06-13-2011, 07:02 PM
hock: hock: hock: I think it is important that we remember why we are on RAT - to encourage each other, not to slight or put people down.
Photos are only half the story, and you have to respect the decisions made by people and the horses they ride. We have to be able to ride safely and if that means modern aids are applied then they should be used. No point in dead or injured riders, they won't help develop our knowledge! :roll:
I'm sure everyone on this thread who rides does it with the horse as the number one priority. We all care for the horses we ride as it is a joint relationship of trust and work for both the rider and the horse.
Quote:So why not keep practising at home ( with those more friendly bits or riding by neck pressure) instead of taking them on shows already.
Why the rush?
You as a human can decide when you're at your limit or stop when you're in pain or discomfort .
The horse has no choise...so please take a closer look at your equipment and riding abbillities before you use an animal for your own benefits.
Olga, we practice with, and train the horses all through the year and work especially hard with them over the winter so that everyone, especially the horses, feel confident. There is no rush and we only take the horse when it is ready. Sometimes modern bits and bridles are needed, but we are always working with the horse to progress things. So although some photos show modern tack in time hopefully those bits will change. We just need to make sure it is correct first.
I back John up in saying that we certainly do not ride the horses for money, or our own personal agenda or benefit. We do it because of an interest in recreating the past to the highest standard and try to learn as much as possible from what we do.
And I am afraid that there are some ill-trained or hard to control horses in the world that do need lots of work, because they have not been treated right in the past. It is not down to the ability of the rider. Sometimes you do come across horses like that.
Saying that, our horse supplier is fantastic, the horses are 100% his main priority and they are beautifully curried, cared for and trained. We work together to make sure tack fits correctly and that is why there is still some modern tack, because we are yet to work on it. Forgive us a bit of time, not everything is done at once! Equipment improves eternally and constantly, as I am sure you are aware.
You are also lucky to own your own animals and give them such a great life from beginning to end. They do look very nice.
mile:
