Camp Newsletter · 10/02/2024

Newsletter 10/02/2024

Hello Pony Gang Family and Friends,

Do you know what I think? There's a major flaw that nature made with horses.

The biggest mistake of nature: It didn't give horses a sound to express pain.

I know, I know: This is a really harsh introduction, and maybe at first, you don't even want to think about it. But please keep reading! It is incredibly important that we address this topic. What do you think is the reason Pony Gang exists?

Because too often in dealing with horses, things are preached that are so terribly wrong that, upon closer inspection, it can bring tears to your eyes. In the horse world, some things are considered normal and unfortunately taught, even though they border on violence.

Perhaps you've done or seen things that made your stomach feel uneasy? Or that were taught to you? Required by riding instructors?

That's human – even here at Pony Gang, there are things we wouldn't do today that we did a few years ago. Mistakes happen, and none of us are perfect.

The only major mistake is: when we close our eyes and continue as before because we're afraid of what we might see.

So, let's open our eyes together, see with our hearts, and make the horse world a finer and more beautiful place. Are you with us?

That's why we’re dedicating this message to a tough subject that we need to think through in order to understand how we can find a better way to deal with horses.

Sad Reality
When I sometimes see, read, and hear how people handle horses, it leaves me speechless, angry, or sad. Much is seen as normal that is, in fact, already violence.

And I'm not just talking about the competition world, where there's a lot of money involved, and we know that unfortunately, money doesn't always bring out the best in people.

I'm mainly talking about the many small everyday situations:

The martingale that is constantly in use
The draw reins that have become the norm
Nosebands strapped around horses' mouths
The horse that's hit because it won't stand still for the farrier
The horse that's stuffed with sugary muesli or stands in a box all day
The horse with a "hard mouth" from being yanked too often and too hard with the bit
Young horses being broken in at just 2.5 years old
Whips that lash
Legs that kick into the belly because the horse won't move
Halters being yanked because the horse is panicking or stressed
Horses being groomed roughly because they won't stand still or don't want to be touched in certain areas
Horses being forcefully driven forward when they're scared of something because: a good rider doesn’t dismount
When they're yelled at and cornered with pressure because they don't immediately do what we want
When a person arrives, throws on a halter, and yanks the lead rope
When there’s no "please" and no "thank you," no mindfulness and no mutual respect.

I could list many more small and large examples where it would have been better if Mother Nature had given horses a protest or pain sound. You know what I mean, don't you?

Because many of these situations are considered normal.

On the contrary: It’s often the case that you’re criticized if you don't act this way. Something has seriously gone wrong here, something we can only change together.

Don’t get me wrong, horses definitely tell us when they’re in pain or don't want something. But often, they say it very quietly, and they only say it with their body language.

They whisper. Sometimes, unfortunately, they stop whispering altogether and become silent. Because maybe their person never listened to them. They give up. Not only their communication, but sometimes even their soul.

Some horses start to become angry. They bite, buck, and kick. They resist because their whispers were ignored for years.

Then they suddenly become "problem horses." Then they’re "that crazy horse," then they’re "unrideable" or a "case for the slaughterhouse."

But in reality, there are no problem horses, just horses with a human problem: Because the same "crazy horse" gets along just fine in the pasture without people.

Let that sink in: No horse is born a problem horse! It’s almost always the human who creates a problem horse:

Sometimes because they don't know any better
Sometimes because they don't care
Sometimes because they're afraid and prefer to use force instead of knowledge to quickly feel safe
Sometimes because that's how they were taught
Sometimes because they can't do any better or because they get expert help too late.

This might be a tough start to the day, and I’m sorry if I’ve made you sad or angry with this message, but I think it’s important to address these issues.

It’s our responsibility, when we work with animals, to learn to understand them. And I don't just mean horses. Also dogs, cats, or even rabbits. It doesn't matter.

One thing is certain for me: As soon as you decide to bring an animal into your life, it’s your duty to gather knowledge, to learn, and to be a responsible partner to that animal. Period.

So, my request to you:

We need to help each other find a better way of dealing with horses. Without judgment or blame. Always stay open, look at everything critically and respectfully, and then decide with your heart what is right.

In this spirit, take care and never let yourself be discouraged from asking questions and finding your own path – as long as it’s a mindful and respectful path!