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 Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 9:08 am
I love horseback riding! I ride English, but I'd love to learn western...my favorite types of horses are pintos, mustangs, shetlands, the list goes on.
LET'S TALK ABOUT HORSES!
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Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 11:16 am
I have a horse myself. He's a retired chestnut thoroughbred named Copper Fox. Since he's retired, I don't horseback ride anymore. We visit him as often as possible, groom him, spoil him with love and treats, and care for the other animals at the barn.
To be honest, I'm one of those people who is generally against horse competitions. Some horses are born to do it, but many of them are too forced into it. Horse racing is much too cruel, and most other competitions are based too highly on what the rider wants, instead of how the horse is feeling. And please, nobody tell me that I don't know what I'm talking about. My horse was a racer for four years, and then had seven owners in the nine years between his racing and our purchasing him. They bought and sold him as an eventing horse; he was a jumper, and a pretty good one. However, I've seen and experienced the trauma it's left on him, and could never in my eyes be worth the ribbons or titles. I won't go into details unless asked to, as it would take a long time to explain, but he's been through a lot. I've also seen many other horses whose personalities and attitudes have been ruined by coompetition-focused owners, and I've done research on horse racing.
Personally, I wouldn't care if I never got to ride again, even though I love it I'm there for the horses. The barn we keep ours at has many others who have been dumped or are rather neglected by their owners, and I can't think of anything better than going there and giving them some love. They appreciate it more than I can describe, and I love them all like family. biggrin I am horse obsessed.
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Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 3:10 pm
That's a great opinion ^_^ I just fell into the story of Seabiscuit and suddenly horse racing has become close to me. But I like what you said about how some horses are born for it, that's the kind of horse I'll be cheering for.
Sorry, I didn't realize that there was another thread for horses already!
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 9:42 am
I've heard and read a couple stories about horses who just loved the racing. However, most of them should not be there, or should not be living in the conditions they are. Then there's the fact that one in nine racehorses are sent to slaughter every year. Many within months of their last race and without the original owner's knowledge. Most racehorses do not end up happily grazing in a field after racing. They're sold, whether through normal selling or auctions, and the new owner may do with the horse as he/she pleases. Some of these new owners, though they may seem friendly at first, sell the horses to "killers:" the people who purchase horses to sell them to slaughterhouses, or are killers themselves.
For those who do survive, they are mentally affected by their racing and training for the rest of their lives. Again, I'm not going to sit and ramble too long unless asked to.
Now, please don't think that I'm against all forms of horseback riding and competing. I've ridden plenty in my time, and was particularly fond of jumping. I simply have had bad experiences with horse stables and other owners, and I wish people would be more considerate of the animals.
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