HORSES: One more thing

| October 16, 2015 9:00 PM

I have been reading the responses from Sparkles & Spurs with great interest. I do agree with the many who said discipline is important — as long as it’s done in a humane way. I did judge the whole group on the actions of one person and for that I am sorry.

What I saw and heard on the trail was the leader screaming “get off and beat the crap out of him.” (Why isn’t the leader taking ownership of her spoken words?) She was in the front and the rider and horse were in the mid to back. The leader made no attempt to go back and help. I approached her and asked what she meant about her remark. Then is when she went into they have to show submission over this 1,000 plus animal.

What she was instructing the rider to do does not correlate the description on how they handle a difficult animal.

Any animal will react to negativity but I do understand there have to be restraints. Her words were very damaging. (I compare it to a parent screaming at their child. “I’m going to beat the crap out of you.” What image would you conjure up in your mind? That the parent was going to take the child aside and talk?)

My concerns are for these majestic horses and my hope that there is no abuse or damage done to them from owners with self-righteous attitudes.

LIZ MUTH

Coeur d’Alene