For as long as I can remember, horse welfare has not only been a cornerstone of discussion within the equestrian community, but also a personal journey of advocacy and action for me. As a child, I was moved by Anna Sewell's “Black Beauty,” written in the 1800s to expose horse abuse and stop these injustices. I think reading that book deepened my love for horses and engraved in my heart the importance of treating horses with kindness and respect.
Our nation's oldest show is also rooted in horse welfare. The Upperville Horse Show (Virginia) was founded in 1853 by Colonel Richard Henry Dulaney, who witnessed the improper care of young horses and he promoted better horse care. Both the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Hunter Jumper Association emphasize that horse welfare is of paramount importance in their mission statements, and I share that common commitment in my daily interactions with these wonderful creatures. We emphasize that it incorporates
This winter, the topic of horse welfare was brought into the spotlight through a series of town halls hosted by Mary Knowlton, past president of the USHJA. At the U.S. Equestrian Annual Meeting in Kentucky, Mr. Knowlton made an important distinction that resonates deeply in the equestrian world: the difference between animal rights and animal welfare.
With the help of illustrated slides, she made it clear that animal rights are implicated in ethical debates about human use of animals, questioning the very foundations of equestrian pursuits. In contrast, animal welfare focuses on improving the quality of life of animals under human care and seeks to minimize suffering. This distinction is crucial in framing the conversation between the equestrian community and the general public. The important question is not whether we should interact with horses in sports or friendships, but how we do so responsibly and ethically.
In my experience, the entire equestrian community strives to uphold these principles and is dedicated to providing the best possible care for horses. From ensuring horses are properly housed and fed, to access to compassionate training and medical care, we collectively respect and cherish the privilege of working with horses.
Personally, I have always aimed to treat horses not just as sporting partners, but as family members worthy of love, respect and dignity.
Aspiration: A communication tool or an abuse?
A pressing issue raised at the USEF Annual Meeting was the exploitation of aspiration, particularly in the hunter/jumper category. Aspirations, when done correctly, are invaluable in establishing communication, aiding conditioning, and promoting rehabilitation.
I have used aspiration as one of the first tools to establish a connection with horses, helping them understand vocal commands, balance, and proper transitions. But the misuse of longing, turning it into a tool of exhaustion and punishment, is something I have also witnessed and vehemently oppose. The dark side of longing is revealed when it is used inappropriately, such as “longing to die” or overly long sessions at small speeds. It was disheartening to witness this practice at the show. The horse gallops around a small circle, and the trainer chases it with a whip. Being chased with a bag on the end of a whip (this is dangerous and can scare other horses in the coveted area). If the horse is on the wrong lead or being chased in a cross canter (I saw one horse fall like this, the groom just chases the horse from the ground and doesn't bother checking to see if it's okay). I kept admiring it).
Concerns about appropriate aspiration are not new. The 2009 USHJA Trainer Certification Program Manual lists longing as an effective way to get young horses started under saddle, but states that “under no circumstances should training cause physical harm to the horse. No. Training should never jeopardize the health of the horse or the trainer.”
There is also a chapter on the benefits and harms of aspiration, including the following statement: It should never be a means of inflicting mental or physical abuse. ” He is confident that similar guidance will be provided in the new USHJA Instructor Certification coursework.
The USHJA Horse and Rider Advocates Committee has been publishing information and educational resources about aspiration since at least 2017. In July 2017, Louise Taylor wrote in his In Stride magazine, “Aspirations need to come full circle.” This is a great piece of work, and he can still be accessed on the USHJA website.
USHJA then produced a video called “Longing With Purpose” in both English and Spanish. These videos can also be accessed from the website. These educational resources are free and created and written by qualified horsemen.
Despite these educational efforts, years of abuse persist, leading to the introduction of specific regulations aimed at curbing these behaviors. In 2023, USEF approved his two regulations created by the USHJA, which are important steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our equine companions.
First, the following language has been added to prohibited activities under the Horse Welfare section of the Hunting, Jumper, and Equestrian Rules: “Riding or charging a clearly lame horse'' “Chasing a horse with the use of a charging whip or other inappropriate whip'' “Any accessory of any kind, including but not limited to bags or flags'' Prohibits the use of lunge whips with objects or attachments. “Excessive or destructive flogging.”
The second very important rule is found in HJ106 Riding and Lunge Area and includes the following new wording: [lunger]. Horses without the correct number will be asked to leave the area. ”
Implementing educational efforts alongside the establishment of clear and enforceable rules represents a balanced strategy that can significantly improve the longevity of the horses in our care. The stewards have done a great job so far this year and these new rule additions are helping.
I also have personal experience that underscores the importance of speaking up for the voiceless. For example, a few winters ago in Ocala, Florida, I met a young girl waiting for a horse in the brutal heat. The horse was clearly exhausted and I felt compelled to intervene. Approaching the situation with her empathy and concern, I was able to convince her to give her horse the rest it so desperately needed.
In another example, I witnessed inappropriate horse behavior by a stable worker who worked for a trainer I knew well, which led me to have a direct conversation with her about horse welfare. . This led to a productive dialogue and an initiative to educate staff on proper aspiration techniques.
At HITS Ocala this year, a woman with a bag on the end of her whip started admiring me in the back of my barn and paddock. This action upset the horse in my stall, so I told the trainer that she was upsetting my horse, that whip bags are now illegal, and told her to stop the horse. , asked to go somewhere else. She left but the next day she returned with the same whip and a new attitude of not accepting our concerns.
Because she was wearing a number, she reported it to show management and stewards. Stewards spoke with the trainers and continued to check in to ensure this did not happen for the remainder of the show. These experiences strengthened my belief in the power of constructive communication and the role of personal responsibility in advocating for equine welfare.
Looking to the future: Cultivating a culture of caring
As we look to the future, the challenge of ensuring horse welfare requires a collective effort. It is an effort to not only educate within the community, but to engage with the public, demystify our practices, and demonstrate our dedication to the ethical treatment of horses.
Social media does not provide a solution. Video clips can be taken out of context, and videos posted online can capture a unique emotional life that is not based on the complete truth. And, as Steward Cricket Stone pointed out, animal rights activists could use videos highlighting a few villains in our sport to stigmatize our entire community. .
For information on how to report abuse, read Safeguarding Our Sport: Reporting Horse Nursing Concerns And Other Rule Violations on USHJA.org. It's not that difficult to contact the stewards or show management. You can also call USEF at 859-225-6956 or email epratt@usef.org for reporting advice.
“Let us be mindful in our efforts to educate ourselves and others, relentlessly seek justice for horses, and be compassionate in our interactions with these noble animals.”
Sue Lyman
Perhaps it's time to design a secondary, mandatory SafeSport type program tailored to your horse's needs. Topics include appropriate and inappropriate admiration techniques, distinguishing between discipline and abuse, what to do if you witness abuse, school ring etiquette, showing in environments with poor air quality or heat, and excessive showing. and how to avoid excessive jumping.
Our journey towards improving equine welfare is a testament to the love and respect we have for these partners and underscores our responsibility to champion their welfare at every turn. I am.
Additionally, through my own advocacy work, I learned the importance of individual action. Whether it was a conversation with a young rider in Florida or a veteran trainer in Kentucky, the idea that change starts with us was reinforced. By taking a positive attitude and engaging with the community, you can create an environment that fosters respect, care, and compassion for all horses.
I am calling on my fellow equestrians to seriously and honestly embrace their role as guardians of equine welfare. Let us be mindful in our efforts to educate ourselves and others, relentlessly seek justice for horses, and be compassionate in our interactions with these noble animals. Together, we can ensure that the tradition of equestrian sports is one of honor, respect, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our equine partners.
The journey towards improving equine welfare is continuous and paved with challenges and opportunities for growth. But this is a journey that I and many others in the equestrian community are proud to undertake. Because by championing the cause of equine welfare, we not only enrich the lives of horses, but also deepen the bonds that unite us as equestrians and foster the respect, empathy, and stewardship that define our sport. This is because it reinforces timeless values.
Between Rounds columnist Sue Lyman has been riding, training, and teaching hunters in the Middleburg, Virginia area since 1985. During this time, she trained, started, retrained and competed many successful horses, including Cymbal, Rocks Her Dean, Irrigardless, Townsend, and All in One. . She served on the USHJA Expert Committee from 2008 to 2012. She has served on the USHJA Horse and Rider Advocates Committee since 2013, and in 2021 she became the committee's chair.
This article was originally published in the August 2023 issue of The Chronicle of the Horse. Enjoy The Chronicle of the Horse for a year when you subscribe and access our digital edition online. If you just follow COTH online, you'll miss out on so much great and unique content. Each print issue of The Chronicle is filled with in-depth competition news, fascinating features, insight into issues in the sports of hunter/jumper, eventing and dressage, and stunning photography.
