A link I found...

I don't see them citing any references/sources for any of the information/statistics. Not judging, just saying that for me, unless I see evidence of true research/study (i.e. citations) I'm hesitant to believe it.

But if I were to judge it, I'd think that some of it is fluffy nonsense :D

ETS: I just looked at the external link they do provide to see if it contained any sort of basis for their claims and JEBUS it's fairly heavy (not heavily researched, just heavily written) stuff... e.g. "A “mucky girl” is Alexander Nevzorov’s term for girls of varying ages who work with horses without any basis of hippological or scientific knowledge about the horse. They smoke, drink, use slang, beat horses with whips and use the phenomenon of NCS (neurocranial shock) brought about by the use of bits to control the horse." (external link on slide 22)

They provide a link for 'proof that riding a horse on the vertical restricts a horses breathing' but the link doesn't work. Maybe it did once upon a time but it doesn't any more so can't judge on that one.
 
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I didn't read the presentation but seeing as they have links to Parelli I would be doubtful of whatever they had to say. There isn't many training regimes out their that confuse the hell out of a horse until it shuts down and closes of to the world as systematically as Parelli does.
 
Don't be put off too much. Just be very aware of what you are doing with/to your horse. If he/she objects to something, there is usually a reason and we must listen to them and do the best we can to find out what the problem may be. Especially before using harsher bits or any gadgets.
 
Trish C said:
I don't see them citing any references/sources for any of the information/statistics. Not judging, just saying that for me, unless I see evidence of true research/study (i.e. citations) I'm hesitant to believe it.

But if I were to judge it, I'd think that some of it is fluffy nonsense :D
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Me too.... Its all a bit bunny hugging.... If tack is not correctly fittted then yes it will cause problems - we all should know that. BUT what I did not like about this is that they damn everyone who rides in tack. I have nothing against Natural Horsemanship and although its not a route I choose to go down I can see the benefits of some of the techniques they use. Therefore I expect the same respect back. My horse is certainly not unhappy or uncomfortable and I ride in a bitted bridle and a saddle with a tree....
 
winterwood said:
Don't be put off too much. Just be very aware of what you are doing with/to your horse. If he/she objects to something, there is usually a reason and we must listen to them and do the best we can to find out what the problem may be. Especially before using harsher bits or any gadgets.
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Yeah we just have a regular snaffle. Was reading about treeless saddles on there too, are they really any better? I am just gullible to whatever I read I think!
Thanks, I really was worrying a bit! :p
 
jaybe said:
Yeah we just have a regular snaffle. Was reading about treeless saddles on there too, are they really any better? I am just gullible to whatever I read I think!
Thanks, I really was worrying a bit! :p
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People often make the assumption that because a saddle is treeless if will fit any horse, this not the case at all, I tried many brands of treeless saddle before I found one that suited my boy.
I have both treed and treeless saddle and would use whatever suited my horse best at the time but personally I don't think you can beat bareback :p
As long as your horses saddle fits and he/she is comfy that is all that matters.
 
Just an example of 'opinion' rather than 'Fact'
I teach all my pupils to remember that if it's on the internet it can be posted by anyone!:D
 
Although i do have similar opinions as these people, especially about bits. But again, it would be nice to know where they got the information from, and rather state its their opinion rather than as fact.

I do believe the bit can hurt, and many horses do have mouth damage at some stage in their life from the bit, but more research is really needed for this, and the other things to really be able to convince the majority of horseowners.
 
Any bit can hurt any horse if not used correctly. Some bits are more comfortable for some horses.

As long as you remember that you are putting a piece of (usually) metal in a very sensitive part of your horse and do so accordingly you should be fine.

Personally I like as little tack as possible on horses because there really isn't much that a gadget can fix that isn't better fixed by good schooling longer term. But that doesn't mean you are cruel to use tack.

Just think about (ask your instructor if you don't know) why you are using every single part of your tack.
If it fits well (e.g. saddle fitter should check) and is clean and doesn't rub your horse.
The action it has when the rider uses it (e.g. takes up contact on the reins.)
Get someone else to sit up there while you look or just have a play on the ground.

You'll almost certainly end up being a more sensitive rider as a result :-)
 
Tickles said:
Any bit can hurt any horse if not used correctly. Some bits are more comfortable for some horses.

As long as you remember that you are putting a piece of (usually) metal in a very sensitive part of your horse and do so accordingly you should be fine.

Personally I like as little tack as possible on horses because there really isn't much that a gadget can fix that isn't better fixed by good schooling longer term. But that doesn't mean you are cruel to use tack.

Just think about (ask your instructor if you don't know) why you are using every single part of your tack.
If it fits well (e.g. saddle fitter should check) and is clean and doesn't rub your horse.
The action it has when the rider uses it (e.g. takes up contact on the reins.)
Get someone else to sit up there while you look or just have a play on the ground.

You'll almost certainly end up being a more sensitive rider as a result :-)
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I agree
 
Aww how sweet, bless them... I do agree with many if not all of thier points. Certainly the way to go - not the pony-beating we see in this country!!!

I think it's a step in the right direction!! A wee bit airy-fairy in parts...

I think getting off for a break is a great idea! Too many people sit on horses backs at shows waiting for hours. You see horses headshacking, napping... no wonder.

Snaffles.. always hated them. I think bits should be given a makeover.

I like the idea of playing with my pony... I do sometimes, it's very therapeutic and I know many of the most austere horsewomen also do!! ;) (they'll never admit it)
 
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