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We’ve just witnessed an incredible week of dressage sport at the Olympics.
Some of you may have seen the live stream, some of you may have even been there.
But I was incredibly excited, one, about the level of competition.
It was an extremely high level. Many riders having their personal best, riding the tests of their lives right at that moment when it counts at the Olympics.
Many riders at their first ever Olympics and having an incredible experience being positively proud of their horses and their achievements.
And of course, there was a great deal of improvement overall in the competition when it comes to the harmony between horse and rider.
If I compare that to just the last championship in Herning at the World Equestrian Games, that was for me a great improvement.
But still, I get emails, phone calls and comments from journalists about, for example, one particular horse that showed he had the mouth open a little bit.
“What are your thoughts of that? What does that mean for the horse?”
And I think it’s a shame that we are continually focusing on the negative.
We can argue until the sun goes down what it means to have a horse’s mouth open. Just because a horse has its mouth open doesn’t mean that there’s something terribly going wrong.
We all know that horses, in some stages, have the mouth open for focus. I have horses ridden without a bit at home that slightly have the mouth open. Purely for focus.
Of course, we all know now, if there is backward holding tension, a sharp angle on the curb, tight chains and blue tongues, that this is a clear moment where the horse and rider are not in harmony and that is NOT what we want to see.
But I think it’s very important that we remember to focus on all the things that are going in the right way.
We’ve witnessed riders that have progressed to a level in their relationship where they’ve come to a very unnatural environment for a horse. You have a massive stadium with a huge public, and of course, all the human elements that come into that.
You have the pressure of the build up to get there and to qualify and to be on the team.
You have the expectation of some riders being in their first Olympics and some riders being in their sixth and seventh Olympics, but there’s that human element where all stakes are very high.
I think with all the pressure that’s surrounding what happened to some riders in the lead up to the Olympics was of course going to create a lot of expectation, a lot of pressure for the riders thinking that all eyes are on them.
And then still to perform in the way that the majority of the riders did, I thought was incredibly inspirational.
And I think it’s important for the media also to realize that they are living from this sport and it’s very easy for a journalist to just point out, without much thought, without much education, without much knowledge: ‘oh that horse likely has his mouth open’.
Without seeing what is actually going on, without seeing the true connection and the degree of difficulty and the harmony which is being created in that moment, in that environment between horse and rider.
And that they don’t see the rest of what’s going on between the horse and rider and what’s going on within the horse’s body, within the horse’s physiology that he’s there performing, showing all of himself.
And then the uneducated person says: “oh but did you see the mouth opened?”
Of course, we can go into detail and arguments about what does the mouth open mean?
And we all know what we don’t want to see, but just focusing on the old cliche line is not going to help the sport to progress forward and I think that’s where we need it to go.
So I’m incredibly positive about what we’ve witnessed in this championship.
I think horse sport is going in the right direction and I think this is something we all need to celebrate.
We had an amazing championship with some amazing stories, some inspirational tests and some real connection between riders, between horses and riders, between competitors, between nations, between the equestrian community and between equestrians worldwide.
I think that’s the gift in which horses bring to humans and that we can give back to our horses.
– Tristan Tucker
A confidentand relaxed horse in every situation with my online training program TRT method.
66 Responses
I am completely with you! A lot is going on the right direction. This cherry-picking of negative moments is not good for anything.
I agree that horse sports is going in the right direction. I think to the uneducated person it is easy to sensationalise certain aspects. A lot of people don’t know that horses do not breath through their mouth! Some also believe that dressage rider wear and use spurs like in the Wild West. Spurs are not compulsory under FEI rules and I would like that changed to not permitted.
We need to make sure that good equestrian practice at the very beginning of any equestrian journey and turf out the old “this is the way we have always done it and it works, mindset. Remembering that the competition is about how well we train our horses and we can do this without gadgets like side reins, bungees and such like. We still have a lot to do but we have come a long way.
Amen to that ❤️
I feel that dressage and the demands for “bigger” and “more”, have been going the wrong way for a long time since after Reiner Klimke. Like most sports ( including my sport of fencing) the federations have tried to become more spectator friendly and commercial at the cost of the sport and the horse. Dressage in particular has gone away from natural gaits and harmony between the rider and horse and enhancing what the natural horse has and rewarding over bent, unnatural forced movements. Until the more compassionate, harmonious riders are rewarded for correct way of going and enjoying the abilities of both the horse and rider unfortunately dressage won’t change. There were some combinations that were showing the right way and attitude at the Olympics but they were in the minority and were unplaced. I understand the pressure in business to produce, turnover and make a living in a difficult unpredictable sector but this has always been the case with horses and no one ever expected to be a millionaire working with horses.
As an ex hobby rider and an avid student of dressage I totally agree. Yes we have made big strides, but I still see too many wrong things, including many riders whose horses have been subjected to things like Rolcur. I thoroughly enjoyed the 3DE dressage, ridden happily in a snaffle and showing all the basic moves. I have no idea who the judges were in pure dressage, but how up to date are they in their thinking?
Yes totally agree with your comment and the one from Claire. I really enjoyed the performances I could watch.
Need to breed black horses with no bling, my gelding has had more blood on his legs from biting flies than the poor competitor eliminated. We need a common sense rule. I enjoyed the dressage, very big atmosphere, most coped well. Our tv coverage here in Australia was just amazing. Every rider shown.
Yes, mine can have blood from biting flies too! The competitor eliminated for blood, probably from a nick as he came into the stadium and his mare took fright, unfortunately took the whole USA team out ! Yet some horses and riders were behind the vertical and some you could hear their efforts to breathe! Dressage has to make even bigger changes still, IMHO, for the welfare of the horse.
I completely agree. It was never going to be perfect, that leap was too much in the time available. But, I too saw an improvement and, on the whole, enjoyed the tests that I did see. I would rather a horse could open their mouth than have it clamped shut! I found myself becoming tired with all the negativity and rider bashing and felt that we (as riders/ enthusiasts/ lovers of horses) were heading down a slippery slope of removing horse competion completely by ourselves, without the help of any other animal rights groups.
I agree Jen. Who needs naysayers when we’re killing our relationship with horses from the inside out?
I agree Jen. I also don’t think that because a horse is maybe overwhelmed with the environment and as a result gets tight in the back and neck, which often results in the mouth getting busy and the horse becoming strong in the bridle – that this becomes the reason a rider is vilified and the sport is condemned.
As I spend hours working on my low level dressage to see this level of riding and the results obtained is truly inspiring. When you think that the medals were won by riders whose aids were practically invisible the sport IS going in the right direction and we have some fantastic role models.
I think looser nosebands and more open necks may have been reason mouths were more mobile. I see that as a positive directio of course if its a cossing jaw wide open mouth showing tongue then its resistance. I would rather see mouth slightly open than behind the vertical.
I agree with Clare M’s post, the FEI and BD need to step up and until they train their judges to reward harmonious riders for correct way of going (which they are not doing) we are just going to get more or the same, the fish rots from the head and the head hasn’t changed (and is still rotting). Unless you reward rider who ride correctly it will just revert to type. Nothing had really changed in my eyes so actually I hope the press keep nailing people (even if incorrectly) because the FEI need pressure to change and nobody is giving that. sorry Tristan but what are YOU doing to influence the rot at the FEI?
Agree + take nosebands off
Totally agree Georgina and very disappointed to see the stance that Tristan is taking on this. This is not about mouths being slightly open and he knows. This is about overtightened nosebands, flashes, double bridles and so much reward for being BTV.
100% agree. So many gaping mouths and blue tongues and no ramifications. If only we had trainers that train like Reiner Klimke. And double bridles can be axed. So much to fix. This blog seems more a support of the current crap dressage industry. Disappointed.
Agree. I’m super disappointed he didn’t address the many issues like blue tongues and hyper flexed heads, judges counting steps instead rewarding proper form that aligns with classical dressage. It makes me sad
I agree – it makes me super sad too
Thank you for this! 100% agree. So much to like and admire in this Olympics
Denise
Absolutely. I was a bit nervous to watch in case it was a bit of a car crash, and yes there were moments that made me wince, but overall, a tremendous display of so many good things. I came away (from the screen!!) feeling quite optimistic – till I saw social media………
Disappointed to read this load of cobblers. What about the blue tongues, restrictive bridles and btv, not to mention all the behind the scenes training cruelty that is coming to light? This isn’t fair on the horse and thank goodness there is a groundswell opinion now calling for change.
Maybe your algorithm doesn’t show you that this movement is building, but it looks to me like you could be on the wrong side of history with your current stance.
Your work does so much to help horses to be less anxious and to enjoy life with their owners, so I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t use your influence to call for much-needed welfare changes where horses are used in sport, eg dressage?
There can only be two reasons: either you actually believe that all is well for competition dressage horses and none of them undergo painful training methods, or alternatively you don’t want to alienate potential clients who might sign up for your program. And let’s face it, I would think that most people who join you, are equestrians who are experiencing behavioural issues with their horses (irony because they may currently unwittingly be using training methods that are uncomfortable for their ‘problem’ horses, which could be the problem)!
I know you are a deep-thinking, highly intelligent man, who is also extremely well-respected in the online/clinic training world (I mention those because that is how I know you), and in my opinion you are the most accepted person in this field amongst ‘old-school’ horsey folk (I’m UK based). I know this because I see people recommend you in places where the mainstream gather online!
Ok, I understand why you might not actively choose to stick your head above the parapet and speak out, because it might hurt your business, but by publishing the above twaddle, you HAVE spoken out and I personally am disappointed that you could be so blind and insensitive.
I don’t think you’ve fully understood the message Tristan is trying to share. Of course he’s against the blue tongues and all that. That’s not the example he was referring to with the open mouth. Tristan is doing a lot of things to promote increasing our horse’s welfare and has spoken out lots of times. He has even hosted a livestream about how we can improve the lives of sporthorses. But there are also good things happening at the same time and we shouldn’t forget about that. So yes, point out the negative but also the positive things.
I agree. It’s neither one end of the extreme, nor the other. But somewhere progressive in between. And, seeing the alternative view is a sign of good balance and being open to learn.
I agree with all you have said. There is a report by vets on blue tongues seen at Versaille, the FEI were shown the photos yet the silver medalist was one of those. They have done nothing except speak to those concerned – no ban yet they arguably caused more harm than CDJ with the whip. Double standards but both unacceptable.
Well said Ann.
Totally agree with you Ann and very disappointed (and very surprised) to see the stance that Tristan is taking on this.
A real missed opportunity to educate imo. We don’t have to only focus on the negative but we should definitely acknowledge it and learn from it. We all know it can be done better and I would have hoped that Tristan would have taken the role to educate the judges and the competitors instead of pretending there is no problem and nothing to see here.
Being the well educated and intelligent and very in-tune person he is I am so very disappointed.
In my comment I wrote that I think it’s naive to only focus on the good and think that will change things or keep the balance. “on the wrong side of history” is what I mean with that, if a 100 m athlete has someone used doping in their race and they don’t say anything about doping being wrong it seams as if they think it’s right. They can say both that doping is wrong and that they love the sport due to xxx being good. Or the Meetoo movement, it’s similar now as Peter Fredricson wrote somewhere, so not saying the sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein is horrendously bad because he has enabled som many good movies to be made or so many actresses having good parts. That’s where I think the equestrian sport is now and FEI is slowly waking up and took a small step in the right direction this Olympics. Tristan with your expertise you should be in a much better postition to also highlight the good from the Olympics but by turning a blind eye to the rest the credibility drops and I wonder where you really stand. I think horses comes before the sport and unless the sport can change again for the better it is seriously threatened to for example be taken of the Olympics schedule. And only the ones in the sport can change this for real.
Thank you for saying things that I cannot express myself. I agree with you. I am disappointed too and I see this ‘open mouth’ as a distraction of the real problem.
You are right, that not all open mouths are from too much tension on the reins, but it is kind of hard for me to really see. It would be very neat to have a some kind of tool that shows the strength hand to mouth. Even if just to show how fine those riders are with their hands. Also, it would be interesting to see them all ride in normal bridels to find out if there would be a difference in open mouths. I’m not shaming anyone but I think it is good to have some experiments to see if it is the best way we’re doing things or not. Real progress means to question one selves and to check the system constantly for better ways to do things. And the outcome is open, it could just be still the best way, but don’t just continue without checking.
Hi Sarah there is ongoing research around tension in the reins, here is one example and I’m thinking a tool to check the pressure shouldn’t be to difficult for someone to create e.g for trainers to use. https://publications.slu.se/?file=publ/show&id=126538 all the best, Camilla
It’s amazing how the horses were able to cope with the environment and the enthusiasm of the spectators in all three Olympic disciplines ! I was particularly amazed with the cross-country course, so many people and fences that the horses had never seen before.
I agree with you that it’s a shame to dwell on the negative fleeting images.
My admiration goes out to those who take such fine care of their equine partners; the riders, grooms, blacksmiths, vets and trainers.
I agree with what you say…. except obviously in the extreme cases where an inappropriate level of pressure is causing pain (blue tongue being one symptom). However I was disappointed by the large number of over-tight flashes, where the horse was clearly struggling to function comfortably and would have opened its mouth if its could. I don’t think top level riders should be allowed to disguise opening of the mouth with tack in this way. Is there any other reason to use a flash and especially a tight one? Let’s get rid of flashes and tight nosebands and allow horses to open their mouths if they need to. Then it’s in the open and judges can decide what to deduct.
Yes!
This!
A bit noseband Check before the ride, leaving the warm-up could prevent this right? Always wondered why it was changed.
Two point penalty for rollkur held more than 4 seconds and elimination after four penalties.
Is that how it is now? I didn’t know that!
I for one was hesitant to watch the dressage for fear of what I may see. We only had time to watch a few, I must say I was pleasantly surprised, the riders rode a beautiful test and seemed to have “gotten the memo”. While I was ready to be critical, all I had were compliments. (I do realize some riders at the Olympics didn’t read the memo, however it was nice to change in the right direction).
Interesting way of looking at it. I very much disagree. It would be fun if we could focus on the positives but as long as the FEI keeps rewarding the negatives, there just isn’t much room for that right now. There were exceptions (and most of them were not scored very high) but for the most part I found the dressage tests uncomfortable to watch. So many horses with stressed faces, wide open mouths (not just busy or slightly open), tigh BTV frames and showy front legs with not much engagement of the hindquarters, and now we’re getting the photo’s of the blue tongues to top it all off. I love dressage when it looks harmonious, relaxt and kind, and I genuinely saw very little of that. I have great admiration for the combinations that stand out in a positive way and we should definately praise them, but if we want this sport to change for the better we are going to have to focus on the negatives right now to try and pressure the FEI into making real changes, since they don’t seem to be very willing to do it on their own accord.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XvA7ykDwpcHm4S9w/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Even Reuters News reports on Blue Tongues. This is just one aspect. There needs to be change. I fear for the continuation of the sport.
Hi, I’m all for making sure we don’t forget the positive. I do however believe we need to be able to keep several thoughts and aspects in mind at the same time. I do fear for the sport in many ways, unless change happens and I do believe it was a small step in the right direction how FEI acted this time. We need to be able to separate abuse that we see examples of everywhere and dare to acknowledge that this exists in our relationship with horses. It is an unequal relationship, we do hold all the power, and yet it can be a very good relationship for the horse as well. However just because a horse performs or you love it doesn’t mean it is faring well regarding it’s own innate behavioural needs and stress. And only focusing on the positive I find a bit naive! First an open mouth, of course that’s not in itself a problem, it is a way to reduce the pressure in the mouth, happens all the time. The problem comes from not being able to open the mouth properly due to the noseband or that it is constantly trying to get away from the pressure in the mouth. Unfortunately we see both at the highest level…And a blue tongue is extreme…I think there is someting in what ESI wrote on FB of the future of the sport. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/PFsG7rPCwXNWC2Ld/ Unless the core of what we want to promote and give medals to change nothing will change. Dressage is at the core of riding so it is always needed but the equestrian sport has got a bit lost, and then barrering of jumping etc. We need to both dare to face the bad things happening and work to really change how we do things. And at the same time dare to stand up for riding horses and the equestrian sport, it can be good or ok also for the horse. A lot of change and a lot of explaining is needed and that some professionals are still in denial doesn’t help, I hope they get out of the defensiveness into the learning dimension so we can reach genuin change, soon because we need them if the sport is going to survive and change. All horses deserve to be treated well, not have constant stress or pain or too many stressignals at the same time. (and no life is completely stressfree) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0241532 or pain signals under rider https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/eve.13468. And all horses have the same behavioural needs dressage breed or profession or not. https://eu.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/the-5-domains-of-animal-welfare so lets keep several thoughts at the same time. Work to showcase the special with horses and equestrian sport and face up to the fact that a horse is not choosing to do what we want e.g. in sport but can like it if the conditions are right. At the moment we have a lot of work to do. And there is so much good science today to make use of so let’s do that, we know roll-kür is bad for the horse so stop it then! (Vision and oxygen intake) Best Camilla
mij is opgevallen dat er toch nog veel achter de loodlijn lopen ,en veel ruiters met de benen onrustig zijn en prikken
En mag ik eens n antwoord op waarom er met hoge dressuur. Stang en trens gereden wordt ?is dit nodig ?
Ook de jury wisselend in punten geven ,maar dat zal wel blijven .
Mvg
Ok you asked for our comments.I think you are a good equestrian, that is for sure. I was so glad to read some of the frank comments. like some of the others here Claire M , Georgina , Ann and Annais
I was saddened and very disappointed by this blog.
I know what courage it takes to defend the vulnerable and I feel like your peers you are concerned about not being seen to be outspoken. But you are talking to your subscribers not the general audience.
It’s typical in these situations that people run for cover, and equestrians care more about the feelings of the top riders than for the vulnerable horses. I gave up watching any dressage decades ago because it’s like the emperor with no clothes. It’s just blind nepotism and actually gaslighting and enabling abuse by FEI etc rewarding. Shame on us humans . The old masters must be turning in their graves.
Thankfully I only saw the lunge wipe video on Lockie Phillips YouTube or I would have been really traumatised. He demonstrates
It’s possible to make comments about the negative side of professional equestrianism without throwing any one under the bus. Also some behavioural equestrianism talking about the elephant in the room.
I don’t understand this attitude of focus on only the good that’s how abusers get away with it. That’s why it took that brave teenager, a good while to come forward.
The whistleblower gets the hit . We are in the period of the unveiling, in all aspects of life including dressage.
Change isnt often achieved by criticism and alienation, but by a process of education and enlightenment. It is fantastic that Tristan and others are helping many, many horse owners to see tension and pain, physical restrictions and address these to improve the lives of their horses and ultimately their riding. We all have a role to play in this endeavour, whether we are Olympians or simply humble recreational riders. We can all be better than we were yesterday
I am a big fan of your work Tristan but cannot help feeling terribly gaslight by your blog.
We all know it isn’t about ‘the one horse with their mouth open a little bit’ but everything about the fact the horses mouths are clamped shut with tight flashes and nosebands. It is about the pressure of the double bridles causing blue tongues, and so much Rollkur and BTV causing overbending and bulging tissues in horses necks.
Yes it would be nice to be able to focus on the positives – if only those positives would actually be rewarded with high scores, resulting in medals (which clearly didn’t happen). Unfortunately until such thing happens, and terrible practices are continuing to be rewarded with extremely high scores by judges that clearly and openly favor them, we as responsible horse owners, need to speak up for those poor horses and unfortunately point out the negatives.
I think that is the true gift which these horses bring to us humans and it is our responsibility to give our voice back to those horses.
We cannot condone this any longer and look the other way, it has been happening for way too long and got us to where we are now – where high level equestrians think this is normal and these training methods are acceptable.
I think it’s great we are talking. I’m not a dressage expert, but was aware abuse does occur at this high level. After the du jardin video, there was a lot of interest on british bbc and news programmes asking why and how whips are used. Genuinely seeking to understand. I was disappointed in the equestrians who attempted to answer, as they did not communicate well how these are communication tools, to support, rather than punish. That was an opportunity missed I thought.
Horses open their mouth when they focus? Do you have proof of that, or is it just an anthropomorphism? I know it is more likely linked to discomfort and particularly back tension, hence it can also happen without a bit. Do you have more studies about that statement? I see horses out in the field extremely focused on danger, and they NEVER open their mouth.
Super disappointed by that blog, but glad to see the opinion is divided. At least there is a dialogue.
I do think the uneducated people are actually more likely to see and feel the abuse, because they are not brainwashed by years of observing the abuse and being told it’s the only way to train horses.
I am just surprised how much anger is going on against dressage riders, Olympic or not. It’s quite ridiculous. Put your anger against trapping mustangs, rodeo horse riders, bushwhack racing…. There is so much worse there deserving your anger. Open horse mouth, ears back, one step in front of vertical …. Omg fight the bigger fights and do your part of the work with your horse.
I also am against flashes, spurs and bungees, blue tongue and whipping but what’s happening on social media is making me sick.
Dressage was originally a test for the rider and their horse to measure their progress together and not a competition. My partner and I held monthly tests and the humans were not required to dress for the occasion and it didn’t matter if the horse or pony had mud (we were in Cornwall) in their tails. We had an official dressage judge who would judge each person and their horse or pony on their individual movement and riding. Look to Portuguese Classical Riding for inspiration. I asked the director of the Portuguese Riding School after watching them practice what their ultimate goal is and he said “self carriage “.
The primary goal of APSL Studbook is to produce horses to compete with warmbloods in the Olympics. They select harshly nowadays to achieve this goal. They also love to dress up and compete, as we see in the top-level competitions, publicised these days by channels such as Magdalena Dudzin. There is room for non competitive judging in the depths of Cornwall but this does not cancel out international competition.
I appreciated your positive, measured and mature response.
I understand that Tristan may have his reasons for such a “guarded” response, but try as I might, I cannot imagine how the message he is putting out to his subscribers could may up with what I had believed was his attitude and vision for the horse.
I hope it is a case of him stepping carefully in the hopes of bringing about change by teaching softly, softly.
The paranoia about mouths opening led to the noseband tightening issue. Horses need to be able to open and close their mouths. Focusing on what was good , and there was a lot of it, is the way forward.
Exactly that! The rules should be adjusted and stop penalising open mouths.
Bravo! Takes courage to come out with this in the current climate. Thank you on behalf of all of us who aspire to ride dressage.
So good to hear a voice of reason within all the key board warriors going off. Thanks for focusing on what I believe was an inspiring demonstration of horsemanship overall.
To the trtmethod.com administrator, Your posts are always well presented.
Nailed it!
Excellent post! Your detailed analysis and engaging writing style make this a must-read for anyone interested in the topic. I appreciate the practical tips and examples you included. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.
Sorry Tristan,
FEI are failing horses.
We can all do better and should but those competing at the most elite level have a responsibility to without exception put the horses welfare before all other.
Horse first at home, in the training, in the warm ups, in the lessons they give students, in the test and when no one is watching at all.
Long hard look… long overdue
If they can do better they should … some scrutiny should be encouraged and be a win for the horses and the sport.
Sorry I do not agree. Just another person making plenty of $s from a sport and turning a blind eye to the cruelty going on. None so blind as those who do not want to see.
Possibly most disappointing stance on the matter I’ve read to date. To minimise the entire issue to “horses with their mouth slightly open”…it left me speechless. I’m a long term subscriber but this stance makes me wonder what other serious issues are being reduced in a similar manner. Really sad to see that someone like Tristan wouldn’t use his platform and reach to make a difference. Gaslighting the abuse does not equal positivity.
To minimize the very real welfare concerns when it comes to horse sport (blue tongues, rolkur, torture devices as bits, stress and pain that horses don’t sign up for) and to try to pass it off as “slightly open mouths” is offensive and telling. You could have taken the opportunity to be a voice for change. Toxic positivity and gaslighting was a disappointing choice and does nothing to move the sport in a positive direction
Tristan – You appear to have sold out horse welfare completely. Not the blog I and most of your supporters expected from you. There were multiple gaping mouths, blue tongues, BTV, tense horses. To say that I was disappointed with your post is an understatement. Many experts in the equine industry disagree with what you have posted. They are not uneducated and neither are we.
Quote: “You have a massive stadium with a huge public, and of course, all the human elements that come into that. You have the pressure of the build up to get there and to qualify and to be on the team.”
The horse only knows that it finds itself in a stressful environment. It could not care less about the rider’s ambitions or how high their (imagined) “stakes” are. Objectively, there are no “stakes” when playing a game other than those artificially created by humans. It’s called the “Olympic GAMES”! There is no suffering, no death, no trauma, if the horse gets allotted 56.2 instead of 69.8 points by a random group of people whose consideration for the animal’s welfare is equally tarnished by considerations of commerce.
If I go out of my way to put my horse under stress with no benefit to it (I’m not talking about stall rest to recover from injury or illness here), then I am not a compassionate horse owner, I’m a trophy hunter.