08/22/2022
There is a shift happening in the equine world.
What will this look like in the not-too-distant-future, for a foal born in the next few years?
We know more about horse behavior and brain function. A deeper understanding of the horse informed by science informs training and horse care across the board.
We define ownership as seeing our horses through to the end, no matter what. We think about this before we seriously contemplate buying a horse.
We teach young equestrians to see horses as sentient partners, to understand the responsibilities of becoming a caring horseperson, not just conveyances for winning ribbons.
We use language that reflects our reverence for, not denigration of, our horses.
We advocate and speak up when we see something amiss, willing to question methods that we don’t agree with, no matter who is using them. We hold one another accountable for our horses’ sakes. This is very different from judgement and criticism.
We listen to our horses, seek softness, and ask why, rather than ignore, use power and demand respect.
We vote with our feet by paying the professionals who do it right by putting the horse, not making money at the horse’s expense, first. These individuals are more joyful than jaded, inspiring, not defeating.
We have a healthy tendency to question tradition, the that’s-the-way-it’s-always-been attitude and methods.
We stop revering champions because they are champions and hold up those who win at any level that put their horses first. And we know how to tell the difference.
We choose equine professionals that invite curiosity, conversation and questions and play nicely with one another, not those who refuse to engage with owners or their colleagues due to a my-way-or-the-highway attitude.
This change is happening, I see it – and advocate for it - every day. Be part of it, or risk becoming obsolete.
