In a few weeks Riyadh in Saudi Arabia will host the Dressage World Cup Final, but you won’t be reading about it on our website. This is not a decision made lightly, I find the whole cancel culture hysteria offensive. The attitude that if an individual offends, then all mention of them is banned even if what they have written is helpful, wise, and nothing to do with their offence. If it turns out Shakespeare beat his wife, we ban the plays and the sonnets!
But this case is different. The sole reason the Saudis have spent billions of dollars buying complicit sports, is to try and improve their reputation on the world stage – forget about the political prisoners, the repression of women and the LBGT community, the murder of a courageous journalist in a Saudi Embassy on the orders of their head of state, even forget about the shameful treatment of animals and the appalling record of drug infringements found in their Endurance races – let’s just sit back in front of the television and enjoy the exciting sport. And revel in all that prizemoney and the hefty fee for the FEI…
So if we cover the Finals we are directly assisting the Saudis in their sports-washing exercise. No way. I am sure there will be reams of gormless gush spewing out from the FEI publicity department telling you how wonderful the dressage is (no nasty tongues, or swishing tails or throttled necks), how magnificent the facilities and what a great time was had by all. Yeah, well they can answer to their own conscience, if they can find it.
- Christopher Hector
Two thumbs up for your stance!
Ahhhhh, a conscience! How refreshing! Thank you 🙏
I 1000% agree with your stance on this event. Someone has to take the first step!
Well done!
Great stand – congratulations
Good onya Chris, I stand with you.
I salute you for taking a position against a society that still treat women as second class citizens. I hope this action will motivate others to follow suit.
Quite right too! The FEI has been compromised by the decision to hold this event in the capital of sexism, homophobia and judicial murder.
Excellent decision, well done!!!
👏🏻 well done
The absolutely right decision! Sorry FEI, you are wrong again (and again, and again). I hope lots of media will follow your example.
Such a correct decision. I hope all media has the same honesty and decency to follow suit.
Sad that they can’t get it right! Good on you for your stance!
respect !! finally an honest,and bravely stated opinion !!!
Go Chris! More kudos.
Thank you!!!!!!!!! Someone who speaks the truth and stands by it.
Totally agree. It’s too easy to forget all this and then those suffering only suffer more while we watch the glitz and glamour. Well done for shining a light on this!!🙌
Guantanamo, Edward Snowdon, Abortion Laws, Julian Assange, C. Parra or Saddlebred tests and preparation, McLain Ward… Ups- no more sports reports from any US Finals as well?! Just thinking….
I support your decision. I was disappointed that the United States went.
I hope other equine publications, journals and organizations follow suit. I’m surprised more equine athletes haven’t sanctioned the event, too much money up for grabs I guess. Shame on the FEI, sold out for money.
all my respect to the autor from Peter Cronau
Thanks! 🥰🥰🥰
A good decision, and one I can respect. Every word you wrote is correct.
I understand your viewpoint but I disagree with your stand. Boycotting Sports and Cultural events makes a statement to people who are already aligned with humanitarian values. So who could truly benefit participation? The people who live in repressive societies who have little contact or influence from a free culture. It’s the interaction that creates a new wave of thinking. It doesn’t always work but the seeds of change might be planted. Saudi Nationals will see foreign women riding horses. Who knows what will ignite a flame in the hearts of Saudis to participate in later events. To the extreme Saudi Wahabi Suni religious leaders, a boycott of such an event is a victory to stop any contact with the Infidel. So this event is a brave undertaking by the Kingdom and puts the Royal House of Saud at risk for assassinations. We all need to praise the steps towards joining the world ‘at play’. This was not an easy decision for the Saudi Rulers.
Well done. What I would love to see you report on is what other equestrian sport media are joining you in skipping coverage? Surely there will be many others.
Are there any others??? Guess you’ll have to ask them…
You, sir, a breath of FRESH air! I salute you and the stand you are taking that many others in your position won’t be taking.
REGARDS ONLY………
Good for you! Well said and acted upon.
Brilliant, well done. Thank you.
Nice to see someone with a conscience.
🤜💥
😁👍👍👍👍
Well done.
Absolutely applaud this decision. Well done for leading the way and standing firm in supporting and advocating the ethical treatment of horses Bravo!!!!