Learned Helplessness as a Product of Equine Training Practices
An article written by
Kelsey A. Guenther
Ball State University
Hypothesis:
Humans’ training of horses for their use results in a state of learned helplessness in the horse.
I will add a few photographs to help illustrate Kelsey's article...
Tight straps, blinders and bit to cause pain and assure compliance.
Dominated in every way, straps, tiedown, bit, spurs, all on a body disfigured by excruciatingly painful hot brands along with a humiliating Playboy Bunny brand to his cheek.
And the most extreme picture of learned helplessness... he performs because he has been methodically programmed for many years through dominance and pain to now comply to the slightest cue. This is not willingness, softness, partnership or love, this is robotic, conditioned, slavery.
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HARM OF RIDING
HARM OF RIDING STUDY By Maksida Vogt
From an ad on Craigslist... "he is well broke for any level of rider" but needs a new home.
"A School horse is a unique creature because of her experiences and skills. She has an education, the creation of a school horse is the creation of an absolutely exceptional and outstanding creature. The special care and special vigilant watch are quite suited to her."
"If you talk to the animals, they will talk to you and you will know each other.
If you do not talk to them, you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear.
What one fears, one destroys."
~Chief Dan George
We do not possess our horse, our children, or even our own body. They are only given to us for a short while to treat with care and respect. ~ The Buddha