Should tradition be kept or come out of dark ages?.

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rema

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Following on from a few earlier posts about the way things are done in the horse world?.Like manes going left to right,mounting from the near side,not letting horses drink after feed,and i'm sure you can all think of loads more.
Who says this is the right way to do things?.So come on lets have your thoughts!.
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Don't know if it's tradition exactly but, 'white hooves can't go barefoot because they are weaker than black hooves'

Someone tried to tell me this again the other day.
 
I have to say I do like tradition and old-fashioned values! I think it is important to dress smartly for competition and hunting - however I also think we should be realistic. I mean, we should all be able to mount from either side and I don't see why a mane should have to fall to the off-side, it's like forcing all children to be right-handed - we did that in Victorian times but it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do!
 
I'm as old-fashioned as the next person when it comes to show attire, for example, but I do think we should constantly be examining things we do out of tradition, to see if they make any sense---and if they're harmless. Many horsey traditions, I understand, come out of the needs of the military, such as not getting your sword in the way when mounting (thence near side), watering all horses at set times only (thence the rule about not watering after feeding), etc. Some of these traditions simply don't make sense anymore, given changes in horse management and use, and deserve re-examination. On the other hand, riding side-saddle in a huge dress doesn't really make much sense any more, but is still pretty to see!
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I'm not a traditionalist at all. I am a modern girl through and through and I don't fear change. I am endurance rider, so I feed and water before, after and shock, horror during strenuous exercise. I wear brightly coloured clothes and tack. Basically, for me, if it works, I will do it - I don't care if it isn't conventional
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I believe that there are a lot of 'traditions' within the horseworld that should be thrown out. New information proves that the ideas are wrong. yes, correct dress and manners, but many things, why?
 
I guess things became a tradition for a reason!

My horses mane just goes on the offside without any help! But I thought horses should always have fresh water with their feed!!!! :S
 
I think things should progress (sensibly) and move with the times, what works for one wont always work for another ie I get on and off either side, he has his breakfast before riding and before travelling, never been a problem in the 5 years Iv'e had him, other horses will be different and one should do what works for them with nothing written in stone, treeless saddles are brill for some horses but can be frowned on by "traditionalists", I like to keep an open mind but will tend to stick with what works for me and his lordship, there is something to be said for "if it aint broke dont fix it"
 
I think the ideal is to take the best from both traditional ways and modern advice or technology. I love the traditions in showing with tweed jackets and plaited manes, immaculate clean horses traditionally ridden in double bridles and side saddle classes but I also really appreciate my gorgeous synthetic bridle which rinses under the tap and also the modern views on horse care without all the nonsense on say(imo) supplements and magic potions that will calm your horse cost £3.00 a shot and bleed your purse dry!
I think there is a danger that many new sciency/nutrition stuff can be thought of as good because maybe it has a lot of psuedosciencebabble attached to it, and this can be confusing for the non-science trained.
I am fortunate in that I remember the old ways, ie I am old! but I have a science based education which I think helps me make informed decisions about new stuff, gadgets etc etc.
 
traditional. its not a fashion parade go to the cat walk if you wana walk round in pretty sparkly things. if you want to go hunting xc or showjumping dress smart and get on with it. there is nothing wrong with abit of hard graft and a gleaming set of plain tack looks alot better than something with little gems all bloody over it.

Rant over lol
 
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Exactly joe_carby. I saw pink hoof polish on a lovely horse the other day, a leap too far!

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But why not??

Is it doing the horse any harm? sure, out hunting and when competing people should dress themselves and their horses in the correct attire, but hacking out?

If people like pink bling then they like pink bling.

My daughter adores putting pink glitter in horses tails, and I know of older riders who love having pink diamante stirrups / bits etc. Surely it;s up to them.
Its surely better to have a fashion for colourful horse accessories than strong bits or spurs, which could cause problems??
 
I wish when I was first taught how to mount a horse, I had been made to learn equally from both sides. I hate that I can only mount from one side, its so stupid and limiting.

I also think pulling manes is tight but I do it anyway. I wouldn't mind if this tradition was replaced.
 
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,not letting horses drink after feed

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Really?
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I didn't know about that one. I remember when it was considered wrong to give a horse water straight after exercise and now it's known to be beneficial and important for horses to drink as and when they feel like it
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The trouble is that most of the traditional Lore regarding horses has now been forgotten and some of the things said on this thread only go to prove it.I dont recall any of the oldtime hosemen I learned from ,ever saying dont give a horse water after work.I was taught to allow the water in controlled ,SMALL quantities. Water after feed!! ,my horses never get fed unless they have already had access to water,and in an unstressed manner.Its no good offering a horse a drink of water when he thinks he is about to be fed. Oh and one further item of old school Lore,Thrush and mud fever are diseases of neglect!
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