Ann Romney = Animal Abuser

[matt819]

91. What is it with the antagonism to horses

You are right. I wasn't responding to your post specifically but rather to the OP and others of like mind.

You observe that you don't believe dressage training is abusive if done correctly. Let's take that a step further. Regardless of what you believe, dressage training, or any other training with horses, is not abusive if done correctly.

You also observe that it's unnatural and not the most humane way to interact with horses. Granted, horses did not evolve to be ridden, but ridden they are. It's a hobby, and as hobbies go, it's a pretty good one. And for those for whom it's a vocation or profession, you're not going to get rich, but those who do it find it rewarding. What's wrong with that? And, contrary to popular belief, it's not a sport in which the only participants are rich. They're teachers and accountants and secretaries and stay-at-home moms and dads. Why is it unnatural? Horses are magnificent animals with a rich social structure among themselves and who value as much as we do their interaction with us people. If you've spent any time around horses, you'd find this out.

Yes, there's abuse. As there's abuse in just about any sport or other activities. Talk to ballet dancers. Boxers? There are people who are just nasty and shouldn't be allow around animals (or people). Take a look at the recent New York Times articles on horse racing. Yeah. It happens. And it sucks. But among genuine horse people, it's a way of life. And it's these genuine horsemen and women who do their best to guard against equine abuse in their communities, and beyond. Equine rescue groups abound, usually operating on a shoestring, to care for animals that have been abused or neglected. There are groups that specifically cater to retired racehorses. These are not abusers, and their relationship with horses is far from unnatural.

Sure, there are other ways to spend time and money, ways that may address hunger or poverty or educational problems in your community. But to be so dismissive of people and horses, as has been shown here, is just downright nasty.