I want to follow up my previous post about 'peacefully standing up for what you believe in, with some equestrian examples. I am going to start with the dark side of equestrian sports ,when winning and/or money become more important than the horses. WHICH IN MY MIND SHOULD NOT HAPPEN!!! Then I will talk about those who put the horse first and the business second the WAY IT SHOULD BE!!!
It does happen at every level from local back yard to the Olympic level.. I am not going to name names. I was either there or was told by the persons in question what they did. We are talking about unethical training and treatment. I will briefly tell some of the things I have seen, but first I want to mention how I have tried to deal with it so far. I voice my opinion if I think it will be heard and distance myself from the individuals as soon as possible and no longer do business with them or refer business to them.If possible and action could be taken I made the appropriate phone call and made authorities or governing body aware
One of the worst things I have seen had to be while a horse was tranquilized someone made a torch from a metal hanger and some rags added lighter fluid, and burned the long hairs of the horses winter coat. Then rubbed it to make it shine so it would bring a bit more at an auction. Later on a international competitor and coach told me how they had a horse on the ground beating and dragging it to try and get it to go in a water complex that it would have to go through the fallowing day at a trials. Barns were horses almost never showed without illegal medications like tranquilizers.A t some of the top barns in the world some of these things happen. Stallions and competition horses getting so many anabolic steroids. Steroids that can make them become sterile or founder on... Horses that have chemicals applied to their coronet bands so their legs are very sensitive to touch and then polled strongly at a jump and if they stop three young men are waiting with long whips to send them forward. Horses left in stalls with their heads tied down with side reins, in various ways and left for hours. Horses purposely flipped on there backs. Well I think you get the point.Onto the other side.
There are as many good Examples! Now I will name names These are trainers I have witnessed or lived with. Jennie Lorinston Clarke is adamant about horses proper treatment.CONRAD SCHUMACHER'S always had the public walking through his families farm with its restaurant and golf course ex.and told me how it was important for evryone to know they may be being watched as he traveled a lot. Robert Dover is a shining example with his ring along the road in Wellington for everyone to see. General Burton, Tad Coffin, Raul de Lion, Barbara Strawson, Scot Hassler, Susanne Hassler, Belinda Nairn Wortman , Fred Weber, Felicitous Von Newman Cousel, Jack le Golfe, Gunnar Osturgaurd. Tod Fletrich, Mary Alice Malone, Frank-John-Bezzie Madden, and last but definetly not least my dear friend Ricardo Villa. Are ALL PEOPLE I WOULD LEAVE MY MOST PRECIOUS HORSE WITH AND NOT WORRY AT ALL !!! There are many more great barns and professionals I only mentioned ones I could give a first hand endorsement
It us up to each of us to choose everyday to walk in the light even when it may cost us a great deal, we must!
I try my best to give the best example I possibly can at all times. I hope in the years to come it only gets better and that all the people on my list and many more would give me such an endorsement.
I hope this has helped you in some small way.
Sincerely,
John.
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