abusing the horse

Our History Predicts Forceful Horsemanship

Our History Predicts Forceful Horsemanship

3 Comments

We see political leaders make the same claims – it is always some other factor which dictates why their decision was forced rather than their own inclination. Horse culture has inherited this long-standing tradition, afterall we are only human; and it is not new. It still trickles down that we are a “dominant” species over the horse – therefore we are all wise and knowing and the horse should respond to our directions as a result of his lesser intelligence.

Reining Competitions Promote Hyperflexion and Running the Horse into Walls
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Reining Competitions Promote Hyperflexion and Running the Horse into Walls

13 Comments

They do not seem to care that they are yanking on the horse’s most sensitive mouth with a leverage bit. They do not seem to care that they are spurring the horse carelessly and excessively. They do not seem to care that the horse is willing to accept these abuses without striking out violently.

Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?

Do Barrel Racers Cross the Line into Abuse?

127 Comments

Barrel racing is a high speed event, and when speed is added to any activity the difficulty level increases as do the potential errors. Let’s also add to the mix the fact that it is a competition sport and involves money, and as demonstrated in Dressage, Jumping and Reining, to name a few competitive sports; money affects motivate. So, does that mean that Barrel Racing, fueled by speed and competitive cash, is subject to horse abuse the same as other sports?