Monday, September 29, 2008
The Future for Humane Dressage
As I move about in the dressage community, I wonder how many people are interested in dressage and how many people are interested in humane dressage. What is the difference? Dressage for the ego/dominance/display or dressage for the partnership/well being of the horse's mind and body/soulful. Most of us are drawn to the horse as a magical being and hopefully with respect and right intention for this being. The horse graciously adapts to people's version of "good care" which does not always include turnout, ability to graze, socialization, and fresh air. Do humans graciously try to be patient and adaptive to the horse's limited lifestyle: warming up the body before getting on the horse, removing mental tension and lack of appropriate focus, giving the horse time to adjust from being without a rider to carrying one? When horses are judged for various " inappropriate actions"--unwilling to go forward, unwilling to round up and soften to the contact, unwilling to turn not to mention bend, etc.--do we take the time to examine and understand the why? What type of horse would truly be willing and happy to go around a rectangular area (with or without good footing) on a daily basis? Could I enthusiastically run on a treadmill if I didn't also do other activities on a regular basis? How often do we see horses who are bright eyed, willing, and eager in the sport of dressage?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Sue this is a very good point and one for which i am quite passionate about. I am new to horse riding but I know people that partake in dressage and they are quite strange to be honest! I feel that they are not really in tune with the mental state of the horse, they just gear them up with bits and bridles and they see them as more as commodities when more care and love should be given to this amazing creature.
Keep up the good work of highlighting this - hopefully someone will listen!
It's Sunday morning and as I log onto the internet my home page (Waltzing Horses) comes up and I decide to allow myself the luxury of going to your blog Sue. Reading your thoughts with regards to the welfare of the horse continues to make me proud to be associated with you. We share the same passion when it comes to the welfare of these magnificant animals - but you actually get to live it every day. If only every horse could pass thru your hands . . . You have never altered in your intentions - keep up the good work! Norma
Post a Comment