Something that I have been thinking about today - and wondered what peoples views and experiences are.
There are lots of riding schools, and some livery yards, located in inner city, or urban areas where the space is highly limited and the environment is noisy, often complete with heavy air pollution.
Do you think these yards are worthy in their aim to bring horse-riding to the urban population, or do you think these yards compromise the lifestyle of the horse so that it can make the lifestyle of the rider easier?
I for one am surprised that the BHS approve so many of these riding schools, which have no turnout, small stable sizes (to save space) often dangerous yard layouts (again space saving) and sometimes not even the smallest amount of hacking.
Whilst I love the fact that it could get more people in to riding, I don't personally agree with any horse having to cope in the conditions they have to...
(I realise this applies to army and police horses too...)
Thoughts?
There are lots of riding schools, and some livery yards, located in inner city, or urban areas where the space is highly limited and the environment is noisy, often complete with heavy air pollution.
Do you think these yards are worthy in their aim to bring horse-riding to the urban population, or do you think these yards compromise the lifestyle of the horse so that it can make the lifestyle of the rider easier?
I for one am surprised that the BHS approve so many of these riding schools, which have no turnout, small stable sizes (to save space) often dangerous yard layouts (again space saving) and sometimes not even the smallest amount of hacking.
Whilst I love the fact that it could get more people in to riding, I don't personally agree with any horse having to cope in the conditions they have to...
(I realise this applies to army and police horses too...)
Thoughts?