Harming Horses By Accident: Why The Horse Industry Needs Welfare Reform
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- čas přidán 1. 11. 2023
- How do horse people learn harmful training and care practices without realizing it.
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"Asking them what level they competed to" hit the equestrian industry nail on the head. Even a very beginner rider is capable of calling out abuse, but because they aren't "skilled" their opinions get dismissed.
Yet nobody thinks you must be a professional dog expert to call out dog abuse 😏. Horses are not protected by even common sense rules we apply to literally everything BUT horses 😢
I still remember when I was a child and learning to ride, the instructor telling me to give the horse "a good whip" and show it who's boss when the horse was too slow or wasn't doing as I tried telling it. So much violence is still involved in the sport, even when you just do it as a hobby and I've grown very bitter about it. I now own my very first own horse, starting him on my own as well because I'm at a point where I mistrust basically all trainers. My training is R+ based, I refrain from any kind of violence and give him choices and so far he's the most relaxed and well behaved horse I've ever seen in my life. He loves working with me because he knows he can stop it any time. It actually inspired me to start my own horse farm and teach children (and adults) sometime in the future where they can learn to work WITH the horse and not just use it.
I will never forget a remark my riding instructor made one day. She was talking about moving up in competition and how she needed to sell her current horse because she had "outgrown" it. But what about the bond between you and your horse, I asked. She said, "well, yes, the first few times are difficult but you have to harden your heart. You need to in order to be able to move up." In other words, you are not really serious about horsemanship if you insist on viewing your horse as your friend, as your companion, and you will never really fit into that world as long as you feel that way. I stopped taking lessons shortly thereafter. I love horses too much, I know what it is like to be bonded with a horse and have a horse bond with you, and if riding means becoming the kind of person who can no longer see her horse as a friend or companion but only as a tool to win the approval of others, then I want nothing to do with the equine world.
I truly despise how normalized the mistreatment of horses is, and how they're simply viewed as "accessories". Putting together everything I've learned from you has made me put the welfare of my old boy first, and yet I've gotten comments from my own family saying "what's the point in having a horse if you can't ride it?" It frustrates me. Horses are more than objects, they're living sentient creatures that deserve respect, they deserve to be listened to. My old boy deserves to be HAPPY, not forced to do something that causes him discomfort, even if that means no longer riding him.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and I truly hope more people find your channel and choose to learn from you like many of us already have. Keep doing what you do
I'm a veteran horsewoman of 60 years. I started out exactly like you talk about here. As the years went on, my Dressage instructors had me go to harsher bits, or figure eights, dropped nosebands, flashes, plus shoes and blankets. Memberships to all the big clubs. Competition levels which caused me and the horse more stress. I started hating it. Trail riding was so much fun, but looked down on if you did too much of it. I only wanted what was best for the horse and finally I began to find my way back to the natural horse. Let my horses go barefoot, then went bitless, then no blankets, turnout 24/7, horses were getting happier and happier. I was less stressed. In all that, I quit the show ring. I taught my students riding for the pleasure of it and to be safe on the trails or in the arena. I quit riding about 5 years ago but keep up with the latest and found you. You are so right on with all of it. I was one of the first to go to AHSA (or whatever they call themselves now) to try and convince them to allow us to show in bitless bridles. They wouldn't have it. Racing Industry wouldn't allow us to race our horses barefoot, said we had a disadvantage against shod horses. We almost had them convinced to allow horses to go bitless. But that didn't work out either. Keep putting the truth out there Lady. People are listening and want the truth!
i relate to this so much.
my horse journey started at a very competitive dressage barn, where horses didnt got turnout but only could roam free in the riding arena for 15 min a day. they were so explosive and hard to ride but all you would hear from the riding instructors was 'horses have thick skin so use that whip hard!' but thankfully i started going to a natural horseman ship centered stable where they gave lessons. from that point my view on how to train horses became so different. from explosive and dangerous horses to calm and gentle.
and after a long journey and many different ways of training i discovered. i am now in the journey of making my horses life the best possable with R+/clicker training.
'horses have thick skin so use that whip hard!' Whoever said that is a total moron. A horse can feel a FLY land on his skin.
Wow, it just hit me... like right now... As a fifteen year old, I hate to admit that I'm on this path... And the worst part is that up until a few seconds ago, I didn't even know it. I cannot thank you enough for opening my eyes.
Omg, I feel so guilty right now.
My horses are pastured 24/7 so at least I got that right. I've just been so desperate to fit in aesthetically and level up my riding that I forgot the whole reason I even have horses. I seriously can't remember the last time I just spent time with them, like we used to.
I am so grateful for the fact that I never enjoyed riding more than the horses, I would spend 4-6 hours at the barn, while I rode only for 1 hour, I would massage the horses and take them out to graze, even the one's I didn't ride that day. I always knew, deep down, that such behavior is not okay, however, being a child, I couldn't really find anything that would support my claims. I was fortunate enough to have a good trainer. Yes, she was traditional and yes she kept her horses stalled, however she would always encourage us to give treats to horses, try to keep the rider and horse under threshold and she really did love the horses. She would turn them out as much as the barn would let her and never rushed the training of a horse or a rider. I am not saying her practises were good, but they were better than everyone around and that's exactly why I never looked up to "professionals", even my trainer would mock them. They joy of experiencing that better practises not only exsists, but also are more effective, is undesribable. And that's exactly why I'm slowly working towards a riding program with R+ only, not only for begginers to learn the right way, but also for people like I were once, who don't really fit in. Who don't look up to professionals, who don't want to compete and who love horses more than they love riding. I am really passionate about it and I will make it happen. Shelby was the one that got me into this, that showed me that there indeed are better practises and that my gut was right all along. Thank you so much for all the content, it changes not only one persons life, not only one humans life, but potentially generations. Keep it up, you're awesome.
I work at Medieval Times. I wish i could play this video on repeat on a billboard at every castle.
Truer words can't be said. I'm amazed at how widespread of an issue this is- especially at higher level competitions.
Sad and yet so true. I fell into this trap when I was young too and it's a source of deep regret now that I'm older and know better. When money and animals become intertwined abuse is inherent. Rollkur, racing, big lick, 2 year old ridden futurities, constant stalling, harsh bits, spurs, 'loud' hands.. the list goes on and there probably isn't a discipline you can name that doesn't have riders at top levels being abusive in competition, let alone behind the scenes. But the FEI to the ground and build an organization that truly cares about the welfare of horses. /rant.
The best a horse can be is your very good friend mountain men spent lonely life's with only a horse a mule and a dog👍💯 all you said is very true you are so right thank you🐝
Beautifully said. Thank you. Finally someone who speaks out about what i always thought.
I worked at a riding school when I was young and was shocked at the abuse horses and ponies received there. Being kicked and yanked around by the mouth, they were only turned out for half an hour between rides and were obviously reluctant to be caught and brought in again. One of the older horses used to fake lameness so he wouldn't be ridden. Their stalls were tiny, they couldn't even turn around in them. I refused to carry a whip or use spurs and was shouted at for it. I left after 3 months.
I love this video. I hope for a better world for all horses and equestrians, so thank you.
It's amazing how a few short years of supposedly "natural" horsemanship training can create so many harmful habits that I am still having to fight against. The urge to hit a horse who is not listening, getting frustrated or angry because a horse is not doing what I want. These feelings and behaviors were not only okay to my trainer, but were actively encouraged. If you were too nice, not only were you foolish but you were creating a dangerous horse, since all horses dream of is constantly disrespecting their trainers authority. I remember feeling sick to my stomach after whipping my horse at my trainers command, and then felt bad when my horse would flee from me in the pasture! The fact this attitude is normalized and taught to young girls in this industry is sickening
I only wish some of the younger generation would stop and listen to Shelby......Thanks Shelby great video ❤🐎❤
i agree so much, what we need to change first is the people who teach kids, after all the kids they teach become more of them and more of them..... the horse world is messed up, you stand in a warmup in a show all you see is painface, ears back, spurs, severe bitting, busy hands...
When I get my inheritance, I hope I can entice you (can pay you very well) to come to Cape Cod where I try to spread this word. We need you. But, dont burn out, love.
Take care of your mental health. Its a tough but rewarding path we're on. ❤
Very powerful message here. As this information spreads more and more people will become aware of the horse and behaviors, stress and calming signals. I have become so much more aware of this and I find my relationship with my horse becomes bettet, stronger as a communication between us grows. I also see many others becoming aware of this. I do see a change happening. This was a very inspiring and informative video. Very well said. Thank you.
I had a small horse farm for many years. I didn't have any desire to ride them, they were never kept in stalls, the 6 of them ran free together on 43 acres all year. They had lovely pasture most of the year and I bought the best hay in winter. They never got sick, they never got injured, they got all the cuddles they wanted, mostly from each other. Everytime my other horse friends came to visit they noticed how relaxed, healthy, happy, and co-operative they were.
They behaved so sweetly and did not act up when my friends would take them for a leisurely ride.
Their weight was also perfect and hooves never needed shoes. I can't remember ever seeing the whites of their eyes. They never bit or kicked or acted aggressive with me or any people. Thank you for getting the word out about how horses really like to be treated....I've seen my whole life how true your words are !!! 💖🐎🌿💖
I'm someone who loves horses but has never owned a single one in her entire life. Your video makes so much sense. It's obvious that this video comes from a place of love and care for horses and their much-needed welfare. If I ever wanted to learn how to ride, it'd definitely be from you, Shelby. Thank you so much for sharing.
Yes, that. I loved horses even as a little girl and went to a barn just to hang out, help out and ultimately take riding lessons as well. And although the horses weren't abused and got regular pasture time and all...the riding part never really appealed to me much. You could just tell, the horses weren't exactly thrilled about being saddled and bridled. They would pump themselves full of air, when you tried to fasten the saddle before mounting. They weren't responsive to aids and wouldn't really carry themselves, putting a lot of pressure on the bit.
There was no real connection during the ride. Just half a ton of unenthusiastic horse meat, trotting around with me on their back, doing my best to stay on and get 'it' to do what the instructor told me to make it do. I finally just gave up and quit altogether, even though I never lost my interest in and love for these animals.
And I can't even watch most competitive horse sports. Those horses, for the most part, don't seem to enjoy, what they're doing. And I've hung out with enough human athletes to know, what competitive sports of any kind do to your body. Unlike human athletes, horses don't have a choice about it, though. They can't easily communicate, when they hurt. Or they might be ignored, when they do. They don't necessarily get to have a second life, when their sports career is over, due to age or injuries. It's all so sad.
A horse isn't a piece of equipment.
This might be one of the most important and insightful interrogations of our relationship with horses I have ever seen. Everyone who has the honor of interacting with horses should think about these many essential questions.
Shelby once asked something like, "What matters more, the horse or the sport?"
I think that should be our starting and ending point.
Thank you for saying this.
This is beautiful Shelby, thank you for all you do ❤
I wish I had learned this years ago, am so happy to ride and work with my horse at liberty now… but that’s not how I started.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey, you have helped, and confirmed for many the right way to gentle horses…. Not break them.
Thank you for your dedication to improving equestrian practices, Shelby. Carry on! 💜🇺🇸
How true ! 🐎😥
This is a masterpiece. Thank you.
Wow Shelby another outstanding presentation promoting a revolution in horse welfare. A compendium of issues and arguments designed to tease out a better understanding of the dangers and harms that we often unintentionally inflict in the name of sport. Awareness is the first step in achieving reform. Thank you for leading the way.
I just got into horses and i have exactly the same view. gave home to three horses in my ranch and did it quickly change my priorities.
Where are you located? Keep up the good work and words.
In riding school I am in, a lot of focus is on understanding the horse and conection as well. There were a few times that the instructor got angry at someone becose they pushed the horse too hard and everything. I love going there at least 2 times a week outside of lesson and i help them care for the horses. It is so amazing how horse i ride gets happy when im around and wants to cuddle. other girls are like: you are just trying to look like a horse wisperer and stuff when he cuddles with you, but in reality, I have a nice bond with him cuz i do more than just tell him what to do in lessons. I actualy care about him and do stuff for him as well not just he doing stuff for me.
The whole equestrian world needs to hear these words wow!
I started riding again a month ago (I rode for 10 years and paused for 10 after that) and I found a trainer that really focuses on the connection between horse and rider and how to communicate with the animals fairly and clearly and to earn their trust and grow together with them and it means so much to me!
I learned riding at one of these "just make the horse work the way you want it to be" facilities, with them being stalled the whole day, just getting out of their tiny little boxes (or a bit bigger area with a few ponys in it but still in the barn) to work. Thankfully my mother moved with us a few years after and I got to ride at a wonderful, lovely farm with a spacious outdoor area where the horses lived 365 days a year. I'm really thankful that I learned how important it is for horses to be able to just be horses sometimes and how to treat these animals right. There is so much more to riding than just win competitions and "becoming a better rider" (more like becoming a horrible one). Horses can really give us so much back and we can learn so much from them, if we treat them the right way.
Thank you for this video!
These thoughts are often on my mind, thank you for vocalising.
Fantastic again Shelby !!!
my life's dream is to start a facility for equine facilitated wellness, where people come to spend time with and interact with horses who live relaxing lives in a herd.. Maybe there is some riding but this is not the focus... a place of healing for horses and humans.. one day....
thank you
Very well said.
Thank you for this
i love my current instructor, she's taking it slow and she understands when to move on to harder things. she isn't pusing the horse into a frame and she doesn't force me to make my horse do something she can't (A 10m circle). where working on laterals right now. Also whats your opinon on bits? I'm using a double joint bit right now with no nose band as her nose is very sensitive so riding bitless isn't an option, comfortability wise (she's an ottb is thats useful).
also in australia you can not be a trainner with out an equitaion cert. (Equine care) otherwise your not creditable and can't get a job as a trainer, unless you have been with an already well know, respected, educated trainer for 2 year i think.
It is such an alien concept to me that people would hit their horse?
Or ride them in bits and spurs that cause them pain?
Or [insert another of the many things that should be obvious].
I adore you. Have seen your growth. It happened to me.
very interesting for sure. You hit some excellent points. I will question however how many Stallions you have worked with. I would dare to venture most of them are either mares or geldings. Gelding of course should shed some light on the first original abuse of horses.
I’ve worked with plenty of stallions. They are also horses who have basic needs and deserved to be handled and trained with respect. Anyone who uses gender to justify treating a horse more harshly is the person who needs to work with more stallions if they need pain for compliance.
I rarely ride now. I was quite skilled in my youth however. I don’t care if I ever ride again. My horses are literally just big expensive lawn mowers and I’m fine with that
They are so gentle and kind. I’d rather never ride and have them be this way than win any glory.
Horses deserve to live out it pastures. They deserve to be treated like beings. They deserve empathy. However, some people don't deserve them.
I'm curious about how you think the entire industry could be reformed, because as you said, the only practical way to start for most people is riding lessons. How would YOU run a lesson barn?
Congratulations
If you deliberately harm a horse, it doesn't matter how, kicking, whipping, forcing its chin grotesquely to its chest, pulling hard on its mouth, its not an accident. I remember asking my mother for horse riding lessons when i was a kid. She said pedophile was the word used to describe an evil person that abuses children, and equestrian was the word used to describe a person that abuses horses. I kept asking for lessons so she agreed but was very crafty. She said i had to go to the equestrian shop and get a hat, so we went and while trying on hats so handed me a whip and some spurs. I asked what these were for and she explained, the spurs are worn on your feet and used to kick the horses with, and the whip is what the horses are beaten with. Even at 8 years old i understood how cruel, abusive and just plain wrong that was. I still loved horses, but i did not want any part in their suffering.
your mother was a radical animal activist then. no beginner rider should ever have spurs or a whip. theres absolutely nothing wrong with riding horses, its the industry thats normalizing the pain and stress of horses in the upper levels by people who dont care about their horses and just want the fame and money.
Love your message where it applies but please make the distinction to non equestrians or new equestrians that your concerns are not reflective of all equestrians nor the resounding standard but applies only to those who do not practice best policies with their training or horse keeping - failure to not make this distinction means you will alienate large numbers of people from ever entering the equestrian world. (yes that means your parents would not have aloud you your first riding lesson so long ago) believing the whole community is abusive. Please please remember you have the ability to inform but also aliens. Generalization , however well intended, and your are, are the very basis of potentially creating a mind set of bias against any and all horse people. Generalizations are the basis of prejudice in both the uniformed and ignorant, as we all know. Please don’t block me or this note simply because I do raise a constructive observation. I do value your messages it is an important one.:)
The horse industry doesn’t need welfare reform, it needs animal liberation - horses deserve to be free and not be used for sports that only satisfy human needs.
Domesticated horses would not survive in the wild. They are not wild animals. It’s a cute idea in theory but ultimately, the only realistic short term solution is figuring out how to improve welfare within a quickly urbanizing world.
Ending all horse sports immediately would effectively destroy income for a huge portion of people currently paying to house horses and therefore displace thousands of horses. Not realistic.