Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Making Dog Food!

This thread is starting to unravel abit.  I think everyone has a good point.  We are all products of our own experiences with other horse people and a wide variety of horses.  My experience is certainly minimal in comparison to others here, for sure.  Actually, I'm feeling alittle moronic at times.  Gives me the creeps thinking about that horse ripping its leg off.  Anyway, I think its hard for people to understand horses because we're people, not horses.  We're not wired the same.  They don't understand reward and punishment.  Sure it might seem like it when they're trying to get a carrot out of your pocket, but they don't really.  They understand and value comfort, safety and the herd.  You have to view your horse(s) in  that light.  They are not naughty or spoiled or mad.  When you have an undesireable behavior ask yourself; Is he scared?  Is he uncomfortable (physically or emotionally) or Is he challenging my leadership in the herd?  In my limite d experience, I haven't seen many problems that fall outside those three catagories.  I hope you don't think I'm being too simplistic.  I just think horses deserve more from us, more respect, more dignity.  Every time my horse walks happily in the trailer, I shake my head in wonder--If I were a horse and I thought like a horse, why on earth would I clamber into a metal cave?  Yes, there are definately some horses I think may be beyond repair and again in my limited experience I have seen horses so miserable they appear to beg to be put down.  For the most part I believe we people create these horses  I don't think they are born that way.  I don't like to pick out one natural horseman over others but I like how Pat Parelli puts it:  Love, Language, Leadership equals Lightness.  It sometimes works with people too;-)  so Everyone, go hug your horses and next time you ride walk a mile in their shoes.  Jennifer.

 

 

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