h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hard to say, the ref seems to have disappeared...

The ref is working (and listening to the dressage from Badminton)

*Wandering, somewhat unsteadily from the Beer Tent*

Rugby, splendid Am I too late or can anyone join in?

You might as well, the ref seems to be otherwise occupied...

Righto, erm, who's got the ball?

And BTW how do you listen to dressage?

"And here she comes, into the arena, straight down the centre line, what splendid collection....oh, my, what a marvellous half-pass, this really is astonishing..."

(Sorry Abi, but I just can't picture it myself, dressage definitely has to be watched. Is anyone televising it?)

Well the morning commentator is a bit crap it does have to be said but Carl Hester in the afternoon is a lot better. He explains everything and is better at painting word pictures. I agree it has to be watched but as I cannot be there Kickon Radio Badminton is the next best thing. There are video clips on www.babminton-horse.co.uk .

I think the Beeb are doing something this afternoon and will definitely doing the Xcountry (yippee). BTW BluesSlider have you ever thought about a career as a dressage commentator you would be quite good!!!

*DD canters unto the pitch, breaks sharply into a trot at the 22. Crosses the pitch on the diagonal, reaching the far sideline at the other 22. Then he trots off to the corner flag, where he turns and walks toward the posts. Under the post's he turns to gallop up the middle of the pitch*

I see DD is lined up and practicing for the cross country then

oooh dodgy transitions!!! DD try to make you movement from one pace to another smoother. They should be seamless!

But virtual dressage now that is an idea - though with a virtual pitch the size of this we should have some virtual polo.

sorry that should have been www.badminton-horse.co.uk .

Now Cross country is something I know about. Although not in the equine sence. I use to ruin a pair of spikes every winter.

Yes I love comparing the horses two hours a 26 mile endurance ride or a 3 day event and marathon runners. No offence DD but you can tell which ones are are the natural athletes!!!

If you check out my latest journal entry you will see the latest tomfoolery I have got myself into.

Trust me DD, it can be just as exhausting on a horse if you're not fit and the horse needs pushing on a bit.

Thanks for the info Abi, I'll try and check it out

I know nothing about horses, other than a leg at each corner and what they look like.
I've often wondered, is learning to ride hard?

I know nothing about horses, other than a leg at each corner and what they look like.
I've often wondered, is learning to ride hard?

*returns to the field on a 500cc motorbike* I see we've upped the stakes a bit, I didn't want to feel left out...

It is harder as an adult then as a child but only cos you learn in a more technical way. But I would recommend it to any one - it is very meditative. I am not a natural rider and I find it very difficult - but I really miss it. Just haven't got the time at the moment

Phil why not have a lesson and find out!!! Go on - just have one and you never know!

Perfect Timing as the North West 200 races are taking place this weekend at Portrush/Portstewart/Coleraine fog permitting. Unfortunately they had to cancel yesterday's practise sessions.

Hold on, you can't have horses and motorbikes playing rugby . It doesn't make sense, how can you scrum down on a horse? Not to mention being tackled and landing a pile of....like I said, not to mention .

Oh, you're no fun anymore!
*rides off, spraying everyone with mud as he goes*

ahhh but you can play horseball which is like rugby / netball. The ball is placed in teh middle of the pitch and everyone has to canter to pick it up. You pass it from team mate to team mate until some one shoots at the hoop. Your stirrups are linked under the horse in order to be able to lean out of the saddle to pick the ball up from the ground