UNPOPULAR EQUESTRIAN OPINIONS 🐎
I've owned, ridden, and worked with and around horses for nearly a decade now. I've been in English barns and western barns, worked as a working student, and have taken care of a variety of horses with different needs. I've seen rescue cases (one of my geldings was a former Amish horse that was rescued), and I've seen top dressage horses. I've worked with young horses and old horses.
Throughout those years, I've developed my own unpopular opinions relating to horses.
Firstly, I do not think blankets are for every horse. It depends on the horse, its age, coat length, breed, weight, and whether or not it has a run-in during turnout. My horses don't get blanketed unless it's very, very cold, or the weather is very bad, along with the colder temperatures. Bella doesn't get blanketed at all unless it's negative temperatures. Avery will get blanketed below 15°F and Neville usually doesn't until it's pretty nasty out. My sister's miniature mare, who is on the older side and tends to be a little underweight these days gets blanketed in the 20s. It all depends on the horse.
The way the rest of your tack fits is just as important as your saddle. Ill-fitting tack will cause issues for you and your horse in the long run, so invest in stuff that actually fits. Bella was headshy for the longest time whenever we first got her because the ear on her headstall was way too small. Headstalls/bridles, saddle pads, and cinches/girths are just as important as your saddle.
I believe firmly in 24/7 turnout unless there is a medical reason not to. Horses were designed to be outside all the time, not cooped up in a 12x12 stall more often than not. Turn them out and let them be horses!
Good quality hay is more important than grains. I give my geldings a hay stretcher just to control how much hay they're getting (we have to watch their food intake due to both of them teetering on the edge of having metabolic issues). But good hay/forage contributes more to good nutrition than most anything else. Pasture is also a big factor unless you have little fatties like mine that have to be on a dry lot most of the time!
Riding every day does not make you a good rider. Some of the best riders can only ride once a week, and I've seen some not-so-great riders who ride every day. Your riding frequency does not determine how good of a rider you are.
Good nutrition contributes more to a shiny coat than grooming every day. Grooming is not needed to have a good lookin', shiny horse.
Not everyone is qualified to be a barn owner or manager, trainer, or riding instructor. Just because your mother is one doesn't mean you automatically are one too. Not everyone has the experience or know-how to be one.
This one may absolutely ruffle some feathers, but I believe that slaughterhouses are necessary to the industry. Not every horse can be rescued, or should be, for that matter. It's not what everyone wants to hear, but it's a fact. Sometimes they're too far gone, and it's the humane thing to do. It costs too much to have a vet put every single horse like that down, so it's honestly the most cost-effective method as well.
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Diving into the equestrian world, you quickly realize there are as many opinions as there are horses! What's considered standard practice by some might be completely contested by others. Through my years of owning, riding, and working with diverse horses, I've developed a few perspectives that might ruffle some feathers – but they come from a place of deep experience and a desire for what's truly best for our equine partners. Let’s talk about blanketing. Many riders blanket their horses religiously at the first sign of cold weather. However, I’ve found that blanketing is not necessary for every horse. It’s crucial to consider individual factors like the horse's natural coat, age, breed, and access to shelter. My own horses, for instance, are rarely blanketed unless temperatures plummet significantly or there’s extreme wet and cold weather. Horses are naturally equipped to handle colder temperatures, and often, over-blanketing can hinder their natural thermoregulation. Observe your horse: are they shivering? Are they tucked up? These are better indicators than the number on the thermostat alone. Another hotly debated topic is turnout. My firm belief is that 24/7 turnout is way more beneficial than confining horses to stalls for extended periods. Horses are herd animals, designed to move and graze constantly. Full-time turnout supports their digestive health, mental well-being, and musculoskeletal development. While some may worry about injuries, I’ve found that horses in a natural environment are often less prone to stall-related vices or injuries from pent-up energy. Of course, proper pasture management and safe fencing are key, but allowing them to be horses outside truly makes a difference. Even with “little fatties” like mine who need dry lots sometimes, maximizing their movement is vital. Then there's the critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of tack fit. We all focus on saddle fit, and rightly so, but the way the rest of your tack fits is just as important as your saddle fit. An ill-fitting bridle, girth, or even saddle pad can cause discomfort, behavioral issues, and even physical damage. I learned this firsthand with a mare who was headshy due to a poorly fitting headstall. Invest in quality, correctly sized equipment, and don't hesitate to consult with professionals for fitting. Your horse’s comfort directly impacts their performance and willingness. Finally, let's touch upon the difficult realities of the horse industry – topics like slaughterhouses are necessary for the equine industry. This is never an easy conversation, but from a practical and humane standpoint, it's a reality that we cannot ignore. While heartbreaking, not every horse can or should be rescued. Sometimes, due to severe health issues, temperament, or sheer overpopulation, it becomes the most humane option when other alternatives are exhausted. This also ties into the idea that not everyone is qualified to run a barn or training program. The industry needs knowledgeable, ethical individuals, and just because someone has access to facilities or a family connection, doesn't automatically qualify them. True expertise comes from years of learning, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of equine welfare and business management.
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