Comments on: Blue Tongue Disgrace : But Wait, There’s More!

By: Erica K.

Erica K. — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 05:33:34 +0000

I’m not certain how I missed responding to your post sooner Petra, regarding riding barefoot in sand arenas…

I have a hard time believing her remarks that sand wears the hooves down, at least if they are healthy barefoot hooves. Of course a horse with a thin hoof wall from years of poor trimming/shoeing will wear their hooves down to the quick in no time. I’ve taken my barefoot horses on regular 25 mile trail rides on rough rocky ground and through steep sand climbs in the midwest and never had an issue with them overwearing their feet. Of course they have also had a few years to recover from poor trimming before being subjected to such travel. :)

By: 2010 WEG Demonstrates Hyperflexion | Writing of Riding

2010 WEG Demonstrates Hyperflexion | Writing of Riding — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:26:54 +0000

[...] not surprised but I guess hopeful that perhaps all of the bad publicity surrounding Patrik Kittel and the Blue Tongue incident, the lawsuit filed by Anky van Grunsven and so on would make these riders a little less out in the [...]

By: Anne Coyle

Anne Coyle — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:17:32 +0000

Utterly heartbreaking…and shameful against the entire dressage community. The brutalization of horses has no business in any competition. Dressage represents elegance and ease while controlling your horse with subtlety and precision. Donning riding equipment and riding apparel incurs a responsibility towards the animals we ride and (hopefully!) love. At a time when the riding community is losing popularity, this cruelty can only hurt the entire industry.

By: Petra Z. McGowan

Petra Z. McGowan — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:17:34 +0000

glad you’re bringing up the barefoot trim, I am a great believer and make sure that i spread around the word in the local community…i am slowly getting people interested ;o)

i have a question since i really value your opinion…in the october’s issue of Dressage today, Linda Gurney admits that barefoot horses have healthier feet, however she says that sand in the dressage arenas grinds down hooves and therefore she recommends regular shoeing every 5 weeks…do you agree with this? i find that hard to believe…my farrier is a student of Peter Ramey, i ride all my horses in sand rinks as well as on gravel roads (one with old Macs and one without) and find this really hard to believe…your thoughs are appreciated :o)

By: Erica K.

Erica K. — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:01:17 +0000

I remember when the barefoot movement was gaining momentum, or at least more publicity, and Dr. Strasser was at the forefront of it. They frequently pointed the finger of the high performance horses’ quick demise on their poor hoofcare, and although she partnered up with Dr. Cook (bitless bridle) I was never made aware of any references to Rollkur that they added as an indicator to the young age of retirement of these European performers.
That being said, if the horse is constantly stressed and in a state of fear the amount of havoc being wreaked on his immune system must be absolutely horrific. The hormone Cortisol which is released during periods of stress literally prepares the body to die by shutting down physical processes. It is no surprise to me that an animal being abused and in an otherwise naturally high-stress lifestyle like international competition should face a quick demise. :(
I’m with you Petra, I give my ‘ponies’ hugs every day thankful that I am conscious enough not to engage in such harmful practices and put their needs before my own motivations.

By: Petra Z. McGowan

Petra Z. McGowan — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:16:56 +0000

i got into dressage because of the harmony, the communication and unity between horse and rider, the gentle conditioning that progressively builds muscle and endurance…i chose this equestrian discipline to develop strong sound horses (both mentally and physically) that will keep going well into their twenties…how does it make dressage different from racing? the longevity of of an average european dressage horse is mind boggling 5 1/2 years – not surprising after seeing these videos…thanks for the great post…i have to go and give a hug now to my “precious ponies” and ensure them that this will be never done to them