Sportsmanship is Hard to Find in the Horse World
posted by citizen.K on Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 / 
Print & Hang in the Barn
I got burned out from the show ring partly by bad sportsmanship. I had to get out, join in, or be miserable. I chose to get out.
The only competing on horseback I have done since is my little venture into the Eventing world. I didn’t find this the same as the catty Hunter/Jumper world.
Then I entered a contest. Purina’s Live from Lexington. A fun, light-hearted contest to win a trip to the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. My entry video got me a spot with three other semi-finalists to blog for a month, get votes, and narrow the field to two Grand Prize winners.
I didn’t put all that much thought into a strategy outside of being myself. Write, get the word out, and cross my fingers. I didn’t have much interest or know anything about the other Semi-Finalists. It didn’t really matter to me. It wasn’t going to change how or what I wrote.
Then the contest began. Out of curiosity, I looked at two of the other Semi-Finalists’ websites. One was interesting and one was boring. Outside of that, I didn’t put much thought into it.
Did this contest mean the world to me? Uh, no. I entered it for an opportunity to learn more about writing, social media, and hopefully meet some interesting people along the way. Of course, I am always holding out for some fantastic opportunity to come my way when it comes to riding and writing. So this was a chance at all that.
Did I want to win? Uh, yeah. I don’t ever compete to lose. I’m fairly competitive, but all in all, you win some, you lose some—and if there is one thing I’ve learned in this world, it’s that not all wins or losses are fair.
The beginning was rough. I posted up the info on both of my websites and made an announcement on Facebook and Twitter. Then I realized I needed to amp it up.
So I got my Army of Facebook, Twitter, Myspace (I know), YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo, and email contacts in order. I realized—which is hard for me, I couldn’t win this on my own. I needed the help of others…many others.
I was so happy to get such an amazing response from everyone.
Then the air turned rancid. Nasty comments started showing up on my blog-post Musical Freestyle Megadeath. It was odd. The first nasty comment was about a misspelling. Of which two of the other Semi-finalists had misspellings prior to this, but did not receive the same wrath that I did. It bothered me, but I took it with a grain of salt. Horse people are crazy.
Then a couple of posts later and the real crazies came out of the woodwork—or did they?
Yeah, Showcase Showdown. An article about the breeds being showcased at The Games. Nothing all that interesting to be honest. I had been feeling pretty stale in my writing. I didn’t have a whole lot of time to write, so I sat down on my day off (if I had one) to write a handful of articles about an event that is happening in the future. Ugh.
Still, some real nasty comments started showing up. I couldn’t understand it. I hadn’t even written anything that would cause that kind of emotional charge. I mean, I understand & welcome the crazies coming out when I write about certain horse cults (clicker training). But I hadn’t written anything like that because the topic just wasn’t there to do so.
I have to admit, the nasty comments bothered me. This was a contest, with four different people writing about different horse related topics, in their own way. So why all the hate?
I had great support, and great retort from readers. Plus some good ole’ fashion “keep ur chin up” from everyone on Facebook. I appreciated that and although I have to admit that I wasn’t up for this catty environment, I decided to not let it get to me.
The thing that really amazed me is that a few people who were commenting on a blog-post about the breeds where stating they were offended by the DRUG reference. Uh, then I just had to laugh at the stupidity of the world.
Yikes. Closed minded people are really sad.
For those who don’t know what Methadone is, it’s an anti-addictive, synthetic opioid, used medically as an analgesic, anti-tussive, and maintenance for people trying to beat addiction.
Methadone is NOT Methamphetamine, and if you really think that a reference to either means someone is a drug addict PLEASE do not go to The Onion website or your head might explode.
I had finished posting up my pre-written blog posts and was a little burned out from the whacko horse women. Why be nasty? I had looked over the other Semi-Finalists blogs and didn’t think they were very good. In a few cases, they did insult my intelligence and more importantly, made me want to find something else to read. Most suffered from being-too-long-didn’t-you-know-blogging-should-be-succinct disease.
Then I was informed one of the other Semi-Finalists had requested I join their reindeer games of “pimping husbands”. Thing is, I’m not all that interesting, and I don’t really write about myself. My experiences—sure. Road to Rolex, yeah—about riding and horse related stuff. Not personal. Come on, this isn’t a friggin’ pageant.
So I played. Did I have an ulterior motive? Yep.
I posted up Married with Horses, an already published Citizen Horse article. Boom. The other semi-finalist commented almost immediately. Thanks. Now, there is a really simple backbone to the existence of the Internet. IP addresses. For those who aren’t that savvy with a computer, I will make it real easy (but not as technically correct). Each computer (or network of computers) has an IP address which is the ID for the computer. When you post a comment (or vote), that IP address is recorded—and with a comment, EMAILED to me along with your comment.
I now had one of the semi-finalists IP address’s and found out some of these nasty comments were coming from her. Nice.
Here’s something that is lacking in the horse world—sportsmanship.
Sportsmanship expresses an aspiration or ethos that the activity will be enjoyed for its own sake, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one’s competitors. Being a “good sport” involves being a “good winner” as well as being a “good loser”.
Now, not all of the nasty comments were from this one particular Semi-Finalist. But at least three were. Then I posted up a an article about boot care. I thought it was kinda lame too, but I was all out of ideas and so many people ask me about that topic.
Boom. Nasty comment from a Semi-Finalist.
Man. That just pissed me off. Come on. Really? For all the nasty comments about being “professional” and “PC”, these nasty comments were neither. I erased it.
Then a few more popped up, from what I can only assume by the locale of the IP address, by one of the other Semi-Finalists. You can search for an IP address on Google and it will tell you where the IP address is located (city, state). I erased it and then another, and another, and probably another ten more or so between the two Semi-Finalists.
I don’t think life is fair very often. But in the case of this contest, it appears that fairness did win, and that makes me happy. As much as I was down about the evil, nasty, catty women of the horse world and not wanting to be around them, I’m glad I entered this contest.
That said, I’m sure those who posted nasty comments will also be petitioning Purina to have a re-count or be able to go anyway. Probably threatening that they will not use Purina and neither will their friends.
The thing about Sportsmanship—you have to win AND lose well.
Since winning, I received a congratulatory email from one of the nasty commenters. If you are reading this, take off your mask and show your true self. I’ve seen it and I don’t like it.
I am who I am and I’m not afraid to sign my name to it.
10 Responses to “Sportsmanship is Hard to Find in the Horse World”
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July 13th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Hi Kristine,
I did not make those nasty comments. Unfortunately I know who did. When I found out about it I asked that it stop. I’m sorry that I could not have prevented it, and found out about it too late. It was one of those “You did WHAT??!” kind of things.
I was sincere in my congratulatory email, or I would not have sent it. I hope you have a great time at WEG, and I mean that. Nobody should have this kind of opportunity and have a rotten time.
I’m sorry you had more than one nasty commenter. And I’m sorry that it bothered you. I know what that’s like, and it sucks. That is why I wouldn’t do that to someone else.
And I’m not asking for a recount, or threatening Purina in any way. I lost. That’s it. I’m going to move on.
Best of luck,
Sheri
July 14th, 2010 at 12:06 am
Kristine Oakhurst = Awesome. End of story.
July 14th, 2010 at 12:17 am
You say good sportsmanship is about winning and losing well. I’m sure you can look up my IP address too and see that I’ve posted on your blog here and for the contest and had liked what you’ve said, but this is ridiculous.
“I had looked over the other Semi-Finalists blogs and didn’t think they were very good. In a few cases, they did insult my intelligence and more importantly, made me want to find something else to read. Most suffered from being-too-long-didn’t-you-know-blogging-should-be-succinct disease. ”
You can also stop going on and on and on about your video. You know how to edit and have cinematography skills, big f*^#ing deal. I wanted you and the awful “husband-pimping” finalist to win. This post kinda killed that.
Is this what you call winning well?
July 14th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Why is it that when you call people on there bad behavior and the bad sportsmanship is pointed out, People still want to point the finger and punish the person exposing the truth. What the hell. Really, I totally love that Kristine tells it like it is, more people should. The horse world is full of unethical people more of them should be called out on bad sportsmanship. Thanks for writing and winning well!
July 14th, 2010 at 1:22 am
I applaud you for pressing forward despite the rude comments. I loved your entry and voted for you all the way. Of course, I wish I could’ve made it to the finalist stage myself and gone to WEG too.
Having such a large online following, many people told me to enter and expected me to make it, and I was even expecting it, but it’s okay. I’m not going to badmouth Purina or insist they send me. 
Your work is authentic and that’s what really stood out. I didn’t really read much about the other finalists because it was your personality and energy that really made you shine.
Gary Vaynerchuk often talks about how people disagree with and hate on him for being authentic and true to his real character. Gary V is great at what he does and his obvious success proves that authenticity will take you to the top.
Have fun at WEG, Kristine, and congrats!
Mandee
July 14th, 2010 at 1:31 am
I voted for you and am happy that you won. I didn’t follow the others because as what insulted Aggie fell true for me. The other contestants blogs were too long and I thought the one that did all the different disciplines was a little arrogant to assume that with one lesson in each would qualify one as an expert. Plus the videos were too long and boring. But I think some people really liked it so that’s good for them. I thought this was a great story. I respect that you didn’t name names. (even though it was easy enough to figure out ) and that you admit that it bothered you. I wouldn’t have expected that. I also have to say me and my friends thought one of the others were the “haters”. It does suck that people can be so nasty sometimes I guess that goes for Aggie too. Keep it real girlfriend! -
July 14th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Sheri - Thank you for the comment. I appreciate the sincerity and can only assume from the “you did WHAT??!” that it was your husband. I respect that; your husband should have your back - that’s his job and they aren’t always good at being subtle.
Kay -
Thanks man!
Aggie - I do recognize your name so don’t have to look up your IP address. Sorry, had to edit your F-bomb, even though I swear like a sailor - there are kids that read Citizen Horse so that is my only censorship. It’s too bad this post pissed you off. I needed to get that off my chest and didn’t think during the contest was the appropriate time. Many people were really bothered by the comments besides myself. Bothered and angry. So - clarification is always good.
Nancy I - Thank you!!!!
Mandee - Thanks for the shout out, following and supporting me. You have great sportsmanship!
Sara - Thanks for the support!
Just so everyone knows…I didn’t write this to have a critique session on the whole contest. Everyone did their thing and everyone should be proud of what they accomplished one persons like is another persons dislike. Differing opinions are a wonderful thing.
July 14th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Kristine,
First, as for the f-bomb, I honestly forgot I put it in there and had to re-read my post. No biggie.
The reason this post annoyed me was that it seemed to be jumping the gun a bit. It did not seem to be in much of any of the other semi-finalists nature to act in the way you claimed, especially Sheri, whose blog I’ve read the longest. It just seemed to taint your victory to post this within hours of finding out you won. I of all people understand the need to rant, but that need to rant is exactly why I don’t have a blog– I feel like public forums aren’t the best place for certain rants, and to me, this was one. I suppose that’s a differing of opinion on what is worth exposing.
I was also confused because the hate messages you received on the blog there seemed very tame compared to what I have seen on forums. These were very petty and it just seemed like they should be easy to pass off as such.
You are unique and widely appealing in the horse world because you know how to use a camera,you are good with design, and you know how to write with a purpose, but being a liberal arts major, I see a lot of it, and kind of just passed it by. I do like many aspects of your writing– I loved the Megadeath and Dressage article. We need to challenge the stereotypes and traditions in the horseworld. However, I feel like in some of your articles, it’s all about the shock value, not the reason the shock is needed. Perhaps that will change when you’re in Lexington and have more facts to write about, and if so, I think your posts will be a lot of fun to read.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Congrats, Kristine! I admire your tell it how it is writing style. Honest people are so hard to come by in the horse world! As always, I look forward to reading your articles.
August 16th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Yeah cause horse lovin’ kids ain’t never heard anyone swear at their barn, or a clinic or show. I always thought that the F-bomb was almost unavoidable when it came to the horse world. Many just where I live. hmmm