HORSES: Treat them better

I was horrified to read the letter about the 4-H horse leader, who instructed one of her club members on a trail ride to dismount and “beat the crap out of her saddle horse” who shied at something along the trail.

That is the worst kind of advice to give anyone, especially young riders. As a former 4-H Horse Club leader, I am worried about that young rider and others in the group. If they follow that kind of advice, they will be getting into more trouble with their horses, and possible injuries.

Horses never forget. That horse will remember the beating and connect it to trail riding. He will be more likely to shy more and more.

Good horsemanship builds trust between horse and rider. beating a horse destroys trust between horse and rider.

AVIS THOMPSON

Rathdrum