Upon reflection after the recent World Equestrian Games…

I am still passionate about horses, and when it comes to a compromise of any sort, I am always on the horse’s side.

Of all the disciplines contested at these Games, vaulting is likely the only one that could happen without a real, live equine partner. A mechanical horse could actually work.

It is kind of fun to picture humans competing at most of the other disciplines without their horses.

Which show jumping rider would go clear in the time allowed? Would it become a sport for tall people or would height categories evolve? One might become the World Champion in the under 5’6” category or the over 6’ category, etc.

Which dressage rider would do the best piaffe or pirouette? Is it possible that they could mistakenly appear to be having fun while doing their tempe changes?

Which reiner would do the best sliding stop? Would they develop specialized cowboy boots for that? I bet no one would need to be checked for spur marks after their round.

Can you imagine people running 100 miles (160 km) with 5 or 6 pit stops that included the public use of rectal thermometers?

Who would find eventing such an adrenaline rush on cross-country day if it were human legs at risk? Maybe dressage would become the most popular phase among competitors.

And how would driving work? Would they draw straws to decide the four to be harnessed and the one to be given the reins? Or would people play nice and take turns pulling each other around in a carriage?

Wouldn’t the veterinary inspections be boring? No pretending to be too high-spirited to trot.