Theses are the messages written back and forth to eachother..... these are here to laugh at lol..........I cannot believe I almost fell for it........
Hey Shaelynn,
it's nice to see you again!
I just have to say...if you would like some further education on horsemanship, natural care and management, developing a harm-free relationship on the ground, I am happy to help as much as I can.
However, I cannot tolerate such comments on some of my photos. There is nothing good about putting a bit in a horses mouth and I do not condone their promotion on my page.
The horse does not belong in "sport" and it saddens me that people use them as such, and yes, even "pleasure" riding causes damage to the horses' body and mind.
Once again, if you would like help or advice, I am happy to assist. I started a blog with information regarding what I mentioned above.
Becoming Equal with Equus
or you can check out
NHE news
Thank you for considering my words.
~Annie
Me: I would really love some tips for on-ground and relationship building but please accept that I will use bits. Not harsh ones but snaffles
Annie:Well, you cannot begin a truly equal relationship with a horse until you can promise him that you will not inflict pain on his body.
When you can make that promise to him, I can help.
I can never ever accept bits. They are cruel. Snaffles are very harsh, there is is nothing soft about a bit, there is nothing gentle about jointed ones, or solid ones....they are all used for one purpose. To control the horse through pain.
Please consider how much pain bits and riding cause a horse, no matter how well-intentioned we may be.
Me:I will need some time to contemplate it because this is ENTIRELY different than what I have been taught. If I do decide to go bitless however, I will still keep my bit on hand JUST IN CASE of emergencies. I have gathered some good knowledge from you folks in the past such as barefoot which has done great for my ponies
I wonder if they have nosebands that you can hook on to your regular bridle to use instead because I just bought a nice new bridle :/ The last time, I bought a rope hack and when we were cantering on the trail, I was about to get bitchslapped by a tree and tried to slow Comet down and the stupid thing broke...........5 TIMES!!!!
Annie: Yes, it is a very different way of thinking ;-) But we MUST change the way we see the horse. The horse is NOT created for riding. So when we can understand that fact....when we can realize that this is an unnecessary activity that exists to make the human feel good about themselves. There are many other activities we can do with the horse that does not interfere with their natural physiology.
Take a look around
NHE news
There is a forum where like-minded people can answer a lot more questions a lot more effectively than I can, as well as an amazing support system.
It is certainly a life-style change, and a huge mental shift, but it is for those who care more about their horse than for their own egoistic pleasure.
Shaelynn: I must kindly disagree with the anti-riding. The Bible permits it. With the second coming of the Lord, he comes in riding on a white horse. The horse was created by God to serve us but I do not condone being a "slave driver". My horse enjoys working. He loves going on leisurely trail rides. He always comes to meet me at the gate for a ride. I see him in the pasture looking depressed and watching the field where we ride just waiting to get out with me. If horses were not meant for riding, why does God heal the crippled during horse therapy. I have seen miracles happen through riding. Even the people who practice Haute Ecole ride!
Annie:
With all due respect I will leave theology out of it...I think "God" will understand the parameters of correct riding without causing harm. (natural collection, not more than 15 minutes at a time etc) But honestly, if we are going to bring these ideas into scientific fact (it's biology, not mysticism) then I will depart from the conversation. I have no interest in discussing religion.
Traditional Haute Ecole is very harmful to the horse. Alexander has developed an understanding within his relationship, to perform certain HE elements, however, he no longer performs them while mounted.
The Horse was NEVER meant to "serve" us. I absolutely CANNOT tolerate such ideas.
If this is where this conversation is going, I will have no part in it.
Me: I came to you for tips but maybe it was a better idea to avoid eachother............
Annie: I agree. I get the feeling you did not want to be friends for the advice. There was none of that energy in your words, only defense for your treatment of an animal.
I think when the time is right and you are ready to stop all harm to your horse, you will be able to find the proper guidance.
Good luck!
Me: Please do not call me an animal abuser. I am not one at ALL