Many people are in love with horses, me included. We also love what horses can do for us. If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us will experience a bit of both. The problems start when the love of what horses do for us outweighs our innate love of horses.
For a number of us, horse riding and competitive equestrianism are a part of how we interact with horses. To do these we must understand our horse’s temperament, strengths, and even fears. This level of understanding fosters a sense of emotional connection and affection for our horses. Plus, we need to feed and care for our horses, all the time deepening our relationship with them.
However, the competitive nature of modern equestrianism cannot be ignored. There are cases where horses are treated more like commodities than companions, especially in professional racing or high-level competitive events. Horses that no longer perform well may be sold, traded, neglected, or sent to the knackery. The financial stakes involved in modern competitions mean that for some, a horse’s value may be tied more to their winning potential than to any inherent worth.
The pressure on people to succeed can also result in people doing things to horses they would never do to their other animals, such as their cats and dogs. The use of pain-based control methods such as bits, whips and spurs are a good example. I can’t imagine anyone putting a bit in their dogs’ mouth to take them for a walk, they wouldn’t want to, plus the public outcry would be huge, yet it’s socially accepted with horses. People watch horses being whipped at the racetrack and spurred in competitions and don’t even think about it, it’s been normalised. While the use of pain to train or control other animals no doubt occurs, it is not socially acceptable as it is with horses. What this means is that many people are coming mostly from the ‘What can horses do for me?’ perspective.
For me, the way to avoid this trap is to ask a simple question. When I am about to do something, I ask myself ‘How is this going to be for the horse? If the answer is not interesting, fun, easy to understand, etc., I stop and consider other options. If the answer to this question is along the lines of ‘It may hurt’ or ‘They’re not going to like this,’ I need to take another track. I am not talking about where medical assistance is being provided or other such situations. I’m talking about everyday life with horses.
For example, I am riding and want my horse to go faster, and they don’t want to. Some may start riding with a crop, just holding it. If I asked my question ‘How is it for the horse?’ I may realise the horse goes forward from a whip being held because they’re afraid of being hit. This happens if they’ve been whipped in the past, so the horse is feeling threatened by the rider. I'm not wanting this type of relationship with my horse, so I would look for other options. Checking the horse has no physical pain, doing groundwork to help them free up, and most importantly, rewarding every single effort the horse puts into moving forward are good places to start. If I ask, ‘How is this for the horse?’ with these types of options, I am happy with the answer.
Most of us have a mix of both perspectives, we love what horses do for us, physically and emotionally, that’s why we choose to have them in our lives. If we’re aware of this, we can always try and tip the love of horses to the forefront in our decision making. This will result in healthier and happier horses, which in turn enriches our own lives. For the love of horses, this one simple question can make all the difference.
Happy Horses Bitless
Considerate Horsemanship
Ph: 0401 249 263
Email: suzy@happyhorsesbitless.com
Facebook: Happy Horses Bitless Bridles
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