Readers Letters

Thanks to your publication "Natural Horse Planet" I am no longer alone !

Let me explain. For many years I have been saying that there is nothing natural about Natural horsemanship. A good example of this is Andy Booth's response to your questions during your interview with various horse experts in the Jan/Feb issue. Although he is trained in natural horsemanship methods, none of his answers have anything to do with "natural horse" but everything to do with accommodating humans.

Once again, horses have to pay the price because humans are not being "authentic". Is this considered "new equitation for the love of horses" or is it simply an easier way to manipulate and control horses ?
I studied the works of American "horse whisperers" and I always thought they were not being totally "honest" and "authentic" with horses.

They may have gentler ways of training and riding them, but when push comes to shove the human's "monster" comes out and humans always ends up winning, to the horse's expense.

This lead me to study Horse Psychology and Behavior (Gustave LeBon) and horsemanship in the 12th and 13th century era. Warriors rode stallions to battle with a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. Together horse and rider confronted the enemy, both bodies working as one, in perfect harmony.

Horses haven't changed over the years. I wanted to prove to myself that this type of relationship was possible with horses. My horses never wear shoes, the mares wean their young naturally, geldings and mares live tegether and every horse has a voice. My herd lives in a harmonious and peaceful manner.

After reading the article "MK" Horses in Jan/Feb issue of your magazine, I was pleasantly surprised to see that other horse people are embracing natural horsemanship in an authentic manner. I also apply my riding techniques to any equestrian discipline (dressage, jumping, etc.), like Kate Hewlett mentioned in the article.

No need to say that as a French Canadian living in Alberta, Canada (cowboy country) many people raise eyebrows at my methods. But slowly, once they see how my horses are willing and happy to be with me, they start wanting the same type of relationship with their own horses. Horses are finally getting some of their freedom back, one traditional rider at a time.

Thanks for the informative articles and the great magazine. I look forward to reading more.

Best wishes, Barbra-Ann

Hi, I write to you today because I was touched by your last issue of Natural Horse Planet.

My topic of the moment is ‘starting’, and I wish to remain in the greatest possible harmony with my horse, but if I practise “ethological horsemanship” I find that sometimes it’s not natural.

I’d like to know how, in your opinion, I could go about training my mare so that it can be as natural as possible. I thank you and hope you can help my spirit to find the right path.

Best wishes, and hear from you soon, maybe.
Camille

Very many thanks for your magazine !

At long last, a magazine that dares to leave the beaten path. Your articles are clear, interesting, and innovative – in brief, I have been reading them with great pleasure.

Your article on the FEI code is very interesting : your critique on the different positions of the various protagonists is clear and engaging. I love it… and now I feel a less like a «Martian among the earth-men.»

Looking forward to the pleasure of more reading...

Dominique

Have just picked up a copy of your magazine in the local French supermarket.
The reason I am contacting you is that I am the government affairs consultant to the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations and the British Horse Industry Confederation and do this work in Brussels and UK by commuting from my new home (of one year) in France.

I spend nearly all of my time working on equine EU regulations and laws but also on welfare issues in general and especially in the UK.

Since coming to France I have made a sea change in working with my horses; they have started to go barefoot as I couldn't find a farrier who didn't hit my horses. They live out and are very well behaved mostly and hacks out now as a 4yo in a bridle or halter. As a result I have seen how much healthier and happier they are, and have become very interested in learning more of the "non-PC" ways in interacting with horses which can help us all have a better relationship.

I loved your article on Michel Robert whom I met last year at an international horse conference in Lyon and think you are doing a really fantastic job in putting him forward as an example - and there is so much latent interest in France.

I think the magazine deserves to succeed and I really hope it does. Good luck with your wonderful magazine!

Thank you so much.