Re: RC: Anyone using a vosal?

[Lif Strand <fasterhorses@gilanet.com>]

At 10:29 PM 6/19/00 -0600, Tara wrote:
> (I know I shouldn't fix what isn't broke, but
> I would like an emergency brake should I need one on the
> trail)

OK, think about what's being said here.  "Emergency
brake".  That's a concept that applies to inanimate objects,
like cars.  Things with no feelings or opinions.  An emergency
brake is a device that overrides everything else.  

Not only is it dangerous to think that any piece of equipment can totally
override a horse's own brain, it's a notion that could be argued belongs
with other notions like "slavery", "abuse",
"domination", etc.  To use an extreme example, it's the
equine parallel of locking a kid in a black closet to "control"
a temper tantrum.  It might work, but since kids & horses aren't
machines, those feelings, emotions and opinions that have been overridden
don't necessarily go away, they can be repressed or diverted and pop out
when you don't want to see them.  I sure don't like the thought of
being out on a strange cliffside trail in the middle of the night on a
horse that might decide to express some repressed opinions 
suddenly.

Horses have brains. People have brains.  When they communicate with
each other, these brains can accomplish wonders.  Horse equipment -
tack - is supposed to be used as an *aid*, not as a weapon, and any
device that when applied works because of pain or because it leaves the
horse *no other option* is a weapon, just like a sword or a gun
is.   Nevertheless, with all beings, human, equine or
otherises, the most effective communication doesn't involve pain or the
threat of it.  There's some science behind this - it's not just my
opinion.  But of course I do have an opinion (no!) and that is that
the moment people start substituting mechanical answers for communication
is the very point where problems begin, not end.  

There are many great programs out there that teach a rider how to
communicate effectively so that the idea of emergency brakes never enters
the picture.  Use devices as aids, not as force.  Strive for
cooperation through partnership, not obedience through domination. 

Your mare sounds like a good one.  If she's horrible in a bit but
great in a riding halter, then 1)As you say, don't fix what's broke and
2)  Have her mouth checked.  A bit might be hurting
her.   Lif

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