Competition

[Cheko]

I agree with the two who have mentioned competition riding. I entirely agree with what they say. I personally dont enter competitions with mine. We just enjoy hacks and a bit of schooling. However, not all who compete do so for their own glory. Some actually care for their horses. I think racing (I know I'm going to upset some people) can be quite cruel as well as showjumping. Some of the modern methods use to train dressage horses arew questionable. Even basic riding can be construed as cruel. I am sure there are many others just like myself who have never used an unnatural aid on their horses/ponies....ever. He's ridden in a plain snaffle on a loose rein, using my body weight to slow down, stop etc.
Riding schools must take some of the blame as many of them dont explain humane aids clearly enough, their main retoric is kick with yer legs, pull with yer hands. Tho, again not all are the same.

[Shiny McShine]

I don't know what you are refering to in this thread... have I missed something?

As for natural aids... could you define them for me seeing as you have never used anything but them? What is a natural aid? Some would say leg, hand and weight aids. Why? How is a bit, snaffle or otherwise natural for the horse? Why is a plain snaffle any more natural than a pelham or a curb?

Do you mean more natural to a person or to a horse because I know what type of bit a horse would choose...none at all. I think he would also object to you or me sitting on his back or brushing his mane, or rugging him. I am pretty sure he would rather graze in the paddock all day.

You seem to grasp the concept that basic riding can be cruel...how can you be so sure what you are doing is uncruel.

Lastly what exactly are you trying to say. Is your aim to draw compliments, criticism...? I can't really understand what you are getting at but would love to know and help you out whatever way I can.

[Cochise]

My thoughts on this can be read here:

http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=165980#post165980

[Cheko]

Sorry Shiny this was posted on the wrong board. I admit that this wasn't worded too brilliantly. I was holding a conversation with collegues and wasn't payng attention to what I was doing. Actually, the colleagues I was arguing with are of the opinion that horses shouldn't be ridden at all.
Subject closed.