I read something somewhere that Sjef Janssen, who trains Patrik Kittel, said that he had proven his training techniques b/c he had "put" piaffe and passage on a donkey.
I can only imagine what that entailed. :/
And I feel it is arrogant of him to believe that he "puts" any of these natural equine movements on ANY animal. They are born with the movement. As far as I'm concerned, all he does is muck it up.
I've signed it as well, Billie. Thanks for posting. I have to say, I'm a bit naive about dressage training and showing, but this issue has definitely been eye opening for me. I certainly hope this attitude doesn't prevail at these types of events because I'm finding it to be a big turn off to the sport.
Michelle, I realize that this isn't the only discipline where abuse takes place - and I am first and foremost an animal advocate.
But this is very personal to me b/c I talk a lot about dressage, and while I will never compete in this discipline, I enjoy seeing kind riders compete on happy horses.
Beautiful dressage is, to me, an art AND a spiritual practice. I don't want anyone ever to associate the dressage I write about with what is being ridden in these warm-up arenas around the world.
And I truly want the practice to go out of fashion and be seen for what it is: abuse.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment - I love reading them and respond as often as I can. I also love comments that add to the original post, so feel free to share your own experiences, insights, and thoughts.
Thanks billie. Hope this helps stop this despicable practice.
ReplyDeleteThank you Billie for your love and concern for these animals who should never be abused in this manner.
ReplyDeleteConsider it signed by myself.
ReplyDeleteSheaffer
Arlene, thanks - I feel like I'm doing *something* posting this here, little though it may be.
ReplyDeleteMatthew, that is so sweet of you to write.
ReplyDeleteSheaffer,
ReplyDeleteThank you.
I read something somewhere that Sjef Janssen, who trains Patrik Kittel, said that he had proven his training techniques b/c he had "put" piaffe and passage on a donkey.
I can only imagine what that entailed. :/
And I feel it is arrogant of him to believe that he "puts" any of these natural equine movements on ANY animal. They are born with the movement. As far as I'm concerned, all he does is muck it up.
Billie, the thought of that maniac interacting with a donkey strikes a chill to my very core. How infernally arrogant of the man.
ReplyDeleteMine, too, Sheaffer!
ReplyDeleteI've signed it as well, Billie. Thanks for posting. I have to say, I'm a bit naive about dressage training and showing, but this issue has definitely been eye opening for me. I certainly hope this attitude doesn't prevail at these types of events because I'm finding it to be a big turn off to the sport.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I realize that this isn't the only discipline where abuse takes place - and I am first and foremost an animal advocate.
ReplyDeleteBut this is very personal to me b/c I talk a lot about dressage, and while I will never compete in this discipline, I enjoy seeing kind riders compete on happy horses.
Beautiful dressage is, to me, an art AND a spiritual practice. I don't want anyone ever to associate the dressage I write about with what is being ridden in these warm-up arenas around the world.
And I truly want the practice to go out of fashion and be seen for what it is: abuse.
Thanks for posting the link and supporting horses.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Lisa, thank YOU for stopping by.
ReplyDelete