A top showjumper has spoken up after adults made “atrocious” comments on social media about his young daughter’s success.
The multiple Olympic medallist asked people to think twice before they make negative remarks about a young girl “with big dreams”, in response to comments on a video of her success at a show.
The rider said he tries to post and comment only positive messages on social media, such as gratitude to his horses and the people he is “very blessed to have around me and who support my team and my family”.
“I’m proud to congratulate those whom we work with on their accomplishments and at times I’ve weighed in on topics I feel strongly about,” he said.
“After a very rewarding week of competing for my daughter and our family, ClipMyHorse posted a very nice recap video of her success.
“The majority of the comments were kind and positive for my daughter but there were a handful of individuals that felt the need to be negative and diminish her success because she’s my daughter, or even more shocking, because she’s my father’s granddaughter, whom she never met.
“While I never defend myself from such commentary and feel confident that my legacy and how I am judged will be on my own deeds despite my own mistakes, the fact that grown adults feel the need to make such atrocious comments about a [young girl] is quite reprehensible.”
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The young rider enjoyed a successful show, winning and being placed in a variety of jumping and flat classes with her ponies. And although most people praised her results, some chose not to.
“It’s a reflection of so much of what I see in our world today, instead of celebrating each other’s growth and success we choose to tear it down,” her father said.
“I’m an adult and to some small degree a public figure. I accept that criticism of myself may be public and I can handle your opinions but I ask before commenting negatively on a [young girl] who has big horse dreams, and who may stumble upon these comments that you use some judgement and class.”
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
