When Pain is Beauty:
Show Ring Abuses of the Horse
by Shannon Kalahan
Time and again, we have seen that the need for success in competitions can drive a person to morally reprehensible acts. How many beauty queens will starve their bodies to lose just 5 more pounds? How many sports icons have been found guilty of using illegal substances? How many political “cheap shots” are taken during election time? In competitions of all kinds, especially those with a considerable prize, contestants may cheat, lie, bribe or put their bodies through agony if it gives them an edge over their peers. Be it in the political arena, the modeling runway, or the world of sports – including equine sports – ethically challenged competitors will do anything, no matter the cost to themselves or others, if it results in a win, a prize or a championship ribbon.
Show ring abuse, as defined by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), is “an action or omission which causes or is likely to cause pain or unnecessary discomfort to a horse.” Established in 1912, the FEI is the sole authority for equestrian disciplines on an international level, and their rules clearly state that no equine should be subject to abuse for a competitive edge, either in training, preparation or during an event. Similarly, the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), the governing body for most American horse shows, promotes the health and wellbeing of horses, both in and out of the show ring. Despite rules that clearly disallow abuse in the training and handling of competition animals, however, there are many “dirty little secrets” that can be found lurking in the world of equine competition.
In the last fifty years, it seems that the most debated show ring abuse in the United States is likely the saga of “big lick” horses: Tennessee Walking Horses who have an exaggerated show ring gait. This gait is not limited to only Walking Horses – something similar can be seen in other gaited horse show rings – but the “big lick” horses seem to be the most publicized. Although there are a few different stories regarding the origins of the exaggerated show ring walk that came to be known as the “big lick” in the Walking Horse world, the end result is an animal that brings its forelegs much higher, so that the knee is raised to about the level of the nose. To accomplish this, the horse will shift a good portion of his weight to his hind legs, so that he appears to be squatting. One striking analogy compares the gait to the crawl of a praying mantis. The horse’s ability to perform this artificial walk – as big lick advocates will tell you – stems from careful breeding and extensive training.
Currently, there are many trainers in the gaited horse community who teach their horses slowly, compassionately, and patiently, encouraging their animals to enlarge their natural movements in an ethical way. Unfortunately, as with any other competition, there are bad seeds that will do anything necessary to win. In the gaited horse world, these unscrupulous trainers use methods collectively called “soring” which, as it sounds, involves “enhancing” a horse’s natural gaits through the application of pain.
There are various methods of soring, but most fall into two general categories. The first involves the application of caustic chemicals to the pastern or fetlocks of the front legs, making the skin tender and painful, and sensitive to the weights and movement of leg chains, which are considered legal action devices. The second category is painful shoeing techniques, such as “pressure shoeing” which involves filing the hoof down to the quick so that the sensitive part of the hoof comes into direct contact with the shoe. In the early days of the “big lick,” soring had been considered an accepted practice and was used by most trainers. In their minds, it was the quickest, easiest way to get the desired results, and to win classes.
“Fixed” horses were crowd pleasers and ribbon winners, because a sore horse puts on a dramatic demonstration. In an attempt to escape the pain in his front hooves and lower limbs, a “fixed” or “sore” horse would fling his front legs up and out, creating large amounts of lift in the front end. He might have even seemed to pause at the apex of his movements, presumably to avoid the painful jolts he received when his hooves landed. These spectacular movements gave dishonest trainers an unfair advantage in the show ring because they were often more impressive to a judge than the movements of a horse trained in a more humane fashion.
In the 1970’s, with the inception of the Horse Protection Act, soring became an outlawed practice. The USDA defines the term “sore” in regards to a horse as
“(A) an irritating or blistering agent has been applied, internally or externally, by a person to any limb of a horse, (B) any burn, cut, or laceration has been inflicted by a person on any limb of a horse, (C) any tack, nail, screw, or chemical agent has been injected by a person into or used by a person on any limb of a horse, or (D) any other substance or device has been used by a person on any limb of a horse or a person has engaged in a practice involving a horse, and, as a result of such application, infliction, injection, use, or practice, such horse suffers, or can reasonably be expected to suffer, physical pain or distress, inflammation, or lameness when walking, trotting, or otherwise moving...”
Gaited horses are not the only breeds or disciplines that have resorted to extremes for advancement in the show ring; they are simply the most well known. Many horse lovers would feel faint upon hearing some of the unhealthy show ring or equine competition tales that have surfaced over the years. Unfortunately, in many of those narratives, the unhealthy training methods were widespread, because they were the fastest, easiest means of giving competitors an edge.
Injurious or abusive training and handling techniques can, unfortunately, be found in every competitive breed or discipline, though the extent and severity of those practices vary. In some cases, as with the gaited horses, the inhumane treatment of horses was so prevalent that laws and competition rules were enacted to prevent them. In other instances, the abuse may be at the hands of a single trainer and not be representative of the breed or discipline as a whole. Whether it is a widespread trend or on an individual incident, however, it is the animal that suffers so that competitors can gain an edge over their peers.
Unhealthy show ring practices persist because they are a quick solution, and because they are rewarded in the show ring. If the horses were not winning competitions, the trainers and/or owners would have no reason to continue with the questionable training methods. Unfortunately, the horses that have endured these “fixes” often appear to be the flashiest movers, the most willing partners, or the most athletic jumpers and so are awarded blue ribbons and trophy cups. In order to stop these abuses, there need to be changes on more than one front. Rules that regulate and punish abusive behavior are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that cruelty is banished from equine sports. There needs to be a shift in the thinking of the judges and the audiences, and that shift begins with education.
Like many things, the reactions of the crowd influence, indirectly, what type of horse goes to the winner’s circle. If a particular type of horse draws a large crowd, and in turn, increases revenue for an event, show organizers will take notice. Most event organizers do not want to alienate their crowd, and so they will invite that type of horse back for the following event and employ judges who see that type of horse in a favorable light. If the flashiest, albeit artificial horses, are pleasing crowds, then they will continue to bring home trophies and ribbons. If, however, the public overwhelmingly disapproves of abusive training methods, and conveys this to breed organizations, show organizers, owners and trainers, then the abusive treatment will fall out of fashion. If there is nothing to gain from questionable training methods, then there is no reason to continue with it.
Every individual also has the opportunity to make a difference, for better or worse. You may see an abuse, but walk the other way because you are afraid to step on someone’s toes. You may want that trophy so badly that you will do anything – even dishonest or morally suspect things – to obtain it. You may have a financial interest in the outcome of an event, and feel the need to protect that interest, even if it means bribing a judge or “enhancing” your horse’s performance. In doing those things however, you disgrace yourself and discredit the equine industry as a whole. By choosing material or financial rewards over the wellbeing of an animal that gives his heart and his trust to the people around him, you create a negative stigma that the public will not forget.
Rather than add to any negative perceptions of equine competition, make conscious decisions to improve the life of your horses and those around you. Treat your animals with respect and love. Educate yourself about their physical and mental needs, which are not the same as a person’s needs! If you need to employ a trainer, understand that results are not immediate. Be familiar with the various training methods and allow only humane ones to be used on your horse. Examine the health and happiness of the animals in the trainer’s care. Treat your animal as a beloved child who relies on you to make the right decisions for him, and be cautious that you don’t put him in an unhealthy situation, even if results are “guaranteed.”
Most people who have horses or are employed in the equine industry love the animals that they work with. At times, however, it is easy to forget that love when the pressures and politics of life weigh on you. In moments like that, you have a choice to make. You can choose to walk a shameful path, which holds only transient rewards, stress, deceit and likely punishment when you are finally caught... or instead, you can think back to the moment in your life when you first bonded with a horse. You can remember the brush of a soft muzzle on your skin, or getting lost in liquid brown eyes. You can cherish the sense of accomplishment you felt working with your equine friend, conquering those first small steps you made on the ladder of education. As you think on those moments, hold the love and joy from your memories close to your heart and take the harder path, the higher road – do what is best for the world of equine competition and more importantly, for your horse.
Shannon Kalahan is a contributing writer for All Creature’s Exchange.
Girl vs. Squirrel:
More Adventures in Gardening
By Beverly Forehand
at right: This baby squirrel was found on a job site and brought to a wildlife rehabilitator for care. photo by Robyn Souza, Pembroke, NH
There was a time, in the distant past, that I loved squirrels. Having been fed squirrel propaganda all my life, I envisioned squirrels as tiny, fun-loving animals akin to Rocky the Flying Squirrel. They were full of antics, friendly, and possibly given to wearing colorful hats. Of course, the truth is a far cry from the cartoon reality. I don’t believe I ever saw Rocky pull up a bed of tulips and take one dainty bit from each helpless bulb. Nor, did he enjoy ransacking birdhouses and destroying birdfeeders. Rocky was, despite his hijinks with Bullwinkle, a law-abiding squirrel. The squirrels in my yard are a law unto themselves.
And, of course, with every tale, there is a villain. Since we haven’t been properly introduced, let’s just call him the Rat Squirrel or R.S. for short. R.S. is not like other squirrels. He fears nothing. He scoffs at squirrel-proof feeders and cats and dogs are only nuisances to him. Even the menace of Ryder, my previous neighbor’s fat, yellow tabby only slowed R.S. Not only is he the biggest, baddest squirrel on the block, but he has the distinction of having absolutely no fur on his tail. He has, in short, a rat’s tail. Whether this is some genetic fluke or the result of really bad luck, I guess I’ll never know. But, having a denuded tail has, in no way, improved R.S.’s temperament.
I’m not really sure how long squirrel’s live, but R.S. made his appearance about two years ago. I walked out on my deck to find a slice of pizza lying on my doormat. Now, since I don’t usually leave old pizza crusts on my door mat, I found this odd—especially since I distinctly remembered putting half an uneaten pizza box in my trash with its latching lid the day before. Yet, here was the pizza, on the mat, on the deck. And, there was a squirrel, sitting nonchalantly in one of my floor barrels unearthing herbs and throwing them roots and all onto the deck. I looked at the squirrel and he looked at me. Then, he jumped up onto the overhanging branches that surround the deck and was gone. My last sight of him was his hideous rat tail. This was our introduction.
Since that day, R.S. has led his minions on many merry adventures in my garden. He likes to get up early, so that he can either dig in the barrels on my deck or check the trash for dainties. Sometimes he puts things in the barrels; sometimes he digs things up depending on his moods. He won’t stand for birdfeeders or birdhouses of any sort. He’s not fond of wind chimes either and sometimes pulls them down. It’s a 50/50 chance as to whether he’ll let them stay or not.
Squirrel-proof feeders and houses don’t even slow him down. He can pull one down within an hour’s time—sometimes with the help of his crew and sometimes alone. The other squirrels follow him or at least imitate him. And, he’s a chewer. Advice on boarding up holes to keep squirrels out of eaves and attics would seemingly work, but I’ve seen the holes that he leaves behind. Since I never catch him at work, I don’t know how long these excavations of his take. He may start work as soon as I pull out of the drive. I know that was Ryder’s usual M.O. He actually would lurk in the witch-hazel bushes until he saw my car pull out and then make a run for the rabbit holes. It may be that R.S. learned a thing or two from Ryder, his previous nemesis. With Ryder gone, R.S. fears nothing. Honey, our neighborhood dog, is safely enclosed in her electric fence and Fionna, Ryder’s apprentice, is no match for the power and glory of the Rat Squirrel.
Case in point, I was given a glorious birdfeeder. This wasn’t just any birdfeeder, but the Barbie Dreamhouse of birdfeeders. It has towers, a veranda, and a miniature mailbox—should the birds ever need to send tiny missives to each other. It has multiple levels for different types of food and a painted garden. This is the kind of birdfeeder that birds, if they do chat to one another, mention as a landmark. “Fly south for about ten minutes and cut right at the glorious birdfeeder. You know, the one with the steeple and tiny mail box?” It was a beauty and with R.S. in mind, I hung it by a coated wire hanger far from the trees and the deck with no, to my mind, possible way for R.S. to gain entry. I placed it bright and early Sunday morning.
By noon, the birdfeeder is utterly destroyed. R.S. has led his minions in chewing a gaping hole in the wood. I came outside to find him sitting like a king in the ruins of the birdfeeder that is now on the ground. Somehow, he and his cronies had chewed through the rubber-coated wires. Wires?! They chewed through wires. With the different types of birdfeed and suet scattered everywhere R.S. and his flunkies were having a merry feast. The crows sit cawing in the trees waiting for them to clear out. I resolve at that time to thwart him somehow. . . This has become a game of spy vs. spy played at its highest level. But, somehow, I keep ending up on the losing side.
But, how is it possible to stop the Rat Squirrel? I’ve consulted with the wildlife specialist down the road—she is the park guide at our local nature park and cares for injured animals that folks bring by the Nature Center. Currently, they have a hawk, two bunnies, and a large, belligerent skunk. She recommends feeding R.S. (I laugh and laugh since he is the best-fed squirrel in the county!) And, she also recommends putting birdfeeders on poles and then greasing the poles with Crisco. This seems a good plan to me. But, I suppose I chose the wrong sort of poles since R.S. and his cohorts managed to knock them down with help from the large, bossy crows. I’ve also tried putting feeders higher and then lower, using reflective and glowing yard decorations and encouraging Fionna to chase squirrels. The hose does work, for a minute, or until my back is turned. Apparently, only eternal vigilance will control the rampages of the Rat Squirrel.
One of my neighbors actually feeds squirrels. She still believes they are cute little woodland critters—the type taken to perching on Snow White’s shoulders. I have tried to explain to her that the R.S. is evil, but she continues to make homemade suet for him and his brood. I’ve included the recipe below, in case you would like to offer bribes to your squirrel population. I choose not to encourage R.S., but then, endorsement or admonition seems to be all the same to him. Seemingly, the Rat Squirrel and I are at a stalemate. Yet, hope springs eternal.
Yesterday, I saw Snowshoe, the half-Siamese stray I’m taming, eyeing the R.S. Snowy is small and skittish, but I can tell he has a lot of moxie. It could be in a few weeks or months, he’ll challenge the Rat Squirrel’s authority. Until then, I’m only biding my time. Outside my window, I can hear the chitters of the squirrels and I know that R.S. is out there somewhere, waiting and watching. I refilled the chewed and battered birdfeeder and rehung it (again) only an hour ago. It will soon be empty and the R.S. will be once again hungry and on the prowl. But, Snowy is waiting and watching and growing.
Advice on deterring Squirrels (not effective on Rat Squirrels):
Critter Suet:
Mix together until berries, raisins, and nuts are well distributed and then put in feeder. If you happen to have suet dough (available at most garden stores) you can mix it in too. Experiment. Squirrels have different tastes, but I haven’t notices that they turn down much.
(Beverly Forehand is a contributing writer. She can be reached at Bevforehand@earthlink.net)