As a competitive rider, I love that this competition is being shown. BUT, it could be so much better and draw more viewers (and ratings) if it were produced differently.
Observations after four seasons: Explain how the competition is judged. What makes a horse and rider gain or lose points? (e.g. In slow motion, show and contrast a perfect spin or slide to one that considered inferior.)
Explain the different type of horseshoes used. Why the riders use leg wraps. Show the various bits being used for training and showing. And other equipment used. Explain the prize money split between owners and riders.
The camera work during the finals in Season 4 was all over the place without holding still long enough to really see anything. Those overhead shots, looking straight down, are dramatic but don't show the horse or rider. And I don't need to see shots of the audience over and over and over. The actual events take place so fast, it is hard to see differences. Producers should take a page from football on TV and use instant-replay to show great and explain moves.
Every week the same questions are asked of the same riders, with pretty much the same answers given. This just gets boring.
Great horses, riders and competition. Just don't see how the material as presented will hold viewers.
