[cashman]

Originally Posted by DaveinGermany

Sorry lads but I've got to disagree with your views here, the reason some of the horses continued to jump was because they are herd animals, their natural reaction is to run alongside others of their kind, banded together gives a sense of support & security. Flight or fight, it's a self preservation instinct, the vast herds of Mustang in the States or the Brumbies of Australia certainly don't jump obstacles if they can be avoided.

Not all of the horses who were riderless jumped, some went round the outside of the hurdles taking the path of least resistance, others physically baulked at the obstacles obviously the more timid or sensible of the herd chose that option. In retrospect the reaction by Synchronised upon seeing the fence when he ran free proves this point emphatically ! He did not want to jump.

Furthermore, theses animals had no choice in taking part in the event, it was their owners who decided they should run. And as to the sporting personalities you raise as counter argument, they chose their sport for its rewards & acclaim, they made a conscious choice to take that risk, the horse didn't have the luxury of that option. It has ever been so with us Humans in regard to the lesser species, we misuse their trust & faith in us for our benefit & oft times greed.

O.K. fair enough, i don't back horses, But lets Ban everything thats a bit dodgy n live like cabbages.