I went to a horseshow on Saturday in support of a friend’s nine year old daughter who takes riding lessons at a local barn that provides school horses (my friend’s family does not have a horse of their own). Right away I was reminded why I don't belong at shows!!
I was appalled to watch the violence as every child had spurs and every horse a curb bit in their mouth. During a warm-up a twelve year old girl was see-sawing the bit back and forth furious with her horse for not picking up the correct lead. I suggested kindly to the mother that maybe if the girl picked up the outside rein opening the inside shoulder the horse may pick up the lead easier (ever think the horse has a back, shoulder or neck problem?).
Mom got the crop, but that wasn't enough after the daughter continued to bang the bit into the horse's teeth with one hand while spanking the horse violently with the crop in the other. Daughter yells exasperated at mom “bring me the spurs” as mom complied and the violence continued - I couldn't watch anymore and left.
Violence against horses is being perpetuated through our youngsters (as young as 6) by unknowing parents and trainers. It is what's required by the "dominance through pain and force" ideology of an industry whose standards are outdated. And all for a fabric-glued-on-cardboard RIBBON while horses suffer pain that you'd be thrown in jail for if you did that to your dog. Where’s the personal best in that?
I'm thankful the USEF allows bitless in some classes and barefoot too. I’m thankful Rollkur will be marked down as the ban is in place with the FEI. One child, one adult and one horse at a time as the message of bitless and barefoot continues gaining respect and momentum.
I am hopeful the horse industry leaders will wake up to the barbarism of bits and spurs that are unequivocally unnecessary to achieve a walk, trot and canter safely and in control.
Nationally recognized horse trainer Missy Wryn developed Training the Whole Horse® on the foundation of Do No Harm. Specializing in Iron Free (bitless-spurless) riding for both English and Western riders, Missy teaches safer communication and control while deepening the relationship between horse and rider. Missy Wryn is also the founder of IRON FREE Riding, HorseMAREship, Sisters of the Saddle, DO NO HARM Today, Stop Poisoning Pets, People & the Planet for Profit, plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Rope Halter Bitless Bridle. Visit http://www.MissyWryn.com for more information.