Re: RC: Re: Stableizer

[Horsestwo@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/21/99 7:47:17 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
mmieske@netonecom.net writes:

<< We have found that USED PROPERLY this device is much more humane than
 twitches and lip chains and some of the ways people restrain a horse. We
 have had good success with this device (my husband is a farrier and when
 people don't take time to train their horses this has helped us get more
 than one horse through a trimming or shoeing WITHOUT the above mentioned
 devices and WITHOUT my husband or the horse getting hurt).  Don't knock
 it til you try it. >>
Maggie;

I don't doubt that it may be a more humane way to restrain a horse but I was 
appalled that it was also be touted for training purposes.  Using it on a 
barrel horse during a run (or any other competitive event) is the worst form 
of gimmicky short-cut, IMO.  Where's the teaching or training?  The horse 
doesn't learn what behavior is acceptable while in this "endorphin state" any 
more than if sedated.  If a horse needs this to compete where does it stop?  
If the horse needs it every time it is shod where is the incentive for the 
owner to DO something about changing the horse's behavior?  I am not fauting 
your husband for not wanting to work on a horse that could injure him 
seriously,  I am appalled at people who don't know that their horse is 
dangerous (ignorance) and those that know but don't do anything about it 
(stupidity).  Again, I am not against the use of the Stabelizer as a 
restraint device for teeth floating, palpations or wound care that otherwise 
might need sedation but it is misused as a training device.

Melanie in AZ


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