One man’s meat is another man’s poison

The diversity in the equestrian industry never ceases to amaze me. There are currently several threads on the discussion forum of www.horsejunction.co.za to support this. This is why there are so many breeds and riding styles around, and also opinions on training methods.

In this issue of SA Horseman we ­explore ­another aspect of this idiom. We put the ­spotlight on approaches to horses and ­horsemanship that could be considered "off the beaten track" or “alternative". For some this may border on sacrilege, while others may find the exploration into new and alternative ideas rather exciting. And then there will be others who simply consider some of the ­aspects we look at as pure and simple hogwash.

We believe that in our effort to provide a platform for the betterment of horsemanship in this country, we should leave that choice up to our readers.

In another thread in the discussion forum on the Horse Junction website, the merits (or not) of certain aspects of saddler training is under ­discussion. Once again opinions are ­divided. This ties in neatly with the article and subsequent letters we received on the training methods of Nieuwoudtville-based trainer, Izak Volgraaff. It seems as if opinions are bitterly divided.

In an effort to gain knowledge on various training methods and techniques, we will in future issues visit various trainers and report on their beliefs and methods, so that you can form your own opinion on the desirability of these approaches.

Some of the aspects I have in mind are the use of chains, schackle boots and elastics, the rollkur (hyperflexion of the neck), special shoes and manipulation of hoof length. ­Included in this investigation will also be special bits, ­saddles and other tack.

The idea will be to approach every ­aspect as objectively as possible and provide the ­proponents of the various practices a fair chance to state their case. It would be useless for us as journalists, as well as you as readers, to have made up our minds even before we start. As much as possible, we will also try and get the opinion of independent specialists to provide an objective opinion.

There is, of course, the small matter of the definition of abuse. There would be no point in exploring all these things if we cannot agree on what abuse really is.

I also want to invite you to give us ideas on what should be included in this list of things that need to be investigated. My e-mail ­address appears elsewhere in this publication.

All this will start next year. As this is the last SA Horseman for 2007, we want to wish you all of the best for the remainder of the year, ­especially over the festive season. Happy ­riding to one and all!

Izak Hofmeyr