L. Richmond
604 Kirkwood Drive
Northport, Al 35473
205-333-9325
"THE EQUINE BILL OF RIGHTS"
ARTICLE ONE---EVERY HORSE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE A HORSE!
They have the right to run free in the pasture whenever possible, and to seek the society of other horses. This includes "show horses". If your particular competitive endeavor does not allow for your mount's basic needs, then rethink your reasons. There is no substitute for your horse's need to simply be that which it fundamentally is. Surely none of us labor under the delusion that our horses are interested in how many ribbons or prizes, we as riders accumulate. However, your mount may truly enjoy the thrill of competition, especially if you, as a rider and friend, have shown consideration and respect for it's basic nature. With this kind of relationship, horses do display pride and enjoyment in pleasing their mounted partners. Thoughtless and selfish housing or handling, which does not address the physical or psychological requirements of the horse, has been the foundation of much discontent in both horse and rider. It must be replaced with informed husbandry and truth.
ARTICLE TWO---EVERY HORSE HAS THE RIGHT TO COMFORT AND KINDNESS UNDER SADDLE!
It is the rider's task to become educated to the particular needs of his mount and to use a firm and compassionate hand to that end. The uninformed use of harsh training methods, and impossibly foolish equipment, is the sad plight of many of our southern saddle-breeds. Fortunately this is not the case within the single-footing community. Certainly, the absurd practice of insanely padding a horse's feet, to the degree that they cannot even feel the ground, is prohibited, as it should be, within every breed registry. To inflict such ugly, foolish, and cruel devices upon any living creature is utterly contemptible. In addition, the obsession with "the big lick" is not only evidence of a poor understanding of basic equine physiology, but is inherently unattractive. In short, to anyone with even a mediocre knowledge of how a horse should move, this looks STUPID! It cannot be stressed strongly enough that consistent and informed work in the ring and the return to classical riding is our only hope of recovering the status our breeds deserve. It will come as no surprise to most of you that the rest of the Equine world simply dismisses our horses as inconsequential. This is unacceptable and we must work diligently to change it.
ARTICLE THREE---EVERY HORSE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WELL KEPT!
It is the task of our owners and riders to insure that their horses have the most excellent care possible at all times. Remember that this is surely the most wholesome of co-dependant relationships. Proper, kind, and careful handling is the heart of true horsemanship. Nothing is more essential to the creation of a true working relationship with ones' mount. This, of course, requires much initiative upon our part. We must always be ready to embrace that which engenders the welfare of our horses.
ARTICLE FOUR---EVERY HORSE RIDDEN HAS THE RIGHT TO AN INFORMED AND COMPETENT RIDER!
With the understanding that competence takes time and effort, but also with the understanding that anyone, who truly wishes to excel at a particular equine endeavor, cannot hope to succeed without this essential work, we cannot over emphasize the importance of clear and honest training. Attempting to circumnavigate this principle can only result in mediocre work. At it's worst, it will result in severe and permanent damage. A rider cannot progress through shortcuts, and a horse will not learn through ineptitude and brutality. Once again let us say-- CONSISTENT WORK IN THE RIDING RING-- with the aid of a qualified instructor, and much thoughtful study and courage is fundamental to success. Yes, COURAGE! For the true horseman, that is, one who wishes to embrace the concept of "a sincere working partnership" and who consequently is willing to listen and learn from his mount, there is no better path.
