11/09/2024
Saying "I love my Horse" is not Evidence of Horse Wellbeing
"She/He loves her/his horse" are some of the defenses made for abusive riding practices, supported by photos of horses out grazing, hacking out in serene surroundings on a loose rein, or being petted by rider.
While it may be true that many riders who knowingly, or unknowingly, practice abusive riding methods do believe they love their horses, the important question to ask is "what about the horse?"
Does the horse in the photo on the right feel loved just because of the photo on the left?
Should it be that you feel safe, heard and cared for by that person who says they love you?
Does a horse care about being loved by a person or do they care about having their needs met?
What are a horse's needs?
What constitutes abuse?
Is abuse not abuse regardless of whether or not it is intentional?
In order to be able to converse productively on these questions, and arrive at some level of evidence and research based understandings that extract protocols by which we evaluate ridden horse welfare, the industry is likely to remain divided.
We all see things differently depending on our influences and personal experiences, and emotions can override or dismiss what might be obvious to others.
At the center of it all are the horses, the ultimate truth tellers, who have no hidden agenda and are just innocent victims of human desires.
We owe it to them to learn how they work, physically, mentally and emotionally, and to evolve towards better standards across the board from owners, professionals and organizations.
Let's shape a better future for our horses and ourselves through raising awareness, education and advocacy.
This is our Vision and Mission for the Equitopia platform, and we hope you will join us as a member and ambassador to help bring in the changes needed.
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