ranters have described Rafalca as a therapy animal. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2012 #13
No, you learn the basics of dressage in almost any discipline of horseback riding. antigone382 Aug 2012 #17
Most people can't afford even basic riding lessons. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2012 #19
How much it costs largely depends on where you are... antigone382 Aug 2012 #20
Even if I had the money I don't think I could get past the sore butt part. The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2012 #21
lol, yes the physical discomforts are a barrier to a lot of would-be horse lovers :) antigone382 Aug 2012 #22
Dressage is most done by the 99%ers. Olympians in any sport require big $$ and sponsors riderinthestorm Aug 2012 #24
Why Does The Human Get The Medal Yavin4 Aug 2012 #6
If you ever rode a horse, you'd know that is not completely true Larkspur Aug 2012 #7
+1. Couldn't have said it better... nt riderinthestorm Aug 2012 #10
Human also collect stud fees and the horse does all the work Jeff In Milwaukee Aug 2012 #11
Sadly, the rMoneys have made a mockery of legitimate equine therapy. Ineeda Aug 2012 #12
I doubt Anne rides Ralfalca or ever did Larkspur Aug 2012 #14
Has anyone ever transported a horse overseas? EnviroBat Aug 2012 #15
The horses are transported with funds from a private foundation, unlike all other Olympic athletes riderinthestorm Aug 2012 #23
USA! USA! USA! Cali_Democrat Aug 2012 #16
It turns out the Romneys only own half of her KamaAina Aug 2012 #18
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