Farm Animal Identification (winter, Scottish, senior)

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by 2mares

They still have mule pulls around here.
Actually there would be many horses around if humans didnt need to be amused. I believe horses enjoy having a "job" and most horse owners take very good care of their performance animals. I dont know about your friends father, but most of that whipping is for the sound the whip makes, not for hurting the animal. Just like with kids (hope I dont sound cruel) I can cut a switch and that cracking sound works wonders for getting their attention, I dont actually hit anyone with it. Well, maybe just once.

It must be age and knowledge, I saw a number of mules and horses break legs and they had too put them down at the county fairs when I was younger. I know now with PETA they must have very strict rules on abuse. I realize that's why their here, beast of burden. I know they must be in high spirit when pulling........very interesting too watch. "But" I still think of the animal.....

[2mares]

I guess Im thinking of today and not times past. Things have come along way, thankfully. I hate watching the walking horse shows. I've heard too many stories of how those horses were treated and the tourture used to make them pick their feet up.

[jmarkey]

I agree with you. Those are the "big lick" classes. However, a lot of people show in plantation classes and (hope I'm not wrong) don't use the "aids" that produce that high stepping.

Saddlebred classes aren't a whole lot better. Both breeds are beautiful with a natural athleticism and range of gaits. Maybe someday all those practices will be outlawed.

[2mares]

I hope so. Im seeing more and more natural gaited competitions. Im not really into that stuff. I just like trail riding. Of course when I used to ride with a bunch of walking and saddle horse folks there was always the pissing contest of who had the faster gaited horse and whoes picked their feet up highest or held their head lower.

[gemkeeper]

Originally Posted by Tinman313

It must be age and knowledge, I saw a number of mules and horses break legs and they had too put them down at the county fairs when I was younger. I know now with PETA they must have very strict rules on abuse. I realize that's why their here, beast of burden. I know they must be in high spirit when pulling........very interesting too watch. "But" I still think of the animal.....

I heard of the training abuse of some competition horses some time back - years ago. I hope it isn't still an issue. I hate to see any animals abused in any way.

I can't even bring myself to raise my voice to my Cocker. I just tell her she has to take a "time out" if she is misbehaving. (She rarely does. And, if she does it is usually a people mistake.)

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by 2mares

I hope so. Im seeing more and more natural gaited competitions. Im not really into that stuff. I just like trail riding. Of course when I used to ride with a bunch of walking and saddle horse folks there was always the pissing contest of who had the faster gaited horse and whoes picked their feet up highest or held their head lower.

Where's that video clip!!.........

[2mares]

No videos. Too bad. Some of my adventures could probably win at least 10K on AFV. Im kind of a, not sure what word fits best, reckless, clumsy, challanged rider.

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by 2mares

No videos. Too bad. Some of my adventures could probably win at least 10K on AFV. Im kind of a, not sure what word fits best, reckless, clumsy, challenged rider.

That's being a "Professional Rider"..........

[Tinman313]

My all time favorite cow.....

[2mares]

Is her name Dolly? She sure has a large utter. Looks painful.