To those who say it’s “just a moment in time” to any image showing blatant abuse against the horse; here’s 100 ‘moments in time’ for you to briefly ponder.
These aren’t once-in-a-lifetime moments, these are moments in each and every one of these horses lives. I can guarantee you that the photographers did not show up and capture the only time any of these horses have been pulled on, kicked, spurred, whipped, put into hyperflexion, frightened at the expense of a rider’s selfish goals, or experiencing pain caused by their riders.
Still not convinced?
Here’s the thing. Every time someone throws out that remark to excuse horse abuse, “moment in time”, I immediately believe they are likely defending this abuse because there is some connection between their own riding and that of whatever is being criticized.
What we don’t see are any ‘moment in time’ problems facing riders who put their horse’s welfare and well-being first.
Horse abuse is not specific to any breed, sport, discipline or country. Horse abuse is specific to individual equestrians.
There is no such thing as a ‘moment in time’, there are however many moments in our horses’ lives that we are primarily responsible for shaping and controlling. The question then becomes, how are you shaping and controlling your own horses’ lives if you feel the need to defend obvious abuses?
Angela Matthews says
The first video of these reminds me of the dancing bears
Lia S says
Unfortunately, so many of these scenes are so common in their respective sports that people hardly notice them any more – as witness the fact that many of these riders are top of their sport. Even if some of these were a ‘moment in time’, they are fully unacceptable moments! But you are dead on – they are never just a ‘moment’!
Horsewoman777 says
I want to start a petition for humane treatment of horses in film &TV. It upsets me to see the actors (many who can barely ride well) banging the horses in the mouth to halt them, many with severe bits with uneducated, heavy hands. In many scenes, the actor jumps on, cranking their horses around expecting a fast gait from a stanstill. Yes, there are films where this abusive riding doesn’t occur, yet these are the minority. I feel an unschooled actor who rides in films should be specifically informed about how sensitive horses mouths are. Please comment if a petition already exists in US. Thank you for reading and caring in humane fashion for our beloved equines!