I'd pay to have seen a mum (or other person of authority) do that to him! Just wrong, awful treatment - might be a pro but has he never heard of the other aids.......?
If you're determined to have long and can find the extra £15 - one pair size 8, Xwide left at Country Supplies
http://www.countrysupplies.com/item.asp?i=1868
Heros is a wonderful charity. These beautiful horses should not be shot just because they don't like racing or are not developing fast enough to make money. Our partnership "sold" a lovely, well-bred 3yo filly to a new home last year (she hated racing and starting gates but had the sweetest...
If you are really tempted ... why not have a drool over some of these lovely greys and lurchers? They can be cat tested before rehoming.
We have a beautiful 3yo blond hairy lurcher who loves cats and has now met and loves (or is indifferent to) horses.
http://www.kentgreyhoundrescue.com/