How to use hyperflexion to gain compliance from your show jumper
Downhearted and disheartened with equestrianism, exasperated by recent competition world developments including Patrik Kittel’s ‘blue tongue’ incident, and then, shortly after declaring that they serve the welfare of the horse, equestrianism’s governing body – the FEI’s proposed acceptance of anti-inflammatory/pain relief medication “bute” – phenylbutazone – for competition.
It seems that when humans compete, the horses’ needs are subjugated for the egotistical drives of the human. The horses instead become a piece of sporting equipment on which to pursue personal recognition and possible fortune. The FEI, if they allow this change, is simply fuelling unacceptable levels of damage to horses.
The horse is not a willing partner choosing a competition or riding life, be it dressage, show jumping, eventing or racing. Nowhere else do we subject an animal to the same levels of distress – not even in greyhound racing, where the dogs once they are set free, can run at the pace of their choosing – they are not being kicked, held in, bounced on, suffering concussion on their joints from their heavy weight landing when jumping (and now on drugs with masking effects), suffering muscle and ligament tears, tongue damage, perhaps ill-fitting equipment, gadgets or simply bad riding. Even well-fitting equipment or riding bareback restricts bloodflow, potentially compromising the back tissues in the horse. Horses are ridden at times when – let’s be frank – it is not in their best interests.
I have to stand up for the interests of the ‘leisure’ rider here – so often they are made to feel as though they are some form of second class citizen because they choose not to compete. BUT from my observations they often hold their horses’ needs as superior to their own, perhaps in part because they do not have a deadline, because they cherish a relationship with their horse, and they are often keen observers of their horses’ health and behaviour. This is a very wide statement, I know – as in all things individuals vary as to their position on ‘the bell shape’ curve, in all aspects – be it sporting, leisure or otherwise. My observations have been that even people who may ‘love’ their horse, can still administer a pain-killer, ignore a hint – or more – of lameness (and God only knows how the judges allow it) and take a horse to a competition when it is obviously lame.
I know wonderful people who have put their horse before their own desires – in recognising the need for better saddle fit, the need to get to the bottom of an unexplained behaviour change, or to rest the horse to allow him to grow. My hat goes off to them. Others may point the finger, feel a little more superior when they watch someone not able to ride for a while or working at the horse’s pace, but quietly achieving other(important) things – in groundwork, therapeutic techniques, learning the skills of assessment, observation and thought, reflecting and reading. In my book the rider doing what is right for his horse is the one who is correct. If I were a horse, I know which rider I would choose.
Many trainers make their money via the competition rider. After all, there is often rather a lot of money spent on flashly bred horses, expensive trucks, gear, travelling the country or world to shows – so these people demonstrate their ability and willingness to pay a trainer. A moral dilemma therefore ensues… or does it?
Well, it doesn’t for me. I will continue happy with assisting those who want to learn to work with the horse, and those who are not about to desert the message if the ego rears its ugly head or, in order to save time take shortcuts, happy with people not afraid to do things differently, who are humble and questioning in their approach.
I think it has proved time for a massive shake up in equestrianism, but I actually fear it is too late. I will not complain if competition is banned.
Related posts:
- What does lateral thinking have to do with horse cruelty?
- Ethical dilemmas in horse ownership
- Equestrianism’s dark cloud…
- Klaus reveals horses ‘die inside’
- Anky van Grunsven, Patrik Kittel and the horse’s blue tongue
- Testing time for the FEI
- Equestrian competition’s sad expose
- Ethical Horsemanship on Stable Scoop Radio Show
- ‘No Rollkur’ message from Philippe Karl
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Very good post. I never want to be like “bad” horsemen. I see them all the time at shows, and it’s terrifying how children are being taught that it’s acceptable to use coercive equipment and other questionable techniques. I’ve been in a couple situations where I’ve been pressured to do things that rubbed me the wrong way, and I’m glad I had the resolve to say “no”.
I think the big names in the horse world (i.e., Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, etc.) should take more of a stand against unethical horsemanship and raise awareness about it. Those Big Names have so much more influence than the average person and would have much more success getting people to listen. I know many people who speak up when they see animals being treated unfairly, but it rarely has much impact. I think it would make a huge difference if the celebrities of the equestrian world got involved.
Good post. I like the way you described. Well done.
I won’t complain if it’s banned either, although it would be sad to think that we as humans can’t bring genuine ethics to our relationships with horses in sport.
Hi Billie,
Thanks for your thoughts on this. I too think it would be sad, but not as sad as the offences being committed to horses in the course of ‘training’.
About 5 years ago a very well respected equestrain veterinarian who was teaching at a veterinary training university told me that he thought in a few years we were unlikely to be riding horses in competition, that the public would find it unacceptable. At the time I thought this was a fairly ‘out there’ comment, but now I have to agree, especially in the light of the recent problems such as Rollkur, drug use, and questionable equipment currently approved. It was almost as though he was gazing into a crystal ball, but he may simply have had further insight due to his position.
Agreed – not as sad as what is being done.
I read a similar sentiment on Alexander Nevzorov’s website a couple of years ago, and like you, thought it was a bit “out there.” Not so much now.
I guess my eternal optimism keeps me hoping that we can grow change as humans enough to bring real compassion into our relationships with animals. In any case, thanks for aiming the lens at these issues here – based on what I’m seeing in terms of searches landing folks at my blog, there are a lot of folks thinking about these things and at least wanting to read about them, which is a Good Thing.