You’ve probably seen the recent film War Horse. Wasn’t it painful viewing? It made me wonder if we had the right to send half-a-million fine animals to their deaths. Especially for what many would argue was a senseless war.
But I was also reminded of Xenophon’s words…
“Riders who force their horses by the use of the whip only increase their fear, for they then associate the pain with the thing that frightens them.”
That lesson is from Ancient Greece. It’s hard to believe, during a time of such brutal and blood-thirsty warfare, horses could be trained with such kindness and understanding.
Later came Genghis Kahn, whose army is said to have massacred 18 million people. But having seen the slaughter on these bloody adventures, their elderly horses would retire to fine pastures.
Far more recently was World War I, yet still a unique bond was shared among the human and equine troops. This was described in General Jack Seely’s book My Horse Warrior. The General and his horse lived and fought together, through some of the 20th Century’s most horrific battles. Both made it home, and lived to old age.
Towards the end of their lives, the General and his horse rode together with over 100 years between them. In My Horse Warrior Seely wrote…
“The soul of a horse is a great and loyal soul, quite unspoiled by the chances and changes of human kind. Above all it is a courageous soul, and an affectionate soul. But let there be one cruel blow from a grown-up man, and you may have ruined your horse’s fine soul and spirit forever. It is my dream that those who read this book may vow never to beat a willing horse. Warrior has never been so beaten, partly by good fortune, partly because it takes a brave man to beat him.”
Perhaps one day you’ll be locked in a debate, with somebody who insists a frightened horse performs better. You now have a fine argument to throw back. Tell them about the men and horses who’ve truly witnessed brutality.
I have started and saddle trained thoroughbreds for over 30 years and I have never used a whip to teach them to go forward or gallop.It takes time and patience to teach horses this way but it makes for a very strong bond and relationship.Some horses have taken a year to teach to gallop,others only a month or so.I try to use as little pressure as possible and release it quickly when they respond correctly.Fred
I think a long training whip is a jolly useful instrument.
I can get on a horse who doesn’t wish to go forward. Give it a small squeeze with my legs. No response? Two quick flicks with the whip, then I release all pressure and allow the pony to move off. Repeat until we are going off the slightest suggestion with my legs or voice. By the end of a short session the horse is licking and chewing, because the pressure-release really does make perfect sense to them.
Admin, you like the parelli method. How is a dressage whip any different from a carrot stick? They are for the same purpose, to train the horse. Used correctly, neither injured or frightens the animal.