Editorial
Everyone talks about it, promotes it, this 'Ideal' of a life in harmony with one's horse, in the natural state, at liberty...
But are we capable of claiming it, assuming it, and living it ? Do we really desire it ? How far are we prepared to go to achieve it ? Wouldn't we rather prefer a compromise ?
Between the needs of the horse and our own interests, between current and outdated knowledge, between the economic stakes and the laws imposed on us... while at the same time calling upon and trusting in the remarkable capacities of the horse to adapt.
On the trails over this summer / autumn of 2007 I made some extraordinary encounters with horses and people who approached the Ideal.
Herds of horses living in perfect symbiosis with cows on the plateau of Font d'Urle, in the breathtaking landscape of the Vercors... before being enclosed in the stables down in the valley at the end of September.
In Lipica in Slovenia, a group of 70 young bachelor stallions living and playing together... next year they will be imprisoned in stalls.
Two Swiss horsewomen competing in dressage at national level, with barefoot horses... who are obliged to continue bearing the iron in their mouth and being isolated in stalls at night.
An owner of adult Spanish stallions living outside day and night... in separate paddocks.
And finally, Borodin - the « free » horse living in a magnificent area, who guided me - free of bit or saddle tree - through the regional nature reserve of Grand Veymont (2341 m) amidst the wild flora and fauna of the Vercors and who brought me back, 'eyes closed', at nightfall to the keepers' cabin... despite the painful horseshoes and the lack of comrades.
By way of contrast, this new edition of Natural Horse Planet will tell you yet again that the living conditions of our companions must absolutely change from beginning to end.
Here, then, are some demanding ideas... with no compromise.
