I have been reading a number of post that condem the use of a riding crop, spurs, lunge whips, etc
My own opinion on this topic is that all these aids are useful if used as an extension of your body. For example, Monty rides with spurs and I do as well. The are used as a subtle cue, not as a punishment. The same for a riding crop. You can bat the horse on the rear or flank area with out causing pain and without scaring the horse. Try batting yourself with a crop and see how it feels and when it starts to hurt. You will have a better understanding of using the crop as a communications tool.
I agree with all those who are appalled at the misuse of not only equipment but also the good nature of horses. Monty said that if a jockey uses the crop harshly on a horse, the horse will not run as fast. I watched a couple of horse races and noticed that in one race the jockey woes just urging the horse with his body and hands while the jockey next to him was beating his horse with a crop. Guess who won the race
Let's have a discussion on your experiences either using riding aids or why you don't think they should be used
Cheers
I'm with Dennis on this!
Like Monty has said as well; it's always in the hands of the user.
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Any equipment you choose to use, whether it is a crop, bit, or even a Dually halter, it need to be used with utmost care and knowledge.
Frankly, I think ignorance is a lot worse threat to any animal, than ever a whip or spur can be and I'm just as sorry to see people misuse aids, as I am to hear people condemn their very existence just because it is *possible* to harm the horse with them.
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As an English rider I am often, but not always, wearing both whip and spurs, but only to refine my signals to the horse so I don't have to kick, thump or twitch around in the saddle to get the message through.
In this capacity, the aids makes it more comfortable for the horse since I - the rider- can stay more still and in balance.
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But I will be the first to admit that lots of equipment should be left in the hands of professionals, who already are highly competent riders/trainers and - above all - knows how to work with them without harming their horses in any way.
Way too many people can just buy any gadget they think will help their problem, or because they saw this successful rider (any discipline!) use it, and then implement it on their own horse without knowing more about how to use it than I know of sweeping chimneys. (You just pull a brush up and down the pipe, right?)
Hi Y'all,
When I am at the stables I have to use a crop to get the horse to listen to the subtle instructions.
I also use a long whip as an extention of my arm with MY STAR, I would never strike her with it, there's no need.
I have not used spurs in years but use to. I would love to have a pair with the ball on the end and dip them in plastic rubber as Monty has done and use those.
I'm not sure what MY STAR is going to need, she loves speed so I don't think I'll have a problem getting her going as I will getting her to slow down.
This is something I am working on now, listening to my signals when I want her to walk not run full speed ahead, she loves to move and looks fantastic when she does.
Her tail flys like a flag and you can see the joy in her eyes.
I was just in the corral with her and we were flying together. I was on the ground with my arms out and walking in tight circles, backing up, going forward and walking sideways. She was following in perfect harmony, it was like we were dancing together, I would face her and she would keep on going, what a wonderful feeling.
My next step is to have her rear up on cue. She bows when I am finished, it's so cute when she puts her head down to her knees.
It is cool here now and with the fog, it was like a dream. My husband is going to video me doing this with her and I will post it on my facebook account.
Hey,
Ronda
Ronda and Kicki
Thanks for the comments. I certainly agree that ignorance can be very damaging to the horse as well as the rider. Ronda, I am looking forward to seeing your video. I just finish a musical performance on Saturday and I am riding with spurs, which I used during the performance. If you watch the video there is no outward sign from my horse that I am touching him with the spurs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UpVnCOJGaA
I used conventional spurs only once. I could see the effect afterwars because a friend had taken a video of it. I hardly could not watch it, I have never done it again. The whip: I have learned from Johan Hofmans in France to use it to make noise, hitting on my boot without touching the horse. I often try to ride without it. In the roundpen I have difficulty to see the basic difference between a whip (that does not hurt the horse) and the long line or plastic bags. I prefer the long line and my hands because the changes are more subtle and more graduate.
Rudi
I understand why you would not like to use spurs, but if you look at some of the videos of Monty using spurs his shank is round and covered with rubber, so it would have the same effect as you pressing a finger into the horse and ask him to move sideways. I use western spurs with a clover leaf shaped rowel which is very smooth. Unfortunately when I show my horse I have to use Peruvian tack and their spurs are very pointed which mean I must be very careful when using them. If I use them with too much pressure my horse will jump slightly and that will pretty much eliminate my chance of winning. Being careful, patience and consistent is the key not matter what tools or methods you are using.
Cheers
Well said, Dennis,
There are times when we must do what has to be done to get the results we want.
Safety, confidence, fairness and firmness all in the same amount results in excellence.
I look forward to veiwing your video and have seen the video on Monty's spurs.
He is a very gentle man and would never harm a living being!!!
Ronda
Dennis and Ronda. You are perfectly right. I had to use spurs of a riding school and I was not trained to use them.
Rudi