| Archive for PasoVoice.Com Paso Fino, Trocha Pura, Trote Galope and Trocha Galope Horses |
| caliber |
Walking Horse Exhibitors Withdraw from ShowWalking Horse Exhibitors Withdraw from Showby: Pat Raia July 10 2008, Article # 12242 Hundreds of trainers withdrew their horses from competition at a major Tennessee Walking Horse show last weekend after USDA inspectors arrived on the scene to examine horses for violations of the Horse Protection Act. According to Earl Rogers Jr., president of the Kentucky Walking Horse Association, the four-day Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show drew more than 500 Tennessee Walking Horses, many of them contenders for the breed's championship title at the upcoming National Celebration in August. But the prospect of failing USDA testing brought the competition down to just 40 horses in the show's final two days. "If they had been found in violation, they would not be able to show at the Celebration," said Rogers, who also manages the Owingsville show. Federal inspectors examined horses for signs for soring--deliberate injuries to horses' legs and feet to achieve an exaggerated high-stepping gait--and took random swab samples from the horses' pasterns to detect the presence of irritants such as diesel fuel, or topical pain-masking agents such as lidocaine. One trainer was cited for soring, Rogers said. Others opted not to risk suspension, claiming inspectors were too aggressive in their examinations. "One horse was checked by the USDA both nights going into the ring and coming out," Rogers said. "That's overkill." Even so, Keith Dane, director of equine protection for the Humane Society of the United States, said trainers should expect inspections to continue at future shows, including the Celebration. "Swab sampling will be used at the Celebration, and so will thermal technology to detect soring as well," he said. Whether the promise of thorough inspections will lead to Celebration no-shows remains to be seen. "It's anybody's guess," Rogers said. |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
"Overkill". *snort* Can we be too vigilant in the care of our horses?
Out of 500 horses, only 40 went to the ring? That means 460 trainers KNEW they were violating the Horse Protection Act. And of the 40 that went in, at least one was cited for soring. This is SICK, people. SICK! How can those "trainers" even show their faces in public? I say THREE CHEERS for Keith Dane, Director of Equine Protection for the Humane Society of the United States. I hope he finds the money to hvae inspectors at ALL their shows for the next 5 years! That'd fix the buggers! |
||||
| caliber |
96% WOW! that is a disgrace! | ||||
| Jane Hurl |
It's more than a "disgrace", Felix. It is CRIMINAL. Literally. | ||||
| caliber |
You found the right word! Thanks! I second! | ||||
| Jane Hurl |
Not being a numbers kind of gal, I didn't realize it was 96%. Looked at that way, it's really, really, REALLY sick! And despicable. | ||||
| cristy |
Yeah!! WTF!! Those assholes, If they were on the showgrounds they should have been subject to the testing as well. That should be an eyeopener for the Tennessee walker world. I do hope they show up at EVERY show too!!! make those bastards accountable for their actions! |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
You would think so, Cristy ... but it won't. Apparently there is far too much big money in that event in the USA. Also, apparently (being as I don't frequent these things I have to keep saying "apparently"), that doesn't happen up here in Canada. It would seem we Canucks are not Big Lick people (which makes me VERY happy since I find those Big Lick horses quite grotesque and very unhappy looking). |
||||
| BigJ |
If the way the horses are prepped for shows remain the same as when I observed the activities many years ago, this is not overkill. Generally the process was to bring the horses up to the inspection tent. The horses were examined and then allowed to go to an area to finish show prepartions. It was in this area where some took advantage of "passing" the inspection to finish the final touches before the class was called. Horses could pass the inspection, be sored, shown and then there would be no testing after the class. Most trainers took advantage of this loop hole. I'm also encouraged that USDA has finally made a command decision to really crack down on the soring issue. It was of no surprise even back in the 80's that chemicals were used to sore and then to mask the soring with topical agents. So, the thermal evaluations were many times inconclusive. Also, the mechanical probing didn't work since many horses were trained not to flinch no matter how sore. The fact USDA is now using chemical analysis demonstrates a new outlook by government. I'm delighted. Before we begin feeling too self righteous let's not forget we live in a glass house. We now alter tails just like our sored kinfolk, which infers we are no different and our horses' gaits are unnatural. Let's not forget the video recently posted showing a well-known trainer touted as "one of the best in the breed". Finally, have we forgotten our drugged champions? We will be next, mark my words-July 11, 2008. |
||||
| caliber |
[quote="BigJ"][quote]"
In my opinion, the government should have always been involved DIRECTLY since the beginning of findings, BUT was best to look the other way.
And I question myself on that one too, what is the "PENALTY"  forget about humiliations, obviously those people practice BUSINESS as black/white with no feelings, principles or scrupulous....
The Government should REGULATE all rules in reference to soring, period. They should not depend on associations! that is like having the FOX guarding the chickens. Just my opinion! |
||||
| BigJ |
I agree Felix. Why USDA chose the path it did for decades is an idication of the lobbying power of the Walking Horse industry. Since my family were personal friends with a few vets who inspected the TWH, I had several occasions to actually witness the inspections. The general public is usually not allowed; I suppose for control reasons. I also dated a TWH trainer and witnessed many soring methods at the barn and at the show, so I've seen both sides up close and personal. It was a game on both sides. Most TWH trainers knew the rules because the industry had dictated most of them to Congress. The USDA vets were frustrated and felt they were given too many limitations to pursue soring cases.
Something has changed in the politics and administration on Capitol Hill and we need to make sure it stays the course. This is no longer a game by the USDA, they are serious now. They could have done something long, long ago, but didn't. Water under the bridge. Today I'm glad when USDA shows up, people pack it up and go home. DQs are weak enforcers, generally capitulating to the whims of show management and the TWH industry (sound familiar PFHA???) I hope all it will take is the presence of USDA and people straighten up. As to our own problems, I was very humiliated by the attitude displayed on another forum about posting the disqualification of Diva de Besilu. So we are obligated to keep this information under wraps and not let the world know about it? Are we to facilitate drugging our horses? Are we not responsible for the welfare of our breed? We should be public and be public that this type of action is not tolerated by us. The world is watching. If we try to hide our ills, people will wonder if this is typical or tolerated in the paso world. EDIT: TWH is not a member of USEF. |
||||
| caliber |
I was too Candice, I felt not only humiliated but ashamed how can people publicly admit of wrong doings simple by saying the well respected farm! wow! my mind spined to say the least!. Oh, and it gets better, they also spoke on your and my behalf by saying.... we all do it!
First, what a great message and act of disrespect to say WE ALL DO IT!, well! I owned a National Championed and presently own a Prize Stallion, I have news to all! I DONT DO IT and HAVE NEVER DONE IT. Secondly, what a great message are we sending to others of caring, protecting and preserving this breed. This is the main purpose of PAsoVoice! we don't advertise, we are open to all! "RESPECTFULLY" and with the TRUTH! bullshit and POLITICS stops here! Thirly: I agree! I am certain our breed is on the looks! as we speak! Here is a little brief on Mr. Dane background! I am sure he has seen it all! He as been appointed since July 3rd! WATCH OUT! a little over 12 months ago! Keith Dane, Horse Welfare Veteran, Named Director of Equine Protection for The Humane Society of the United States WASHINGTON (January 3, 2007) -- The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Dane to the position of director of equine protection. Prior to joining The HSUS, Dane was executive director of Friends of Sound Horses, an organization he helped establish to eliminate cruelties in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. In his new position, Dane will work on a number of equine-related issues, including cruelty, slaughter, the care of sport, show and pleasure horses, the training and transport of horses, and disease recognition and prevention. He also will promote the concept of companion horses as a lifetime responsibility and work to increase understanding of what is an appropriate and humane level of care for these animals. "Keith brings not only a wealth of knowledge and understanding of horses to this important position but a dedication to and passion for their protection," said Holly Hazard, chief innovation officer for The HSUS. "We at The Humane Society of the United States are extremely pleased Keith will head up our efforts to work to improve the quality of life for all equines." For the past three years, Dane has worked with The HSUS and other animal protection organizations to pass federal legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas. He is a licensed judge with many gaited breed organizations and is a co-founder of one of the main show circuits for the sound gaited horse community, created as an alternative to the 'Big Lick" shows that can involve cruelty in training. Dane has been involved with horses for more than 35 years. He was a co-founder of the International Plantation Walking Horse Association in 1988 and served as its president for several years. He has also served as president of the NY State Plantation Walking Horse Club, the Plantation Walking Horses of Maryland, and Friends of Sound Horses. Dane has been a licensed judge for the Independent Judges Association since 1999. He served on the board of FOSH as IJA Director of Judges in 2000. "I'm delighted to be associated with The Humane Society of the United States. Our goal will be to revolutionize the way Americans perceive and interact with the equine species in this country," Dane said. "I look forward to working with the industry, the animal protection community and the government to ensure that all equines receive the respect, care and protection they deserve." -30- The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
May I make a suggestion, Felix? If you owned a National Champion is it not your right (and responsibility to the breed) to stand up and make an issue of the fact that whoever-he-is does NOT speak for "everybody"? If I were in your shoes, I'd be REALLY, REALLY, REALLY vocal about it ... to the media, to PFHA, to the judging committees, to ... let me think here. Who else? I would be very clear that I play by the rules and my horses are natural.
But then, I'd probably get black-balled, wouldn't I? See, there's the rub. (I'm rambling here, I know.) If Felix were to do that by himself, I imagine he'd get black-balled. But what if a BUNCH of you got together and did it? I mean get together and raise one hullabaloo! |
||||
| caliber |
Very good point Jane! Again! we go back to the Fox taking care of the chickens! jejejejeje
I am being vocal! I am being loud! and there is more! TRUST ME! but everyone else can be too! |
||||
| Marleen Robinson |
I first went to a TWH show, not knowing anything about the breed, in the early 80's. I had just moved to the US from Belgium. When I was walking thru the barns, I could not understand what those 'boots' were about, and when I saw chains, clamps etc on these horses' feet, I knew something was wrong. Then I saw some of these poor things being put thru their paces. OMG, I could not believe my eyes! They all looked crippled! One lady was getting her horse ready to show, so I was going to take a picture, well, that 'B' yelled at me NO Pictures, and slapped my camera right out of my hands. I should have raised a stink, but I was pretty wimpy back then 
I know better now, I don't want to see our wonderful 'naturally' gaited Paso Fino Horses being altered in any way. Isn't NATURAL the word we proudly use? I do, anyway. 
|
||||
| caliber |
I find the need to clear one thing!
Mr. Dane, represents the Humane Society of the United States. This is not a governmental office, The Humane Society is a Private Non-Profit Organization. now! USEF- is also PRIVATE NON PROFIT organization.. (non-governmental). USEF is under the umbrella of AMERICAN HORSE COUNCIL! that is also a PRIVATE NON-PROFIT Organization... but a C-6, allowing then to be USEF lobbyist, other words, THEY ARE VOICE . NOW! this is the interesting part of all! what happens with each organization, stays there! no further! no governmental (local, state, nor federal) involvement (s) nor punishment(s)!!! get the picture! These are all PRIVATELY owned organizations! USDA!!! is the only government office! the above mentioned inspection was performed by the them! not by any of the private non- profit organizations! 
disclaimer: This is my own personal understanding of the monopoly! |
||||
| BigJ |
Correct. The USDA is charged with implementing the Horse Protection Act. It is the USDA veterinarians, who perform the inspections at TWH shows when the gov't is present. In conjunction there are DQPs, Designated Qualified Persons, representing USDA at shows. The industry just calls them "DQs". The problem is DQs are not always armed with the best. It is when the USDA in full force that the TWH industry quivers. All TWH sanctioned shows by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association have DQs and some DQs are TWH members, see the problem?
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publica...ersion/Horse_Protection_6-3-5.pdf Bottom line, every TWH show has a DQ but not every show has USDA vets. When USDA shows up, it is VERY interesting to watch the dynamics of a show when they are present. DQs, no big deal. The Humane Society is not involved in the DQ program or the USDA inspections. It is simply watching and lobbying. I'd rather not have it watching the paso fino breed, thank you very much. Registries and breed associations have choice about belonging to USEF but no one has a choice about USDA inspection since it is a Federal Law. Should PETA or the Human Society suspect soring in the paso fino breed then we will also come under the radar. This is my bottom line reason for wanting to get rid of the tail alteration practice. Cutting tails in this country is directly associated with soring. As soon as more people learn we cut tails, we may see the breed lobbied for USDA inspections. The reason TWH doesn't belong to USEF is because of the policing action of the organization. I doubt USEF would not report a soring incident or even lobby for more USDA intervention. |
||||
| BigJ |
The sad part about all of this is how humans weave logic into doing what they do. To anyone else what we see done to a TWH goes beyond comprehension and understanding. Yet, talk to a person who is involved in the "show" walker and they will defend it to the death. Worse is they have somehow convinced themselves it is "ok"; a very bad case of denial. Just as that PF trainer defended his right to put that poor horse through his paces like that. However, go to any TWH barn and they will "hide" the soring techniques, even when the barn smells like a chemistry lab. Weird. Each barn has some homemade "trade secret" formula or some new discovery. Now I'm hearing how drugs in a PF barn are showing up the same way. Perhaps it will be a PF trainer that discovers the perfect cocktail to get the "performance" we desire so much and then we'll defend it by saying "well everyone does it". We'll call it "brio in a vial". Interestingly when I dated the TWH fellow I showed him my serretas. It was like we were trading bad secrets. Him with his soring, me and my serretas. The first words out of his mouth was to NEVER let anyone know I had those serretas. Bad, bad. He couldn't see the difference. Me learning techniques to move away from the serreta, in a breed banning scarring and him in a breed trying to perfect soring into an art form. Paso fino owners should take the time to really think about this hard. Soring started out innocently enough. By experimentation and luck, the horse went from longer toes, to heavier shoes, to chains, to soring. The "big lick" back in the 50s and 60s wasn't all that freakish. As the need for bigger and better so the soring became common and accepted. The TWH almost lost gait as a result too. Now they act like it "has" to be this way or the industry will collapse. Do we really want faster and shorter? How "natural" is natural? Do we want to stay quiet and watch a trainer tie a horse's head down, bind his tail so tightly to force the "J", put rollers on his feet and then watch him jerk the horse around? Soring became the shortcut to success. I have been told by a few in the TWH industry that the big lick can be gotten through training, but it is a slow process and not nearly as dramatic. Sound familiar? Trainers found if they kept at it they could get what they wanted without training as long or even worrying if the horse was naturally gaited. They started breeding for the big lick instead for gait. Are we not doing the same with the paso fino breed? First we defend our right to cut tails. Then we defend our right to drug horses by saying everyone does it. Worse we try to keep it our dirty little secret by trying to shush up anyone who opposes it saying it's ok because the horse wins or the barn is "respected". We're not paso fino owners, we're just like the TWH crowd. We are no longer breeding or training for gait or for paso fino but for the win. http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/lameness/soring_030706/ Every paso fino owner should commit to witness at least one large TWH show then go home, decide just how much they really love this breed, and where they stand ethically and morally. |
||||
| caliber |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3UeGJT_WOg&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvW8JApiuEQ&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aObdQ20cOFw&feature=related on this one, instead of a DREAM like they claim, looks more like a nightmare! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWM-VCCS09g&feature=related Owners! DON'T LET ANY TRAINER TELL YOU OTHERWISE! ASSOCIATIONS!!! PROTECT the BREED! |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
*shudder* Sorry, but I can't even watch that last one. Those poor horses! I just do not understand their people.
This is so far beyond disgraceful that I'd like to throw up. |
||||
| caliber |
But then again! I see hope when I see the other side of the TWH's
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jSY-y1EKnSA http://youtube.com/watch?v=BJSubY9F_5I&feature=related http://youtube.com/watch?v=SP55mX0qwOQ&feature=related This clip is pure love!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqVNsOfZ0S4&NR=1 |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
Yabbut, Felix ... those are definitely NOT show people. Nor, I suspect, will they ever BE show people, so they don't help ... y'know? | ||||
| BigJ |
I'm sorry Jame, but I disagree. Take the time to read all of the Equus special report. The people who have started other TWH associations, which BAN even pads or heavier shoes were show people. People who showed and sored for decades. What happened? Children. Their children, when old enough to understand what was going on, changed their world. They began to see what their kids saw and that changed them. Maybe they remembered what is was they loved about the TWH and decided to honor the BREED instead of their own need for glory.
http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/lameness/soring_030706/ I had long, serious discussions with my former TWH guy about soring, why he did it, why the industry held on to it, the history of it, etc. Amazingly as many times as he offered to sore the PFs I was showing at the time, I had only one weak moment of trying it. Back then several PF "trainers" were experimenting with their own methods of soring, using chains, rollers, quicking feet, using breakaway shoes, etc. I watched a National Paso Fino champion stallion that was obviously sored, how he moved, how ugly and artificial the movement was and I've never considered it again. Sadly so much emphasis is placed on this practice that the real talent these trainers have are lost. It was through my TWH guy NOT a PF trainer that I learned about gait, about how to discern it in seconds, how to begin training and enhancing natural abilities. They can tell if a horse is "off", the source and what to do about it from bitting, to the saddle, to the rider seat, to the shoeing. The problem is they have convinced themselves that what they do only "enhances" the natural ability and that a horse cannot be forced into the big lick. They can tell immediately a horse that is "artificially" made into the big lick. That is why I suggested Yamil Cruz should seriously consider studying under a TWH trainer for a couple years if he is into soring, which apparently he is. They could teach Yamil a better way to get a horse into gait and be sore AND look "natural". Several PF trainers have come from the TWH and Racking Horse world. Larry Whitesell and Carmen M. are two I can think of immediately. I knew about Larry long before he joined up with PF forces. I meet people attracted to the PF world all the time that come from the soring show horse world of TWH. There are some TWH show trainers that sore and don't like it. However, they are convinced they must to survive and to keep the industry going. Slowly some have decided they can't lie to themselves any more and quit. Do you think they would give up soring and their brutal riding style for the love of the horse? Maybe, if we let them. Those are the ones that don't need to leave the breed but stick with it to save what they loved. Rules and laws aren't going to stamp out the practice, people are. EDIT: EVERYONE with pasos should watch the flick Felix posted http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWM-VCCS09g&feature=related WHY? Because it proves my point. Here's a mare that is stoked up as artificially as can be. Does she miss a beat? Have to rest? Does she even slow down her pace a little bit? Go out of "gait"? She's fit, she's a machine with all of that crap on her. And we say our horses can't stay in gait for 7 minutes in a class with only 2-3 minutes of sustained performance? We are laughed at. That TWH mare could easily go 7 consecutive minutes in any time and our natural paso finos champions have to be "protected" to make sure they don't make a mistake. Give me a break! PF Judges WAKE UP! The video is only 2 minutes long. I've timed the fino classes. If the horses are asked to gait 2-3 consecutive minutes it's rare!!! BTW, this TWH mare is one fine horse! And it is true many of these horses are sound much later in life. So still feeling we don't have to clean up our own house first? Let's check our obituary list these past 12 months.... I'd like to see ANY PF show horse stay in gait for over 3 minutes. We'd have trainers crying like babies and accusing judges for being to "hard" on our horses! |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
Okay, I read the report ... and I am not looking for a fight, but I don't see it the same way you do, BigJ.
I am DELIGHTED to see that those children have accomplished what their parents, left to their own devices, have not been able to even recognize, let alone do something about *eyes rolling at the idea of adults being so studiously oblivious* ... but that is two kids of two owners of show horses. I hardly think it is indicative of what is going to happen here. I think that if this practice is to stop, it will only be because the government agents get the money to be at EVERY day of EVERY show. I think it is like dog fighting. It's illegal, but for some reason a whole bunch of morons think they should do it anyway. Soring isn't going to change without force. No, let me take that back. Soring will change without force, but it will take hundreds of years to do so. (Though I am pleased to see alternate organizations sprouting up where TWHs can be shown the way they are supposed to be. I just doubt those organizations will become the "in" organizations any time soon.) |
||||
| cristy |
I watched that video again and it is simply horrifying. it hurts me to see that poor mare move.
I think you are right though I think it will take the gov being at every day of every show for a long time to completely change this. I truely hope they find the resources to do it. I definately would not have a probelm with them being at our shows too. These practices MUST stop! |
||||
| BigJ |
Well, I'm not that keen about USDA at paso shows. I was never keen about AHSA/USEF either. I prefer self-policing myself. However, I'll grudgingly admit we need USEF since PFHA does not have the means to enforce--no attorney, no fines, no penalties, etc.
If USDA shows up at our shows, we're in deep trouble. |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
Well, obviously, I don't have to worry about USDA ... but I'm curious: why would you be in deep trouble if USDA showed up at your shows? | ||||
| cristy |
Not to be argumentative, but I was wondering the same thing...in the name of transparency get it all out in the open and then we as a breed can move on. I personally am confident that I would have no probleam with the USDA, let them bring it on. (jmo) | ||||
| BigJ |
It's not about transparency, it is about image.
USDA is the police, the bad police. get it? If USDA shows up at paso shows but have no need to show up at hunter/jumper, TB racing, rodeos, then who is the real bad boy here? Paso Finos. Do you really want that reputation? I don't. We all know why USDA is at racking, walker, and saddle seat shows. We have problems, obviously, but are we not public about them? Aren't we transparent now about how we feel about drugging our horses, soring our horses, malicious treatment now? Do we need gov't to tell us how to behave? The reason USDA is at other shows is because on the breed industry openly supports soring. That is what USDA means at a paso fino show, that we say we are ok with our bad boys. Please people, gov't is NOT the answer for taking responsibility for our own actions. We should demonstrate an intolerance for doping, soring, and malicious acts. USDA will remain with the TNW until it cleans up its act from the INSIDE. Are you suggesting we can't handle it? That we don't have the will to create our own methods for dealing with our issues? That is why there is a LAW and why USDA/DQ system exists. There is a big difference between USEF and USDA. One is voluntary, the other isn't. Look at the registries involved with USEF and then look at the ones policed by USDA. Most of the associations that practice soring openly do not belong to USEF. USDA is not "invited" at shows. It doesn't matter if the show is regulated by USEF or not. USDA shows up because it believes criminal activity is present. People go to jail over this. There are huge legal battles in court. Tens of thousands of dollars are levied. This may all sound so tempting and easy to let someone else handle our problems, but for the rest of the world it sends home a message about who we are, what we do to our horses, and how much we care about it. It would be like having a house party and the police had to be invited every time. Your neighbors would start to wonder why. They have parties and no police. It's is transparently clear you can't handle your guests, that they can't behave civilly, and you don't seem willing to change. I could only guess the type of people attracted to that type of party. No thanks. Now you could try to convince me that's not true. The parties you have are all sweet, quiet, cordial, and fun for the kids. The police were only there to demonstrate just how civilized the party was. I wouldn't believe you. If I were a half-decent person myself, I would not be attracted to your parties. I'd surely would gossip about them telling everyone you had to have police at your parties because you can't keep a lid on it. An incidental arrest here and there would only prove my point. At other people's parties when people get out of hand, the host or others handle the issue, not the police. It's a big deal if the police show up, rather embarrassing. |
||||
| caliber |
In my opinion, maybe having the USDA visit our shows is a good thing, perhaps the USDA will see that our breed is not a soring breed. | ||||
| Jane Hurl |
Well, I asked the question, and I got the answer ... and a good answer it was, Big J. Not being American, I didn't realize the power of your USDA, and therefore its reputation. It is MUCH more powerful than our ag department. (USDA does mean Department of Agriculture", correct?) We have nothing similar (power-wise), to the best of my knowledge ... other than our SPCA, which apparently has more power than yours but not the clout of your USDA.
I love this statement (above) and I certainly see your point of view with reference to having the USDA show up. Thanks for posting that. |
||||
| BigJ |
We'll just have to agree to disagree. I understand and respect the concept just not in agreement about who should implement it. The mere fact USDA isn't present infers innocence. It also infers we will take care of our own business.
It's a philosophical issue I have when we complain about PFHA not doing anything and then propose to have someone else do it instead. It's ok for someone else to tell us how to conduct our business but not ourselves. How many shows will USDA need to present to prove we are clean? All of them, because now we have created the image of a problem. How do I know soring doesn't happen when USDA is absent? Because we have rules--rules for shoes, hoof length, etc. Who created those rules? We did because we had a vision of what a paso fino was. We know the difference, what we need is the where with all to act on our own morals and ethics. It is not the rules or USDA that will make our horses sound. We will. I do not wish to be all comfy and buffered by thinking I need not engage because someone else will do my work for my breed. Sorta like having two doped champions and no rules to deal with the doper instead of the doped. Oh, and nobody, including me, bothering to change it. We all act appalled, mumble something for appearances and then hope USEF catches the next one. No rules, no enforcement, no suspensions, penalities, fines, not even a hiccup in business as usual. There are no consequences for the actions. That's the TWH condundrum. They are allowing themselves to be policed by an outsider. They are denying they have a problem. Even when they finally admit to it by not showing when USDA arrives, rather than stop they simply find a place that lets them continue. They don't stop soring or showing sored horses they only go where they can. It is by mutual acceptance within the industry that allows the denial to continue. If the industry decided to quit soring, they would. For example, the use of the serreta and the banning of scarred noses. If we look at the PFHA history, we would see a correlation between sored, calloused, and scarred noses with our own acceptance of the associated practices. Ideally, by now, we should not see one calloused nose but we do. Lots and lots of them and they are sore. We pretend it is OK because this a paso fino and that's the way to get them to perform. You know it's not that big of a step (no pun intended) between that attitude and soring. Here's something to think about. If USDA lost funding for the DQ program who would step in to fulfill the role? If we depend on others telling us how to treat our horses, we are in deep trouble. If that presence is removed what happens to our horses? |
||||
| caliber |
Yes Candice! very well said! I also don't think passing responsibilities along will be the answer, and us members of this breed should have ZERO tolerance for any kind of soring.
NOW! In my opinion, what is our ASSOCIATION doing about it? We often hear Doping? 2006 Grand National Champion then 2007 National Champion Filly, well!!!! WHAT HAPPENED? the answer is nothing happened! $1500 fine to the trainer, $200. fine to the owner and 1 month suspension from showing and take the title and trophy away . By the way, all this information came from the USEF monthly publication, I have not yet seen any information coming from the PFHA. Yet, our association will publish your name, humiliate your soul and suspend your membership for other issues less important non related to the welfare of our breed. When I hear members expressing their anger in support of crime publicly, is time to move on and seek greater supervision. JUST MY opinion! |
||||
| BigJ |
I agree Felix.
We are struggling here and I have the utmost admiration for anyone who is trying to find answers. Hmm, supervision or support? Where to go? What are the right choices for the breed? It's not only courage to say what is right and do what is right, but to find support to maintain what is right. After all, did anyone notice when I quit going to shows to protest the judging and placing out of gait horses? Or when I quit PFHA because I was against the path its leaders were taking? Do you believe what I say or think will bother Besilu or Winning Colors? Has anyone cared that I won't send horses out for training? The cruel fact is, as Jane mentioned, I'm small fry. More accurately, I'm not even big enough to be fried. However, I've been a moving target, kept quiet, stayed home, didn't want to get dirty, wanted to be "friends" and "accepted". Maybe that was wrong. I'm thinking so. Maybe that's the problem. None of us has simply stood in one place and said this is it. We're flitting around looking for a place to land. Also to become active for the right reasons. Look at the attempted boycotts by Florida PFHA over internal bickerings. I saw allot of dirty laundry and nothing else. Good for the gossip column. However, if they had boycotted because of a real concern about the breed, I wonder if there would have been a show at all. Boycotting about where a show is at or because they hate their regional officers--please! |
||||
| Jane Hurl |
I think, Candice, that ANYONE who causes NEEDED change that is not always the most popular change, is unpopular. If you REALLY want to see change, you need to be loud, abrasive and bullheaded. And you need to take action, not stand on the sidelines in protest.
The thing is, most people are too timid to take that kind of stand, and that really is too bad. The majority of people see that kind of person in a poor light. I disagree. I take my hat off to anyone willing to put him or herself on the line like that. |
||||