These images are all taken from the "Percheron News," Fall 2011. They are not doctored in anyway, just cropped. All images are from ads: big name breeders and show people proud of their hitches and horses...
But I think the images speak for themselves. Really...do I need to write anything?
For those unfamiliar with draft horse hitch harness, the overcheck and sidecheck bits used (shown below) are are pulled tight via a fixed line that runs up over over the nose to the poll or to the side of the poll and then ties back into the collar. The horse's head-set is literally fixed as high as possible. It is not possible for the horses to put their heads down while hitched. They are "up-headed" for a reason!
(This horse's mouth is either wired shut or his tongue is wired -but that is definitely wire, not to mention the overcheck bit (another wire is stretched tight across his upper palette). This horse has an overcheck and a chain sidecheck also.
This horse has an overcheck stretched tight AND a side check
Then the oversized shoes... No, I am not against a correctly sized scotch bottom but I am totally against any horse being shod like this and don't kid yourself, this shoe is what wins in the big shows!
Now, I am trying NOT to pick on any one hitch but I don't have time to scan every photo.
So, I beg you all -please go get a copy of the "Percheron News." Take a gander for yourself, and really study those adverts. Then, make your own decisions. If, like me, you find you don't have the stomach to sit idly by, then think how you can effect positive change.
And I humbly ask that you, the reader, to meditate on the following:
Exhibitors: Is this really how you want to treat your animals? Is it worth the win? Is it even worth showing in these conditions?
Spectators: make your opinions heard with the show management.
Volunteers: think hard about who you crew with and let them know when you have seen enough and why you are walking away.
Finally, all of us. Please write the PHAOA and let them know how you feel!
My hope is that if if we all work together to make our voices heard, maybe this industry might heal itself.
thanks for doing this, Jill. This has bothered me for nigh on 20 years now. It is the reason I dropped out of showing mine as "hitch" horses at any draft show. We now show with the light/ pleasure horses. NO stinking checks, NO fancy shoes, and NO abuse.
ReplyDeleteI do hope that the industry takes a hard look. There is a growing minority of new income potential out there that is completely ignored. The over 40 woman with lots of money - who always wanted a horse. I know LOADS of them... I am one. I have 7 lovely Percherons that will NEVER see shoes like that. But I do want to show at some point. I want to show what a great riding horse my little Tina is...I wont put up with Cruelty or crap.. but I would love to be a part of a sensible organization and enjoy showing my girls. I will do it my way..whether they like it or not. I may not win - but I will win with my horse.
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