On Feb 7, 2008 10:04 AM, Virginia Tupper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Why would he tranquilize his horses?
(rant warning) ;) Because the attitude and such is *not* important in performance horses. If a horse excels at a job, then many people overlook certain flaws in temperment. I believe the way these horses are treated and handled causes them to be agressive and difficult to handle. I groom for a couple local trainers in different disciplines in exchange for lessons, and across the board, in all disciplines, the performance horses generally have one or two vices. Many of them are mouthy, some are difficult to bridle, some are difficult to lead, some are just plain difficult. These faults are overlooked because they can jump or rein or whatever. Those faults and flaws would not be tolerated in a pleasure horse. Personally, I can't imagine my horses not having good manners or having to be sedated to ride them. Some of the horses I ride are sedated, but they're coming off injuries and are on stall rest. They're sedated for both our safety (17+hh of pent up energy is scary, even when sedated!). Correct, good training and finding a happy balance between turnout and keeping the horse safe takes care of many of the attitude issues. The trainer I spend the most time with and I have a great deal of respect for her, her horses are the best behaved of the performance horses I know. It's funny, I learned recently she's done several clinics with the Dorrances and Buck Brannaman. I love my horses, I love my clients trail horses, and I can't imagine wanting to train performance horses long term. Steph -- "Brutality begins where skill ends." "Correctly understood, work at the lunge line is indispensable for rider and horse from the very beginning through the highest levels." Von Niendorff
