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In Defense of Horses in Sport
05/26/2008
There are many animal welfare groups today that criticize the use of horses in shows and sports. They feel that the training goes against the instincts of a horse and it is cruel to “force” them to perform based on commands.
There are many animal welfare groups today that criticize the use of horses in shows and sports. They feel that the training goes against the instincts of a horse and it is cruel to “force” them to perform based on commands.
Most horse owners today care very deeply about their horses and their welfare. The well-being of a horse is important to many, and their health is a big priority. Some align themselves with certain animal welfare organizations to help protect horses against animal cruelty. Competitive events and sports have very well-designed and specific rules and regulations that encourage ethical behavior and protect the horses from animal cruelty.
This is not to say that this is always the case. Many horse owners do, in fact, hurt and abuse their horses in desperation for profit and success. But this does not include those who discipline their horses. You could compare horse discipline to the discipline of a child: there is a point in which discipline goes too far, yes, but appropriate actions are effective and beneficial to the horse.
One can also point to the life expectancy of a horse in the wild, and how it is much shorter than that of a domesticated, trained horse. Horses are better protected, in most cases, from injury and death in a domestic setting.
Yes, horses can be injured when in sport, just like humans do. But these are the results of accidents, and not deliberate attempts to hurt a horse or to purposely put them in harm’s way. There are sport practices that are prohibited, but difficult to manage, that torture and inflict pain on horses during performances. There will always be people out there that ruin these activities for the rest of us who respect and love our equine friends. But training a horse breeds loyalty, respect, and affection between a horse and the owner that cares for it. To argue against that wonderful relationship is a disrespect to those who work hard to overcome the actions of the horrible people who do the exact opposite.
