From the Editor
industry is always buzzing about rules—rule changes, rules being broken, rule interpretations. From breed and discipline associations to how we feed and manage our horses, we have a lot of rules and regulations to consider in every decision we make regarding the horses in our care.
To me, these rules break into a few categories. See if you agree, and then send me your comments and perceptions.
WELFARE AND SAFETY
The rules and standards that keep horses and riders safe are arguably the most important but are some of the most flagrantly broken. We’re told not to ride in sneakers or wear sandals around horses, but it happens all the time. We decide to break these rules, assume the risk, and take responsibility for the consequences—including broken toes.
For our horses, however, it’s a different story. They rely on us to make responsible decisions for their welfare. They don’t decide to go against what’s best for their own well being; humans make those decisions for them. Prohibited training practices, banned substances, tack regulations—rules in place exist to serve the animal we partner with in our passion. Unfortunately, sometimes these standards are ignored, putting greed and the need to win ahead of the horse. Whether someone drugs a horse to sell it or to win a world championship, the horse isn’t being put first. I often wonder if someone who chooses to put his or her own desires ahead of the horse in these scenarios would do the same thing back when he or she fell in love with horses? Have they somehow lost that connection?
LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD
Rules govern every competitive discipline, from reining to barrel racing. They set standards for all competitors to abide by. On the surface, these seem like the easiest to follow and enforce. Go off pattern? You’re disqualified. Knock over a barrel? Add five seconds to your time.
It’s the rules that are open for interpretation that can be problematic to follow and enforce. Those for gaits and headsets especially come under scrutiny and drive ongoing discussions about what’s right and wrong, according to the rules and the person interpreting them. In these cases, once again putting the horse first should help clear the muddy waters to determine what’s right and wrong.
PERSONAL HABITS
Do you have a hard-and-fast rule that your horses must be fed by 5:30 each evening? Maybe you keep a detailed calendar so you can deworm, vaccinate, etc. by the book on the exact day recommended? Or perhaps you have stringent tack-room rules for how to hang bridles, where grooming tools go, and what to do with trash? These standards keep us on track, our horses happy (and, hopefully, vice-free!), and give a sense of order to what could be an otherwise-chaotic horse life. I’d be interested to hear what your personal rules are with your horses.
IN THIS ISSUE
This month, we deliver our feed and nutrition issue. Throughout the magazine you’ll find feeding tricks and hints, from products to advice for keeping your herd happy and safe at feeding time. If you’ve ever stood in the grain aisle at the feed store, confused by a feed tag, turn to page 49 for Dr. Barb Crabbe’s take on decoding those tiny treasure troves of information. We’ve probably all had horses that bicker come dinnertime or a horse that doesn’t get his share because of his status in the pecking order. On page 62, a behaviorist explains feeding behaviors and how to ensure that every horse gets his entire ration.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this issue. Please share your ideas and feedback at the email address below.