Book Review

The Volvo World Cup Dressage Finals1998 & The Volvo World Cup Show Jumping Finals 1998 VIDEOS - by Equestrian Vision Available from Tindalls Price: Ł15.99 each
Review of the Videos If you are unable to attend an event in person, buying the video of it must be the next best thing. Of the 2 videos on offer here I felt that the Dressage Finals represented better value. Naturally the most important factor is where one s interest lies but if you are open to enjoying all equestrian sport at the highest level then the Dressage tape is the one that you will enjoy watching many times over. Presented by Alastair Martin Bird and Bernadette Faurie it covers the Grand Prix tour and of course many of the very top riders in the world are on view (although sadly the British are notable by their absence!) Given the variety of the music and the individual nature of the performances, plus the mastery in depth of Isabell Werth & Co there is a great deal to look at and to enjoy. It will certainly bear watching many times over, since I am sure with each viewing more subtleties will become evident. The commentary is unobtrusive and instructional but without appearing to be. Recommended. The Show Jumping Finals don t come over quite so well - but again if you like the sport at the highest level then you will enjoy it especially since the opportunities of seeing the world s top show jumpers - horses or riders - in action in Britain these days are minimal. Held in Helsinki in an over large stadium one felt that the show lacked atmosphere (certainly Olympia seems to be in a different league in this respect) and the crowd were very reserved in their appreciation or perhaps the oohs and ahs were edited out by manipulating the sound effects? If they were that is a pity . At least you will see John Whitaker to good effect, especially at the start of the competition, although I must confess I lost track of the overall scoring system, which seemed rather complicated. Peter Churchill is the commentator and although well informed, it would be nice if he allowed the action to do the talking more often.