Bad Horse Welfare In The OIympics | What Does An Ethical Horse World Look Like?

[@sarbear0214]

I really dislike the argument that “these horses are treated like royalty and they are so spoiled and live a life of luxury”. Just because you live a life of luxury doesn’t mean you can’t be abused.

[@rhi963]

yeah its really gaslighty and manipulative. I cant imagine the lives some of these competition horses live and how awful it must be

[@kropotkinnie]

it's also insane because horses do not have the same concept of luxury as we do. it's like if you trapped a human child in an expensive fish tank and said "oh yeah, there is no abuse here, they're living in peak luxury!! this is the best of the best" like bro one animal's luxury is another animal's torment

[@taffyholvenstot8297]

Yes, it’s the same with the terrible abuse of rodeo horses. They say there they are so well kept and prized, Yep they suffer terribly for five minutes. That’s not OK with me.

[@chia_.]

Thanks for talking about the working student issue. Two years ago I finished high school and I started being a working student for my instructor. I basically worked a part time job and not only I didn’t get paid I also PAID FOR LESSONS. Thinking back now it’s crazy how normalised it was in the environment I was in, almost like I needed to feel grateful for the opportunity while I was being exploited

[@valkvat]

When I used to work for a “higher level trainer” it really opened my eyes. Not much turnout (1 hour max) and when they did they were fully booted and turned out individually. Shit saddle fit, huge bits, behavioural issues, and health issues. I was only a stable hand so I didn’t watch them train or coach but in the barn he could be quite rough with them. It really made me turn away from that kind of industry.

[@karenmiller129]

Shelby.. NEVER EVER doubt for one second just how friken A-mazing YOU are ❤.. maybe you've already read some of my comments.. I dunno.. but I have always been a massive animal lover.. one who has made many mistakes due to the way I was taught. I just want to say that I 💯 relate to everything you say. What's happened recently has done my head in. I've not been able to sleep or eat. I've been throwing up and I think my cortisol levels are thru the roof. For many years I've been trying to get the message out about the systemic cruelty within the horse industry. I've been labelled and laughed at and people have tried to shut me down. I'm in my early 60's and altho I've been completely sickened by recent events it's a bitter sweet feeling bcos I know that it's got to somehow bring about change to welfare rules for horses. I think that you articulate yourself so well and I love listening to your sound fair and kind podcasts. I Just want to thank you so much for being the wonderful human being that you are..Gosh I'm tired.. Keep up your awesome work. The world needs millions more people just like you. Stay true to your heart and who you are because you are SIMPLY AMAZING 🎉❤😊.. THANK YOU 🙏✨️

[@sarahconnor4984]

Regarding 21:05, I was apalled to see that when they exit the cross country course, where there are no cameras, you can almost see they going through the door and I didn't see a single rider pet their horses there. Which led me to think to which extent do they pet them at the end of a course because they are being recorded by cameras everywhere vs doing it because that's what they always do.

[@jenniferlehman326]

Sorry, Shelby, the name I gave you was incorrect. It's Horse Saddle Rider, who will be contacting you. She is British and very well respected in trying to get things changed. She also has a couple of video breakdowns on what she sees in the Dujardin tape. As a horse physiotherapist and psychologist. You should have plenty to discuss. As I told her, you had the scientific data to prove why ROLLKUR et al. is bad for the horse. Your friend, the Retired Paramedic and Horse Trainer in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@mheinrichs44]

Fantastic video and discussion 👏

[@Spiritualpanda2]

This is off topic but I don’t have family that grew up with horses nor are we wealthy with land that has fencing(have a little bit of land but no barn). I have wanted a horse since I could talk and walk. It’s been my ultimate dream for my entire life. Dont care about a nice house or a nice car but a horse! How do I go about getting one? I’d love to eventually do dressage but only if the trainer is ethical. I’m not necessarily after recognition but would work hard learning if I could. I get so beyond jealous seeing people talk about their horses or anyone in equestrian sports. I definitely grew up in the wrong family and it brings me such sadness that in my mid 30’s I still don’t have a horse. Sorry, I just don’t know how to get one or resources I could turn to.

[@sactopyrshep]

Once you see, you can’t unsee.

[@gigglingdingo]

Did you notice in dressage footage, at end of every performances the horse and rider go straight to judges assessment where a offical actually checks the nose band tightness by placing fingers into determine the tightness… in the broadcast you actually see glimpses of it being done when the offical checks Tack gear etc I noticed that the horse and rider can’t be touched by groom etc untill that inspection has been done.

[@rhi963]

I feel like they need 3rd parties to be doing these inspections it would be way too easy to figure out a way around that

[@martyp2138]

I think you need to be a super patient person and remain level headed when working with animals. I only started riding last year (sadly had to wait about a decade due to working almost everyday) and I do it for fun. I'm not ever going to be a champion at the sport (I would like to try Show Jumping at some stage but I know that's a while down the line and would be solely for fun) and I know that like us, horses will have good days and bad days or just not feel like working. I'm a soft rider and love horses that require as little aid as possible, I don't like having to kick to get horses to go and if I do use the whip it is a soft tap - if they don't respond to me hitting my boot first. I hope to own my own horse once a proficient rider and have a great understanding of taking care of them and stable management which I am working on alongside riding lessons. I do actually feel for Charlotte Dujardin in some respect as she was likely taught to do this and somewhere along the way lost a great deal of sympathy towards the horse for the final goal of being Grand Prix level. Now she is being thrown under the bus by these other 'professional' riders who will do the same or worse (e.g. Rollkur) behind the scenes which is sickening. I obviously do not condone her actions in the video and that was horrible to see the horse undergoing that although, I don't think it was the first time and the horse somewhat gave up and just knew there was no escape. I really hope this becomes a change for good in the equestrian world at the upper levels, even watching XC with some of the bits they are using you wonder why that is required for riders at CCI 4/5*. Although the FEI are hardly at the forefront of protection against these beautiful animals. :(

[@jaynfontain6635]

The horse world is a microcosm of the whole world.

[@karenmiller129]

Love you soooo much woman! You're a bloody legend 💪💖

[@evaburgess3648]

Did not love the dressage leg of 3 phase & was disappointed with the hyper flexion too. I’m a novice but I can see it clearly. Will not be watching the pure dressage event.