This is a kids film
Just finished watching this movie, and for kids, this is a very cute film. It has a strong message about not giving up, or buckling under pressure. However, I can't get over the way hollywood seems to wish to depict equestrians in films.
This is NOT an accurate portrayal of the horse world. Yes, in Hunters, you are subject to scrutiny, however, it is NEVER that overt. It's sublte. Other inconsistancies of this film, are blatently obvious for anyone who works in the industry:
1. Rider is too poor to afford leather boots, but is shown wearing a GPA helmet, which starts at $500.
2. Hunter Classics are run over 2 courses, for which a score is given. A horse can NOT be scored lower due to the color, but judges CAN reserve their top scores for favored horses. Scores are a set value of points out of 100, and each error made on course has a reduction. The average score is given, and the top X amount of riders (based on entries) return back to do a second course, in which they are given a score. The best over all scores wins. It would be almost impossible to have a tie.
3. In the case of a tie, riders are asked to : Hack off, flip a coin or ride the other horse. That is up to the show discretion/comittee
4. I find it very interesting that they show a young girl riding a bike with a helmet, but chooses to get on a horse helmetless???
5. Riders at any top level in any sporting activity warm up their horses, pay attention and do not chat on cell phones unless they are waiting for the competition to be over. At some top shows, you can have 100 riders. An average hunter class takes apx 4 mins. Do the math.
6. Horses are to jog in AFTER being called for their placement. Not before. The jog in is to determine if the horse is sound/unsound. If a horse jogs in unsound (limping), they are disqualified.
7. Colics do not comprise of calling a vet and leaving the horse. There are a myrriad of things you do for colic. There are different types of colics, ranging from gas colic, obstruction and surgical colics (twisted gut/bowel impaction). A vet would come out, assess the situation and make a decision if the horse needed to go to a large animal hospital. They also do a series of tests, give them medication and make sure they are comfortable. They do NOT leave a horse laying in their stall if they are colicing!!! Believe me on this one (I will not go into detail as to why)
I wish hollywood would really hire people who KNOW the industry so they can make a film that is accurate in it's depiction of horses, the horse industry and what goes into maintaining a farm, working with horses day in and day out, and what it truly takes to win.
Winning doesn't always come in the form of ribbons and medals.
However, it never hurts to dream!