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The equestrian world is a place of many strong opinions, ambitions, and dreams. This makes it a world where debate can easily arise. There are many of us, and we are different. We own horses in different ways and do not always agree.
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But where does the horse fit in all this – is it our convictions and dreams that set the agenda, or is it the horse's needs?
There is a myriad of different disciplines that involve horses: show jumping, dressage, western, academic, harness racing, thoroughbred racing, endurance, eventing, etc.
What does each horse owner base their discipline choice on? Is it a dream of soaring over jumps, performing technically difficult exercises, obsessing over small details, or riding really fast? In some disciplines, money is at stake, while others are purely for the sake of the sport and enjoyment.
As horse owners, we are responsible for our horses' lives, their day-to-day, and their well-being. We work hard to offer our horses the best, so they can have a wonderful life full of benefits.
The question is, what do we base our choices on when we choose for our horses?
Once a horse owner asked me why I didn't put boots on my horse when I was going to ride it. I responded to her question with a counter-question: Why did she put boots on her horse?
I personally prefer as natural a horse life as possible without blankets and shoes, which probably explains why I don't put boots on my horse.
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In terms of shoes, the problem a couple of years ago was that my barefoot horse walked stiffly and cautiously when I led her to the riding arena, from the pasture, or when we rode in the forest. I tried boots because I didn't want to put shoes on her. Indeed, it helped a bit when she wore the boots, but only then. When she took them off, she again walked stiffly and cautiously.
After several discussions with myself, I decided to try front shoes. And it worked. Significantly better movement and a relaxed horse.
I was against the decision, but my horse's reactions convinced me.
Most of my life with horses, I have been against blankets. My view is that they hinder the horse's ability to grow and lift its coat when it gets cold. Besides, it's also cumbersome, and they inevitably tighten. Yes, there are many prejudices, and several of them are probably well-founded.
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After a period where my horse had challenges in her underbelly, the vet asked me to put a blanket on my horse, as she should not get cold over her loins. So, I did. I managed to find a blanket that fit her shape and one that I could endorse.
When she wore the blanket, I could see the point of it. My horse doesn't grow much winter fur, and she shivers when it rains and snows. The blanket helped.
So far, my horse and her needs have made me go against my otherwise clear convictions. Convictions, the origins of which I don't fully know, or for whose sake they have arisen.
