Distressing article
Joan writes:
It was with utter distress, disgust and anger that I read the article entitled “Sonder Bekklei” in your July 2007 edition of SA Horseman.

In an article which purports to offer a ­gentler, kinder alternative to training horses, the very first photo shows a horse, not only with a CHAIN wrapped around his nose, but also showing CHAINS around each of his ankles. How, pray tell, is this kind or gentle. To what end does a human being inflict such ­restrictions (and ultimately PAIN) on a horse? How is this training a horse “Sonder Bekklei” ­(Without Fighting)?? This would be l­aughable if it were not so distressing. On closer ­inspection, you will also note that this poor, unfortunate ­creature’s hooves are in a very neglected ­condition. Is this kind, I wonder??

To my further dismay and horror, I turned the page and found another photograph of a horse and his “trainer”. Please note the ­condition of this horse’s front right hoof, ­clearly visible in the photo. This poor horse must be in so much discomfort. Surely a trainer who’s ­alleged first consideration is the gentle handling of a horse, would also ensure that this attitude carried through to the care and upkeep of the horse as well. What else is being neglected by the “Oom”?

I strongly suggest that if your vision for your magazine is one of quality, ­informative articles, supported by reputable companies’ ­advertising, and read by the influential in the equestrian society of South Africa, that in ­future you pay more attention to the image that you are portraying. By condoning a ­person that puts a horse in CHAINS and does not pay attention to something as simple as farriering, you are giving the impression of ignorance and indifference. This is hugely ­disappointing to your readers who have looked forward to receiving you publication each month. I have copied this article to the National Horse Trust, of which I am a member and ­vociferous ­advocate, as I personally feel this warrants ­further investigation.

The fact that the “Oom” also makes home made whips and Kieries does not inspire a warm and fuzzy feeling either, I must tell you!!!

I hope that I will not have to write ­another letter of this nature to you and that we can once again look forward to reading your ­magazine without having to come across ­anymore ­distressing articles such as this.

Reply:

In order to get an authoritive opinion on the issue of using chains in the training of horses, we referred this ­letter to DrAngus Pringle. He is a founder ­trustee of the National Horse Trust and was its technical director from 1990-2005.

He also established the first Horse Care Unit in South Africa at the Kloof SPCA and helped to establish Horse Care Units at Vereeniging and Cape Town. He is the official veterinarian of the Saddle Horse Breeders' Association.

Dr Pringle replies:
In 1997, I was directed by the Board of the National Horse Trust to ­investigate alleged abuses in the ­training ­methods of Saddle Horse trainers and ­owners. Since 2002, I have been the ­Official ­Veterinarian at the National ­Championships of the Saddle Horse Breeders ­Association.

The chains “around the ankles” are common practice in the Saddle Horse industry. They weigh no more than 50 grams. During the course of the Championships, these chains are seen on the majority of horses in the exercise ring. Horses may not be shown in the arena with these chains.

During the ten years I have been ­associated with the Saddle Horse Breeders Assn, I have never seen any damage to the coronet of any horse that can be attributed to the use of these chains. In my opinion, these chains are equivalent of a person wearing a wristwatch.

During the 2007 National Cham-­pionships two inspectors from the NSPCA were there for the first four days. ­During this time, I spoke to them frequently and asked if there were any problems. Not once did they express dissatisfaction with the use of these chains.

Safety standards
Nicola Mackay writes:
I am writing this as a suggestion for your ­publication. I must, however, first compliment you on the SA Horseman which we receive here at Milmac. The articles are very diverse and interesting and we all enjoy reading it!

If I may make a suggestion … you make use of many photographs in your magazine which show experienced horsemen and ­women working their horses without hard hats. Whilst I know that most people do not ride at home with helmets, I feel that ­youngsters are ­influenced by watching their “idols” riding without helmets and feel that they have no use for helmets themselves.

Disciplines like Western riding do not have helmets as part of their attire, but I feel that dressage riders and show jumpers ought to set an example for young riders even though they may not wear safety helmets at home. Perhaps you could use photographs with riders ­wearing helmets?

I feel we need to start setting higher safety standards in South Africa as far as riding is concerned. I have been shocked at the ­number of top show jumpers I have seen warming up at shows without helmets on! SANEF have ­enforced the three-point attached harness on all helmets which has made the era of hats ­flying off in the midst of a jumping round a thing of the past, however if the riders only wear their helmets whilst in the ring – the safety harness is not going to be a great help if something happens in the warm up!

Most accidents and tragedies regarding head injuries and falls occur when the rider is working at home, or out on a hack! I suppose this follows the statistic that most car ­accidents occur within close proximity to home … ­“familiarity breeds contempt” I suppose.

Thank you for the time to read this ­letter. I do realise that many of the photo’s you use are probably sent in by the authors of the ­articles themselves, but I think we should all make an effort in influencing the young riding ­generation and start to create the perception that it is not “cool” to ride without a helmet.

Izak replies:
The issue of safety and the example we set has come up at a recent strategic ­planning session as well. It is true that we need to promote good safety procedures and practices wherever we can, and if SA Horseman can play a role, we certainly would like to.

You are also correct that many of the pictures we use are sent in by ­contributors. Sometimes it is very ­difficult to get the right picture that also sets a good safety example.

Be assured that we will try our best to use only pictures that set a good safety ­example.