Annoying "fads" in the horse world [Archive]

ybiaw

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:02 PM

...I've been noticing a lot of fad-type things rearing their ugly heads again. And I'm not talking specifically about apparel and the like.

The fads that I'm talking about are over-supplementing (trying to fix a problem with a supplement, but causing a problem with the supplement you use to fix that problem so therefore you need another supplement, etc, etc, etc - basically, being obsessive-compulsive about what you feed your horse), calling a chiropractor for everything, BOSS, barefoot, and other basic faddy weirdness. Not to mention the "bling belts" "bling stirrup irons" and "bling browbands" that just drive me up the wall.

What are some other fads that people notice and, like me, are growing quite tired of? What's that one thing (or maybe two...or a dozen) that just absolutely makes you roll your eyes?

(Disclaimer: Uh...no offense, of course. We're all entitled to our own methods and opinions, right?)

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:07 PM

Parelli.

(Well, someone had to say it. ;))

DopyDgz

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:09 PM

My pet peeve is that every single bridle for sale now has a crank, figure 8 or other elaborate noseband. Not all horses need to have their mouths tied shut!

ybiaw

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:09 PM

Hahaha, A4B.

Bluey

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:12 PM

Getting horses behind the bit in the name of lightness, whatever that is.
To me, it is one of the harder bad habits to correct, in english or western riding.

When I sit up and pick up the reins, be it with contact in english riding or loose reined in western, I want the horse's body to be there, under myself, ready to move from the feet up, not just bobbing, disconnected at the poll.

Ponyclubrocks

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:17 PM

As I am out here in the land 'o the Q Horse congress I have probably been unduly influenced by the western pleasure crowd...but I am finding myself enjoying the fun of hot pink polos, dragon flies on my saddle pad and sparkley things on my brow bands! I actually think I'm undergoing some sort of second childhood (as opposed to a 2/3 life crisis!)

While I am OK with observing tradition in the show ring or the hunt field, I see no harm in having fun when schooling or out trail riding. And I swear to you my mare actually preens about when she is wearing her "diamond" brow band!:D

arabhorse2

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:37 PM

I'm ashamed to admit this, but even with riding English and having a saddleseat background, I loff bling!!!! :D

And I still think rust breeches need to come back into style!!! :yes:

Although I do have to agree the supplements on top of supplements have gotten quite out of hand.....

avezan

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:41 PM

tidy rabbit

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:42 PM

I LOVE my bling belt. Love it love it love it.

Defender of bling. :)

I think I might change my signature.
Okay, I changed the sig line. Now that's just silly.

DairyQueen2049

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:43 PM

Good things: bling, color and sassy accesories (cuz none of that hurts the horse or is dangerous to it)

Bad things: ear nerving, tail nerving, fake tail, fake mane, fake cahonies :eek:, color died horse hairs, spurs, whips and Parellis - no matter now much bling and color they have on.

Wonder what Aunt Esther has to say???

ybiaw

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:44 PM

I really don't have a problem with "bling" I guess...unless it's in the show ring. And it's BLING EVERYTHING ALL AT ONCE!!! :eek:

wookiee

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:44 PM

One of the most annoying fads in the horse world is people being critical of every other idea out there that didn't originate with them. Oh, and then discarding it as a "fad".

Maybe this trend is not new, but it sure is annoying.

Go ride your horse in whatever way you deem fit. Leave everyone else alone.

(No offense, of course)

ybiaw

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:46 PM

Petstorejunkie

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:52 PM

[QUOTE=arabhorse2;2663556]And I still think rust breeches need to come back into style!!! :yes:
QUOTE]

I live in the land of red GA clay, and i couldnt agree more ;)

arabhorse2

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:54 PM

[quote=arabhorse2;2663556]And I still think rust breeches need to come back into style!!! :yes:
QUOTE]

I live in the land of red GA clay, and i couldnt agree more ;)

Petstore, Virginia has red clay too! :D

JohnDeere

Sep. 4, 2007, 02:59 PM

Fake cahones? :eek:

For the horse? Or the rider? :lol:

Coreene

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:02 PM

Parelli
Clinton Anderson
John Lyons
Monty Roberts
All the other NH crazies
Gypsy Vanners
People who continue to breed HYPP+ horses
QH halter whackjobs
Friesian crosses

tidy rabbit

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:03 PM

Fake cahones? :eek:

For the horse? Or the rider? :lol:

I believe they call them "neuticals" http://www.neuticles.com/index1.html

700 bucks will get you a large pair

Frank B

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:10 PM

NH!

(quickly dons flamesuit!) :lol:

citabobita

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:14 PM

The sheepskin pads on TOP of another pad. Someone explain this to me. I don't get it. I thought the reason you would have sheepskin is to put it against the horse's back and get the effects of the "natural" product... ie breathability, comfort, etc. If you use a pad underneath, then why use real sheepskin? Its a HUGE fad now to have a sheepskin half pad...but on top of another pad? I admit. I tried it. But I used the sheepskin half pad with no pad underneath and got quite a few comments on how I was doing it wrong. The best one was the comment that my sheepskin would get DIRTY! ;)

BOWING DOWN!!!

Somebody else actually GETS this!!! I'm getting teary! Thank you! :sadsmile:

The pad only has therapeutic value when it's making contact. Otherwise, get a $20 fleece one.

citabobita

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:16 PM

Crossing any backyard nag to a Fresian to get a "sport horse."

Oh and Fresians in general...though I'm guessing in a few years when the trend is past, all those crosses will keep my bodyclipping business thriving...

Guin

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:28 PM

The attitude that any equine between 14 7/8 and 15 7/8 hands is a freak of nature and has no use of any kind. :mad: Also the attitude that any horse under 16.2 hh is "too small."

Still Workingonit

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:40 PM

Fads I hate:
1) barefoot and naked fundamentalists ramming things down my throat -including making seriously stupid comments about my mare's damaged shoulder muscles are because she was shod (WRONG!! we slipped on wet clay under the dirt walking down a track that I hgad ridden up and down countless times!! In summer! On a spring that the farmer who had owned that property for >40 years didnt know about!! It had been a good summer after a good winter rain-wise (just enough) which is very unusual in Wellington NZ - we tend to go for drought after floods!). And I am pissed enough about it as well - we were just starting to think "Level 3" dressage and it is likely that she will now be a broodmare only!!
2) barefoot and naked fundamentalists making more stupid statements - like "I wouldnt breed that mare because she is a Hannoverian". Excuse me, you would breed your grade mare because it doesnt mind playing games (Parelli) but not my LICENSED (sp??) 1st cross Hannoverian mare - one that was approved by the German Verband?? My mare who was also performing well in dressage (Level 2 >70% most tests!! Despite the rider) and eventing at our training level (1m, 3'3)?? Just because she doesnt play your stupid little games - hey, she is German, she has a work ethic!

Yes, barefoot and naked fundies are my bugbear - because they are narrow minded idiots that can not see that there are many roads to Rome as it were. And who dont even notice that my horses are barefoot - I tend to call it "unshod" - until they need shoes for the work that they do. They also tend to be uncovered except in really bad weather - and that includes my oldies.

And CRANK nosebands??? NO WAY - I use cranks to tighten fence lines and I would not use it on a horse's delicate nasal bone - at least not the way I tighten things.

As to most other fads, I can take them as long as they do not potentially endanger the horse and/or rider.

And what is it about modern bridles that have all of these fancy nosebands but it is soooo dfficult to get a plain flat wide cavesson noseband - with no attachements???

fuller0819

Sep. 4, 2007, 03:50 PM

I've noticed in small local show rings alot of kids being taught to snatch the horses mouth and then yank them in small circles everytime the horse does something wrong. I do say sometimes you need to circle but not when your snatching their mouth out.:mad:

purplnurpl

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:00 PM

um...fleece 1/2 pads are not as pretty as the sheepskins. duh.

I can't come up with anything. I guess I don't pay attention to fads.

I love BOSS and Flax.

ddashaq

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:18 PM

Barefoot trimming. I have no issue with horses being barefoot, in fact mine was barefoot until June. My farrier-turned-trimmer had mangled his feet so badly that he now has trailers on his hindfeet to help support his suspensories. Which I was told by the vet, I was lucky he had not really damaged. I am sure that there are some good trimmers out there, but suffice it to say that I would rather learn how to trim MYSELF than let one near my horse ever again.

acoustic

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:20 PM

I have a problem with fanatics. I don't think that it's a "fad", so to say, just that I've only noticed it lately.

My horse is barefoot, but that's because he has healthy hooves and there is no need for shoes. Well, there wasn't until this latest hoof injury, but that's aother story. STILL, I would never preach that this is the only way to go and it drives me nuts that people can't seem to just let other people handle things their own way (unless, of course, a horse could be injured over it).

Natural horsemanship; the concept is old as hell, but Parelli has the marketing skills of God himself and has sold the begeezas out of very simple concepts. He makes up games, sells orange sticks for $50 and rope halters for $60, and teaches beginners crazy things. NOW there are folks out there saying that riding a horse is un-ntaural. Wow, so perhaps we could call in PETA because your horse is kept in a small pasture when they're designed to travel 20 miles a day. If everything in life was kept "natural", we'd still be nomads with rocks and sticks EATING horses, not trying to understand the biomechanics of their motion and provide the highest quality of life for them.

Ok, rant over.

I like some bling. Makes me feel sassy, much like the rude finger crop.

I have nothing against any breed of horse, I don't understand how that is a fad. Of course, breeding the hell outta horses is a ridiculous situation that needs to come to an end, no matter WHAT breed.

The belts worn with the buckle on the side is a bit odd to me though. My belt buckle never bothers me in 2-pt.

The half-pad over another pad. I can see trying to help make a saddle that is a little too wide fit better, or in the case of eventing, where colors are fun, but you want a little more cushion besides a square pad, but go and get your sheepskin pads dirty. They love it! They clean up very well anyway =)

saddleup

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:22 PM

Fake tails. I don't know why, but they really bug me.

SBT

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:22 PM

Friesian crosses

THANK YOU!!! We have one of these at my barn, and I swear she is quite possibly THE. SINGLE. STUPIDEST. horse I have ever met. She walks past the flag on the office porch every day, and she spooks at it... EVERY DAY. :rolleyes: If you took a CT-scan of her head, there'd be a hamster on a wheel where her brain is supposed to be. :winkgrin:

Oh, but I forgot: She's sooooooo puuuurty, and big, and black, and big and black, and puuuurty... :lol:

vtdobes

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:25 PM

DairyQueen2049

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:29 PM

Fake cahones? :eek:

For the horse? Or the rider? :lol:

They were on the horse at a QH show and got the trainer some serious trouble.

Now, Mr Stiffen Peter OTOH.....

DairyQueen2049

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:30 PM

I believe they call them "neuticals" http://www.neuticles.com/index1.html

700 bucks will get you a large pair

Snork!

sizing chart :eek: :eek: :lol:

philosoraptor

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:31 PM

Natural horsemanship replacing good common sense. Watching a video replacing spending that hour learning from your horse as you work him. Armchair trainers.

Rope halters instead of a horse who listens no matter what brand of halter he's in

Crazy supplements that a horse would never encounter in the real world. Fish oil? Giving tons of glucosamine to a horse who is still a baby? Giving supplements instead of calling a vet for a chronic problem. Repeat after me: supplements aren't magic.

Western halter classes with those crazy pumped-up quarter horses. What's the point in breeding a horse who really isn't meant for work? And along that line, anyone who is breeding anything HYPP intentionally.

The trend to bigger and bigger tow vehicles which seemed to surface when the big SUVs became all the rage. When I was a kid the average person didn't own a dually. If this keeps up, in 10 years we'll all need semi so we can tow our one horse to local shows.

The clueless who think they can randomly mix breeds and make a "sport horse" (and even better think they can get rich doing this). The recipe for one is to mix a grade, unproven backyard mare with the stallion who has the prettiest photo. These aren't the real performance horse breeders. They don't bother with papers or don't feel the need for inspections or shows. And anyone who thinks they can get a "warmblood" by picking up a cheap TB from the track and breeding her to some random draft breed.

As a side note I don't see barefoot as a fad. Maybe the extremist nuts make it seem less valid, but if you can ignore the screwballs there's a whole lot to it. It may not be for every situation or horse, but it's really a sensible approach. So far I've never had a shod horse on my property. :D

SBT

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:31 PM

The belts worn with the buckle on the side is a bit odd to me though. My belt buckle never bothers me in 2-pt

I always thought it was so those of us who wear side-zip breeches don't have to take our belts halfway off to go to the bathroom. :) If the buckle is where the zipper is, it makes things much easier...especially in tiny port-a-johns at shows.

appychik

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:36 PM

Well, I guess I'm one of those who likes a little "bling". I have a couple gorgeous browbands for my guys' dressage bridles. My "jumping" bridle is plain... just a nice havana brown color.

I do use a crank - but it's not cranked so tight his eyes are popping out. We've noticed that he has better contact and acceptance of the bit with the crank. I've also used flash nosebands too. However, if either of my guys could go without "extras" they would, but both play too much with their mouths.

Hmm, and I use a sheepskin pad with a baby pad. Is that wrong? The pad is there just to protect the sheepskin one (I have a Mattes and a Fleeceworks) and prolong the time between washings.

And... I do get "Perfect Horse" by John Lyons. It was a Christmas present from my BF's parents. He's got a lot of good information in there... but I pick and choose as to what I follow. I don't think that any one NH guy is right - or wrong - kinda like a lot of other peeps out there.

Okay. So, as far as what I think is a fad... the whole fake tail look you see going on. What's wrong with the horse's natural tail? The excessive bling... I just don't get it, nor do I like it, but to each his own.

I guess that's my two cents. And agreeing about the barefoot and NH people being a little too extreme. My horses are barefoot, but they are sound now (or the one is getting there) barefoot. If my older horse who I still compete with would wear more hoof then he grows, he'd be reshod, but this is the first year he's been sound all spring and summer since '03. I'm very pleased with what's working. But, I'll shoe again if the need arises.

Hmm. I guess that's it.

Edited to add: I do use supplements on my horse. And my young horse is on a joint supplement. I've been under the "care" of a team of vets regarding both horses. The younger one fractured his P3 and will likely have arthritic issues when he's older. We're trying to delay the onset with prevention. And if all it does is make expensive pee - at least I am feeling better about it. Also, I do annual bloodwork on both horses to make sure everything is in working order.

throwurheart

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:37 PM

Using a breast collar with a dressage saddle. As Robert Dover famously said (I'm fairly certain it was he) when he started working with the US Event team... "why on earth are you using these for dressage... do your saddles not fit correctly?"

Paraphrased, of course, but that was the gist of it. I'd been thinking that for years myself.

citabobita

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:42 PM

Oh, but I forgot: She's sooooooo puuuurty, and big, and black, and big and black, and puuuurty... :lol:

and HAIRY...don't forget HAAAAAAAIRY! :o

Trixie

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:49 PM

Definitely parelli-ites. Not the folks who see the benefit of using natural horsemanship to certain extents, but rather, those who cram it down your throat and/or act like you're a terrible horseperson for not worshipping Parelli.

The trend to bigger and bigger tow vehicles which seemed to surface when the big SUVs became all the rage. When I was a kid the average person didn't own a dually. If this keeps up, in 10 years we'll all need semi so we can tow our one horse to local shows.

Actually, I REALLY prefer this to those that try to haul with a too-small vehicle. Terrifies the hell out of me and it's ALWAYS better to be overtrucked than undertrucked.

And, final pet peeve - people breeding horses that shouldn't be bred.

ThePerfectStorm

Sep. 4, 2007, 04:52 PM

The sheepskin pads on TOP of another pad. Someone explain this to me. I don't get it. I thought the reason you would have sheepskin is to put it against the horse's back and get the effects of the "natural" product... ie breathability, comfort, etc. If you use a pad underneath, then why use real sheepskin? Its a HUGE fad now to have a sheepskin half pad...but on top of another pad? I admit. I tried it. But I used the sheepskin half pad with no pad underneath and got quite a few comments on how I was doing it wrong. The best one was the comment that my sheepskin would get DIRTY! ;)

A) Better quality : They hold up so much better than fleece, and look a whole lot better IMO.
B) Most people wear BOTH saddlepads because their horse needs more padding under their saddle. I know that because of my horse's high withers, he needs the halfpad.

Auventera Two

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:00 PM

Shellythehorsenut

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:03 PM

Tobiano spots on EVERTHING. Tobiano Halflinger crosses, Tobiano Freisian Crosses, Tobiano Draft crosses, etc., and then call them a "sport horse".
The supplement craze.
Every horse is a rescue. No one just buys a horse these days they all rescue them.

Pony Person

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:06 PM

Definitely Parelli and all the other so-called "Natural Horsemanship" trainers. (I use the term "trainer" very loosely;)) I have no problem at all with natural horsemanship, but when you have to buy a stupid carrot stick and rope halter to "be like" some trainer(s), then thats just not right.

I am also a bling defender! (I'll have to add that to my sig!) Just as long as it's done nicely and it's not obnoxious, then I love it!:D I also like wearing (zips flamesuit..) flip-flops with breeches..I dont wear them around horses much, so don't worry about my feet!;) Also, I don't know who else does this, but in the winter, I wear my Uggs with my breeches...:D

Another thing I hate, and this doesn't have to be with horses, is when people pair the colours red and purple together!:no: Whenever I see something with that combination, it make me want to get some spray paint, and cover it with better colours. There is nothing wrong with red, and nothing wrong with purple, but never ever put them together!!!

Red Barn

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:06 PM

All of a sudden simply owning a horse makes every Tom, Dick and Harry a professional Animal Behaviorist, with deep, deep insight into the fascinating complexities of the equine mind.

I swear, I just want to tear my hair out every time I hear psuedo-scientific buzz words like:

"Alpha Personality"
"Dominance Issue"
"Flight Response"
and my all-time favorite, "Predator/Prey Relationship."

For God's sake, just STOP THE MADNESS!

Kementari

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:13 PM

I use a sheepskin over a square pad, because the sheepskin is for saddle fit and I don't have the money to have multiple sheepskin pads and be washing them all the time (and my horse likes to get dirty, so I wash pads frequently!). Even over the square, it breathes better than a fake fleece pad (I've tried both), and it makes the saddle fit better.

The thing about fads is that for every fad, there is someone doing it because they HAVE thought it through and it IS a good solution. Well, except bling. I'm pretty sure bling doesn't SOLVE anything, but darn it, it's fun, and why shouldn't we have a little fun? (Of course, I'm an eventer, and I use bright colors and sparklies for schooling and XC, never in dressage or stadium...though I'd do one of those sparkly browbands for those if I could afford a nice one!)

But, really:

Supplements honestly help some horses with some issues. My 21 y/o is on 5 different supps - joint, MSM (because the joint supp I liked otherwise didn't have MSM), hoof, probios, and vitamin E. :eek: Every single one was recommended by the vet, and every single one has made a difference. My 4 y/o is on no supps; she doesn't need any. ;)

Barefoot is great if the horse can do it - my older horse goes in bars and wedges, and is needs those to stay sound. My baby is barefoot, and will stay that way as long as possible. If the horse doesn't NEED shoes, then barefoot is a far better option - it IS healthier for the hoof, and, if nothing else, it's a darn sight cheaper! :yes:

Natural horsemanship has a lot to offer, used wisely. Actually, I daresay most of us who know much about horses use some aspects of NH. I grant you, though, that I find no redeeming features in Pat Parelli... :winkgrin:

I know plenty of people who use crank nosebands because their horse likes the extra padding. The noseband itself is no tighter than a Pony Clubber would put it... :lol:

Fake tails are weird to me, but I've known a couple of appies with tails so pitiful that it was distracting, and they never would have made it in the show ring without them - and as show horses, they lived good lives. Maybe they would have had good lives as trail horses otherwise (though at least one of them I seriously doubt that... ;)), but the better you can present a horse and the better his accomplishments, the better his chances of staying in a good place. :yes:

Gypsy Vanners and Friesians aren't bad looking horses, I don't think. And I've seen a few who could perform nicely, given the right type put in the right discipline. I'd certainly not object to one in my barn, but you won't see me paying that price tag any time soon...:eek: but that's not the horses' fault!

OK, I have no excuse for stock breed halter horses OR big-horse-ism ("If it isn't 16.2, it's worthless!"), except to say that some people, of course, DO need bigger horses. But not nearly the number who THINK they do...I'm 5'8" and my horses are 14.2 and 15.2... ;)

Chief2

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:15 PM

see u at x

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:23 PM

Also the attitude that any horse under 16.2 hh is "too small."

Amen to that. It is especially annoying when many of these people are 5 foot nothin' and 100 lbs. soaking wet. What do you NEED a 17+ hand, 1200+ lb. horse for??? I just don't get it...

I get frustrated over those who think that just because something costs more money that it is necessarily "better", however, I think that extends itself way beyond things that are horse related. :)

SBT

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:24 PM

and HAIRY...don't forget HAAAAAAAIRY! :o

Nope, the TB half overrode the voluptuous hair, thank God. :winkgrin:

Vivian

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:31 PM

I believe they call them "neuticals" http://www.neuticles.com/index1.html

700 bucks will get you a large pair

Seriously? Why? :confused:

SBT

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:40 PM

Every horse is a rescue. No one just buys a horse these days they all rescue them.

Oh, yes! Don'tcha know people "rescue" horses from "bad" homes and pay $10K+ for the privilege? :rolleyes: ;)

Let me add to this the notion that all horses have been abused. It's the perfect excuse for bad behavior: She breaks crossties because she was abused. You can't go near her with a needle because she was abused. Only I can trim his feet because he was abused. He bites/kicks/strikes/mows people down because he was ABUSED, and you can't smack/shank/growl at him for it because he was ABUSED. He should be allowed to hurt people because he was ABUSED! Humans were mean to him, why should he be nice to humans?! :rolleyes:

Kinda like saying it's OK for your kid to behave like a wild animal because "he has ADHD." Hello, I'm in the healthcare/special ed. field, and it is NEVER OK for a kid to hit/bite/spit/scream/curse, EVER. Behavior has to be managed appropriately in spite of the cause. A diagnostic label is not a free pass on parenting.

But now I've gone waaaaay off topic, so I digress...
;)

cowgirljenn

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:40 PM

There are a few fads I don't get - like while i love silver, I can't stand the WORD "bling".

But what I really hate is people who shove their preferences down my throat and tell me their way is the only thing to do anything....

catknsn

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:42 PM

Overall lack of discipline. Horses plowing over and pushing their owners around, or refusing to get into the trailer, or rearing when the farrier is trying to trim them, and instead of correcting them, the person calls out the animal communicator and the feng shui woman and thinks the horse is scared.

A horse that is running your butt over is NOT SCARED. He is SCARY. There is a difference.

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:50 PM

A horse that is running your butt over is NOT SCARED. He is SCARY. There is a difference.:lol: :lol: Agree. :yes:

Re: Every misbehaving horse was abused....
I have an acquaintance whose horse is a handful. Actually, he's a total nutcase. She chalks it up to abuse by the person she bought him from. She agrees whole-heartedly when people symphathize that he's had a hard life. Poor mistreated, abused pony. The catch? The horse is almost 20, and she's owned him since he was a 2-year old. The abuse and hard life were therefore inflicted by... whom? ;)

ExJumper

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:52 PM

My only 'fad' peeve is folks showing seriously underweight horses and claiming they have to be that way because they are show horses. Yet when you look around, most of the other horses at any given show look just fine. Drives me nuts.

What discipline are you seeing this in? At H/J shows the majority of the horses are bordering on morbidly obese...

mbd

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:54 PM

the person calls out the animal communicator and the feng shui woman and thinks the horse is scared.

And I just bought a new keyboard, thank you very much for causing me to snork coffee all over it!

I am SO GLAD it's not just me with the NH fads (and I'm very carefully not naming anyone in "P"articular) that have turned every over 50 overweight housewife into magic horse trainers.

The lack of ground manners on a lot of horses 'trained' with these methods scares me to death. People, this is a 1000 lb animal and it can hurt you. It is not a puppy, it is not a kitty, and it is most definitely not a stuffed lovey toy. There's a basic minimum requirement for manners and lots of these owners never seem to get there.

This probably sounds way too snotty, sorry. It just makes me crazy that these fads are producing some dangerously half-trained large animals with dangerously half-aware owners on the ends of the leadropes.

And don't get me started on 'halter' horses ....

Beverley

Sep. 4, 2007, 05:58 PM

I have just two words to add. Crest Release.

kellyb

Sep. 4, 2007, 06:00 PM

Though I truely believe it is getting better, I do not like the western pleasure fad, where slower = better. I hate to see a horse with a four beat running trot/lope concoction place above a true three beat loping horse just because he is slower.

Also I do not like how the headsets got lower, and lower, and lower. Most stock breed rulebooks say ear tips should not be below withers, but what pins in the show ring does not always reflect this. When you whip through the sale ads online, more often than not you see the peanut rollling headset instead of a more natural one.

Southerngurl

Sep. 4, 2007, 06:03 PM

Parelli
Clinton Anderson
John Lyons
Monty Roberts
All the other NH crazies

I can't believe you stuck CA in with those. I may barf.

SleepyFox

Sep. 4, 2007, 06:20 PM

Rope halters - I don't care if you use them, but don't try to make me switch my leather halters for rope ones.

NH - don't have a problem with many of the principles, but watching RFDTV does not make you a trainer. Nor does buying a stupid orange stick and a teeny tiny round pen from TSC.

RFDTV - see above.

Alfa-oats - this may only be a fad where I live, but everyone is into this cheap feed that is deceptively named and I'm tired of being badgered about why I don't feed it.

Many of the trends in stock breed halter horses. That's just wrong.

As for bling, I'm also a defender. :)

For me, it's not the fad itself that is annoying, but rather, the fact that so many participants in the fad feel compelled to try to force it on everyone else and/or insist that it is the only way to go about things.

Huntertwo

Sep. 4, 2007, 07:14 PM

Over supplementing...:mad: Drives me nuts when I see people giving their horse 15 different supplements for every darn ailment they (think the horse has) under the sun.

Now people are giving probiotics after they deworm?? :eek::eek::eek:

LostFarmer

Sep. 4, 2007, 07:24 PM

Oh, yes! Don'tcha know people "rescue" horses from "bad" homes and pay $10K+ for the privilege? :rolleyes: ;)

Let me add to this the notion that all horses have been abused. It's the perfect excuse for bad behavior: She breaks crossties because she was abused. You can't go near her with a needle because she was abused. Only I can trim his feet because he was abused. He bites/kicks/strikes/mows people down because he was ABUSED, and you can't smack/shank/growl at him for it because he was ABUSED. He should be allowed to hurt people because he was ABUSED! Humans were mean to him, why should he be nice to humans?! :rolleyes:

Kinda like saying it's OK for your kid to behave like a wild animal because "he has ADHD." Hello, I'm in the healthcare/special ed. field, and it is NEVER OK for a kid to hit/bite/spit/scream/curse, EVER. Behavior has to be managed appropriately in spite of the cause. A diagnostic label is not a free pass on parenting.

But now I've gone waaaaay off topic, so I digress...
;)

Add me to this list on both accounts. ;)

I do have a mare that is terrible head shy. She was beat on the head as I have seen the previous owner do it to horses since. She is getting much better though and it is not an excuse just something we are working with her about.

LF

Nikki17

Sep. 4, 2007, 07:26 PM

People who have a lot of money, and no horse knowledge, buying and trying to operate horse farms.

throwurheart

Sep. 4, 2007, 07:36 PM

People who have a lot of money, and no horse knowledge, buying and trying to operate horse farms.

Ooo! Ooo! (raising hand and bouncing in seat) I couldn't agree more.

Had a great experience boarding with one such woman, which lured me into thinking it would be okay again when I moved to another state. And proceeded to board with the most useless BO EVER! Culminating with moldy hay when the cost of keeping 60 head of horses finally got to her.

Coreene

Sep. 4, 2007, 07:37 PM

I can't believe you stuck CA in with those. I may barf.Feel free. Doesn't change my opinion. ;)

FrenchFrytheEqHorse

Sep. 4, 2007, 08:00 PM

Queen Latisha

Sep. 4, 2007, 08:19 PM

Inexperienced, poor riders labeling themselves as "trainers".:mad:

LexInVA

Sep. 4, 2007, 08:39 PM

Inexperienced, poor riders labeling themselves as "trainers".:mad:

That's not a fad. That's a ****** up fact of life.

JRG

Sep. 4, 2007, 08:53 PM

I have many things that annoy me but some of my nerve graters are:

People that cram more crap under there saddle pad to "make it fit"...and make it worse,

People that "train horses" when that can't....and think they can,

People that blame the horse for rider errors...sit your butt in the saddle put your leg on and ride...stop whining.

People that sit on the sidelines and judge those who are doing it..in what ever style of riding you choose.

People who would rather tell someone what they are doing is fine, they look fine,and that they way they are going about things they will be in the mix....when actually they will stand out like a sore thumb and not in a good way. You don't have to be mean and nasty just be honest.

I think I am done, but I might add some more later...once I cool down.

Equestrian Diva

Sep. 4, 2007, 10:10 PM

CARROT STICKS! .............

...........unless they come with a side of Ranch Dressing:winkgrin:

Rudy

Sep. 4, 2007, 10:46 PM

Over supplementing and then wondering why Snookums is such a picky eater and hard keeper. Ever thought that if they took away the cups of supplements added to horsies feed everyday they just might eat again instead of leaving a lot of breakfast until the next day? Especially when Snookums now looks to me as if I have candy because he got a taste of straight good feed without all the other *stuff* in it?

(ok, I know there are exceptions ot this.. lol)

Donella

Sep. 4, 2007, 11:10 PM

cowgirljenn

Sep. 4, 2007, 11:10 PM

Re: Every misbehaving horse was abused....

I run a rescue and -I- get sick of hearing this! If a horse tosses his head it doesn't mean he was abused until he was headshy. Or if a horse spooks, it doesn't mean he's abused. Or if a horse bucks, doesn't mean he was abused.

AND if he was abused - he HAS to get over it. Stop treating him with kid gloves!

Ghazzu

Sep. 4, 2007, 11:15 PM

The tail extensions.

lolalola

Sep. 4, 2007, 11:49 PM

Carrot flavored or apple flavored treats. Why don't you just give the horses carrots or apples - better for them and cheaper?

SuperSpike

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:24 AM

When form trumps function, e.g., using an ill-fitted noseband because it's brand X even though it pinches, rubs, etc. :mad:

Merry

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:32 AM

First of all, I have to agree with this in regard to Friesians:

They make beautiful coach horses..I doub't anything looks as amazing in front of a coach

Each year I saw the Dutch perform an exhibition at Spruce Meadows I was enthralled! :)

But as for the topic at hand...

1. Pat Parelli apostles. You know who you are. I meet you and your crazy horses on the trails every day. Wipe the Kool-Aid stains off your lips and just take some damned riding lessons already.

2. Horse Expos. Do we need any more? I happen to enjoy attending Equine Affaire but some of the expos are just, well, sad. Many aren't making any money because they resurrect the same ol' clinicians and the same ol' vendors over and over again. They're beginning to look like zombies.

3. Horse hair tassles on western tack. I LOVE the "working western" look but I'm not sure the actual working cowboy attaches horse hair tassles all over his tack until his horse looks like it's dressed in pillow fringe.

WNT

Sep. 5, 2007, 01:43 AM

"Snake Charmer" Natural Horsemanship. Common sense horsemanship doesn't bother me, in fact I use use it every day. Packaged up, fanicified and presented as "anyone can do this on any (unbroke/crazy/spoiled/etc) horse" infuriates me.

Kind of a dumb pet peeve: embroidered polo wraps. Puh-leeze!

And over-blinging as in (and I've seen this!): Matching browband, engraved spurs, stock pin and coat buttons (front and sleeves).

shea'smom

Sep. 5, 2007, 01:54 AM

CA ASB

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:01 AM

WP classes that are wannabe parade classes. If you want the bling, then please, bring back parade classes. Wearing more rhinestones than Liberace and riding a Swarovski crystal encrusted Western saddle will result in a new fad - judges needing sunglasses inside in order to avoid neon-blindness.

If you want bling - then please, really BLING IT ON. I show parade ... and my horse's feet have glitter, the mains have glitter, ribbon and flowers and the saddle takes 4 days to polish until your eyes hurt. LOFF bling ... in its place. NOT on a WP horse - and the Swarovski crystals on saddles? Barf.

SEFBH87

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:02 AM

Well now as I'm hiding the baby pads, supplements, and my blinged spurs.......

I think my worst pet peeve, not even related to just the horse world, is people who cannot think for themselves. They need a trainer there every second of every ride... cannot go in the ring without their trainer watching.... and constantly change their thoughts to "fit in" or be "trendy."

The natural horsemanship thing is the perfect example. Yes, I condsider my horse a partner, but I don't think that playing "games" and waving a stick with a rope on it at him is going to improve our "bond."

Kementari

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:11 AM

Gypsy Vanners and Friesians aren't bad looking horses, I don't think. And I've seen a few who could perform nicely, given the right type put in the right discipline. I'd certainly not object to one in my barn, but you won't see me paying that price tag any time soon... but that's not the horses' fault

Uhm..how are the two even in the same catagory?. Friesians have one of the oldest studbooks in the world. They are by far the most strict in terms of their approvals/registration ect and quite frankely, the breed does excell at something. They make beautiful coach horses..I doub't anything looks as amazing in front of a coach, and they have been short listed for the olympics, won HOY Open awards in dressage at the FEI levels. You don't have to like them, but please, don't put them in the same catagory as some spotted mutt horse that doesn't belong to any registry and is generally raised in it's homeland to provide humans with a meal.

grr.:mad:

I lumped them together because I was addressing breeds (or, in the case of Friesians, half-breds) that people had mentioned already. Nothing sinister about it... ;)

But I fail to see why Friesians having an old studbook or the provenance of the GV (and, by the way, I've lived in Ireland and didn't notice a lot of them being eaten...) has anything to do with whether or not there are some specimens of the type that are well put together and can put in a decent performance. :confused: Not to defend the breeders who are trying to pretend that their horses are all that and a bag of chips when they haven't the conformation or the skill to walk out of a paper bag that's open on both ends, but really the "if it's got spots and feathers it must be only fit for dog meat" mentality gets old after awhile. :dead:

Maybe I should make hating a breed/type simply because it's popular to do so my least favorite fad...

Gray Horse H/J

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:56 AM

If I may interject-
the whole sheepskin thing- I am really at a loss as to what the theraputic qualities of sheepskin making contact with the hair/skin of an animal is? We all have sheepskin half-pads that we use with baby-pads at home because the horse sweat is quite caustic to the folicle of the sheepskin. But I don't really see how a cotton baby pad prevents the horse's back from breathing?? Cotton breathes perhaps better than a thick sheepskin pad? I think that's more of a "I want to preserve my equipment" thing than a fad...
Correct me if I'm wrong and there actually IS some kind of theraputic value to skin contact...

I was thinking this, too. I have a sheepskin half pad, and also use a baby pad under it. If I didn't, my half pad would need to be washed daily. My horse is gray and rolls about 87 times a day. He's in his glory when he's dirty. It's far easier to have a stack of baby pads to use all week and wash then to wash my half pad every day.

LMH

Sep. 5, 2007, 07:08 AM

People that continue to criticize things that work-like NH, Parelli, barefoot, correct nutrition.

someone had to say it.;)

J Swan

Sep. 5, 2007, 07:20 AM

LITTLE KIDS IN SHADBELLIES AND/OR TALL BOOTS

J Swan

Sep. 5, 2007, 07:24 AM

msj

Sep. 5, 2007, 08:07 AM

I'm having a hard time drinking my morning coffee cause I'm laughing so hard at this thread. I must agree with most and I'm having the biggest laugh at some of the people coming on defending their particular 'fad' after someone has dissed it!! :lol: :lol:

Ok, a couple of mine are all the dq and event horses that have to wear flash nosebands when they don't need them. I have a wonderful old book called Saddlery Modern Equipment for Horse and Stable by E. Hartley Edwards that was published in 1963. In it the flash is presented for a horse that would need a dropped noseband AND a standing martingale as it would be cruel to attach the martingale to the dropped noseband. That is why the flash was created.

Another major pet peeve are the hunter riders that are laying on the horses neck with their stirrups way too long and their butts sticking up in the air like a cat in heat! :eek: I have nothing against the crest release as another person previously did as it does serve a purpose for 'beginner's' over fences to keep from hitting the horse in the mouth over fences but to see the 'so called trainers' still using it instead of an automatic release tells me the 'trainers' really aren't trainers at all, but copycats of a fad.

DairyQueen2049

Sep. 5, 2007, 08:20 AM

Crochet Fly bonnets on show horses.

My mare wears one, I've used them for 25 yrs - I stole the idea from the driving people who were the 1st users of fly bonnets. We trail ride, through the woods, in deer fly season. We need those bonnets cuz they work.

But on show horses??

Is it to hide the ear plugs???

Bluey

Sep. 5, 2007, 08:59 AM

---"Another major pet peeve are the hunter riders that are laying on the horses neck with their stirrups way too long and their butts sticking up in the air like a cat in heat! I have nothing against the crest release as another person previously did as it does serve a purpose for 'beginner's' over fences to keep from hitting the horse in the mouth over fences but to see the 'so called trainers' still using it instead of an automatic release tells me the 'trainers' really aren't trainers at all, but copycats of a fad."---

I call that the constipated look.:lol: :lol: :lol:

I came over from Europe in the early 1970's and that crest release was the ONLY way to ride hunters then, a certain BNT pushing it for all riders at that time.
Thankfully he backed off in later years and relegated it for beginners only.
I still think that most beginners would be better off learning a better base of support for a few more months and not using it at all, as it creates more problems than it was made to help with.

fuller0819

Sep. 5, 2007, 09:18 AM

ok, I'll play.
Coreene, love the sig line.
Friesians are lovely critters.
Robert Dover... we use breast plates because our horses are so FIT, not fat, like DQs, so sometimes the saddles slip back.
I love a bit of bling.
Spinning a horse in a circle and calling it a one rein stop is not new, no one in our lifetime invented it, it does not have to be trained, you just do it and then you're done, move on.

Believe me I know the one rein stop. I have used it myself on some horses. I actually taught someones horse to do it and them how to properly use it, but it's wrong when used improperly. Such as RIPPING the horses mouth out when doing it when there is no reason to use it in that manner in the first place. Also it seems to be constant now days. How about working at home with that and use it sometimes when needed at show because you have worked at home and your horse is trained enough for show. If you can't canter your horse around a course at home DON'T take him to the show and think that he is going to do it. Don't be surprised when he bucks or takes off.

DopyDgz

Sep. 5, 2007, 09:35 AM

War Admiral

Sep. 5, 2007, 09:42 AM

My most annoying fad list pertains mostly to the Morgan hunter horse show ring:

1. Double bridles on hunters
2. Black fleece saddle pads on hunters
3. NO saddle pads on hunters
4. EVERY SINGLE horse HAS to HAVE a breastplate

Aaarrrggghhhhh...I have Morgans but I stick more with the traditional hunter/jumper ring.

Ummm... Double bridles have been used on actual real-life field hunters since at least the 1920s (that's the earliest pic I've got anyway, someone who's more of a collector, like Gothedistance, may have others). Double bridles were used on SHOW hunters - "A" Circuit show hunters - up until just 30 years ago. Somewhere there is a nice old pic of Conrad Homfeld winning the Maclay (I think? or Medal...) on a horse in a double, or at least a very long-shanked Pelham. If it's good enough for Conrad... ;)

And back in the day, we didn't use pads under our hunt seat saddles, either. That's one trend I'm glad is gone!

Trends I abhor:

Black field boots still bug me, although I've given up the crusade.

Trendy Bit of the Week still bugs me.

Standing martingales on horses who don't need them still bug me.

I never stopped wearing rust! :D

ybiaw

Sep. 5, 2007, 09:59 AM

---"Another major pet peeve are the hunter riders that are laying on the horses neck with their stirrups way too long and their butts sticking up in the air like a cat in heat! I have nothing against the crest release as another person previously did as it does serve a purpose for 'beginner's' over fences to keep from hitting the horse in the mouth over fences but to see the 'so called trainers' still using it instead of an automatic release tells me the 'trainers' really aren't trainers at all, but copycats of a fad."---

I call that the constipated look.:lol: :lol: :lol:

Is this any relation to the "Butt Punch?"

You know....when someone exaggerates their 2pt so much that their @$$ kind of thrusts backward over the top of the fence? (you kind of have to see it....but once you do, you'll never forget it!)

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 5, 2007, 10:03 AM

---"Another major pet peeve are the hunter riders that are laying on the horses neck with their stirrups way too long and their butts sticking up in the air like a cat in heat! I have nothing against the crest release as another person previously did as it does serve a purpose for 'beginner's' over fences to keep from hitting the horse in the mouth over fences but to see the 'so called trainers' still using it instead of an automatic release tells me the 'trainers' really aren't trainers at all, but copycats of a fad."---

I call that the constipated look.:lol: :lol: :lol: Too funny. We just call it posing.

Is this any relation to the "Butt Punch?"

You know....when someone exaggerates their 2pt so much that their @$$ kind of thrusts backward over the top of the fence? (you kind of have to see it....but once you do, you'll never forget it!)Totally different thing. Totally different biomechanics. I'd rather see a butt punch and someone left possibly a tad bit behind the someone laying on the horse's neck and posing with their balance all out of whack.

Luckydonkey

Sep. 5, 2007, 10:11 AM

People who are overly protective about their horses- the kind who think the horse should be shrink wrapped and kept in a round rubber room so as not to hurt themselves or get a scratch or mark- or even worse, get dirty- they are a horse for christ's sake, let them act like one once in awhile!

Breed snobbery- I hate people who think if it is not an approved such and such that is stamped and gold plated and was imported from some far off place it isn't worth anything.

And vehicle snobbery- no my trailer is not new, it is ugly and older than me, but it is structurally sound, and has been rebuilt- and is perfectly safe to haul horses in. the best part is it is paid for, LOL. And so is the ugly pickup hauling it-

ybiaw

Sep. 5, 2007, 10:18 AM

Totally different thing. Totally different biomechanics. I'd rather see a butt punch and someone left possibly a tad bit behind the someone laying on the horse's neck and posing with their balance all out of whack.

It's just fun to say "Butt Punch"

War Admiral

Sep. 5, 2007, 11:59 AM

LITTLE KIDS IN SHADBELLIES AND/OR TALL BOOTS

Thank you, yes, forgot about this one. And it totally deserves the caps!

BigBlack

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:12 PM

Barefoot is a tool not a fad, crank nosebands are more comfortable for the horse, and they do not need to be "cranked."

I agree with a lot of the other things, such as behind the vertical is collection? What the....Hey maybe going backwards could become "driving the hind legs under."

Coreene

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:13 PM

someone had to say it.;)Love you! :yes: Glad I swallowed the coffee before reading your post! :lol:

coriander

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:17 PM

Is it to hide the ear plugs???

I figured it was a handy way to keep the earplugs in, when the horse is so annoyed with them s/he shakes his/her head trying to dislodge them. :lol: From there it became a trend, mayhaps.

BigBlack

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:20 PM

By the way citabobita, Friesians are one of the oldest breeds, almost lost through crossbreeding, now being reestablished. I have come to realize that most people who diss Friesians just could not ride one.

You wanna ride one, let me know.

chawley

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:29 PM

[QUOTE=MayS;2663849]
The trend to bigger and bigger tow vehicles which seemed to surface when the big SUVs became all the rage. When I was a kid the average person didn't own a dually. If this keeps up, in 10 years we'll all need semi so we can tow our one horse to local shows.

Here, here. Common sense is key. Follow your manufacturers recommendations and learn to drive safely and you'll most likely be fine.

My other pet peeve, as mentioned by many other posters, is the lack of ground manners with many of today's horses. You are not your horse's 'friend', you are their leader and should act accordingly. All things done in fairness and consistency, with lots of love and attention, usually makes for a great equine partner. I'm not sure how it is at other barns, but at our barn some people don't spend the necessary time with their horses to make them nice partners.

Penthilisea

Sep. 5, 2007, 12:51 PM

Hmmm lemme see now.

Bubblewrapped horse (clothing, boots, fuzzies for turnout?)
CRANKING the horses head down and saying he's "on the bit!"
Riding whilst talking on the cell phone

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 5, 2007, 01:07 PM

My serious list, most of which is unfortunately here to stay versus just being a fad...

Flash nosebands. If you need one, use one. The option of buying a back dressage bridle with a regular caveson would be nice to have back though.
People who think Parelli = NH or that NH is something new.
The Parelli cult.
Strasser. Barefoot is good; butchery is bad.
Rabid "barefoot only" and "shoes only" people.
The Purina Feed monopoly in Texas. There's only one vendor in this area for Progressive, and no vendors of other higher quality feed.
Crank and spank riding.
Short-cut training that ruins horses.
Incompetent trainers.
The poor equitation prevalent in the hunter ring.
Standing martingales on jumping horses.
Poor equitation passed off as "style".
DraftX's being called Warmbloods.
Barnblind breeders who breed horses that shouldn't ever reproduce and then trying to pass off the ewe-necked, sewing-machine-moving offspring as FEI prospects.
The anti-TB attitude. They may not be an "in" breed now, but that doesn't negate the success they've had in the past or the talent they still possess.
Supersized Black Horse Syndrome.
Calling every cheap horse a "rescue".
Justifying bad manners with, "S/he was abused!"
PMU "rescue" organizations selling non-PMU babies at inflated prices.
Scam artists in general.

Thus terminates the list for now. It so happens that I LOFF bling, but clearly there is a lot of other stuff that irks me. ;)

Equestrian Diva

Sep. 5, 2007, 01:46 PM

The anti-TB attitude. They may not be an "in" breed

What? Thats it!...I am going to trade my TB mare in for a Gypsy Vanner Friesian Cross!:lol::winkgrin::lol:;):cool:

asb2517

Sep. 5, 2007, 01:55 PM

Crochet Fly bonnets on show horses.

But on show horses??

Is it to hide the ear plugs???

Are you joking? People show their horses with ear plugs?? Why?

War Admiral

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:00 PM

Are you joking? People show their horses with ear plugs?? Why?

Because Pretty Pony might spook and dump Precious Poopsie. Oh, and because they do it at the Olympics (where IMO there actually IS justification for it, especially for the American horses who are not used to cheering crowds).

asb2517

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:05 PM

Because Pretty Pony might spook and dump Precious Poopsie.

REALLY?? :eek: Wow...and I thought Saddlebreds were supposed to be the flighty ones!! :lol: I had absoultely no idea how well trained our horses were!! :winkgrin:

LexInVA

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:06 PM

Are you joking? People show their horses with ear plugs?? Why?

I see it all the time in western shows. It's just because horses are very noise sensitive and it's hard to really break them away from being so unless your barn happens to be surrounded by anything and everything.

asb2517

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:08 PM

So I guess those of us ASB people who bang on everything and shoot off fire crackers and fire extinguishers aren't so dumb after all! :winkgrin:

DopyDgz

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:18 PM

So I guess those of us ASB people who bang on everything and shoot off fire crackers and fire extinguishers aren't so dumb after all! :winkgrin:

Umm.. I would go that far!

asb2517

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:21 PM

Well, we don't have to worry about a little noise scaring them that's for sure! Now a rabbit...THAT'S scary! :lol:

alljokesaside

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:22 PM

So I guess those of us ASB people who bang on everything and shoot off fire crackers and fire extinguishers aren't so dumb after all! :winkgrin:

I love it!!

My biggest pet peeves are -

People that are so close-minded that they can't stand to even LOOK at another breed or discipline without something nasty coming out of their mouth.
Ignorance. Pure, unadulterated ingnorance. It's not bliss.
Watching someone at an open show enter their horse in halter, saddle seat, hunt seat, western, equitation, gaming, and whatever else they can think of.
Watching said person that entered their horse into every single class actually get a ribbon in every single class.
Horse show parents that think that if their darling little Suzie Q didn't get a ribbon, then by God, sell the horse/pony because it's not doing what it's supposed to do!
Riders that have NO respect for their horse's caretaker. Around here, most of the barnworkers are Hispanic and work their little butts off. I absolutely, positively HATE it when the little 13 year olds can't even manage a "Thank you!" to the person that takes care of their horse.
Owners that have no respect for their trainer. This includes riders.
Lack of respect in the warm up ring. Just because you think your horse needs to have its head tied down and you need to take up an entire corner of the arena so you can lunge the hell out of it doesn't mean that you don't get to pay attention to the other people IN the warm up ring.
Natural horsemanship fanatics. "Your two year old is crazy because you don't do Parelli." Or any of the other NH methods. Okay. I believe you, just because you said so.
Horses without ground manners. My two year olds lead, back up, park out (yes, they're Saddlebreds), trot, and respect my space. They may be my "babies" but they know how to respect me.

And the list goes on, and on, and on ...

Event4Life

Sep. 5, 2007, 02:23 PM

Standing Martingales.
enough said.

People who think Parelli is the only form of NH, and because they don't like him they don't like ANY form of NH EVER. Come on guys, open your minds. As someone said, NH has been around a hell of alot longer than Parelli. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with NH when it's used properly.

fuller0819

Sep. 5, 2007, 03:16 PM

"Spinning a horse in a circle and calling it a one rein stop" ...

OK, I am not a NH expert, but I use some of the techniques, and from the Clint Anderson shows I have scene on RFD TV, a one-rein stop is NOT "Spinning a horse in a circle" (though soome may call it that).

At least how CA trains it, a ORS teaches a horse to anticipate being asked to flex to the side at any moment, from any gait,, so that they remain supple and collected. It is NOT circling to stop, or a pully-rein stop.

I wish someone would come up for another name, as it is misleading.

And no, I am not a NH nut, just someone who collects useful 'tools for thew tool-box'.

CA uses the one rein stop to stop a horse by taken your hand down the rein and pulling to your hip until the horse touches his side or your foot/leg with his nose and then quickly release. This teaches the horse to be "supple" and loose yet he also teaches it to stop a horse that is getting out of control. when you start off training this you take the leg off and the horse may circle and circle until if figures out to stop and flex it may take hours or minutes. So it works on a run away horse he says because they learn that the flex means to stop your feet and they can't run thru the bit. Turning them in circles "one rein stop" for lack of a better phrase is putting the leg on and asking them for the turn but it does still stop the horse and has them going in small circles. They can both be used as a stop but one is with leg one without. Atleast thats what I understand it as.

J Swan

Sep. 5, 2007, 04:54 PM

Thank you, yes, forgot about this one. And it totally deserves the caps!

WA - take a look at the most recent issue of COTH. Kid in a shadbelly, jods and garters.

Nice happy kid on a cute pony.

Whoever dressed the kid should be smacked.

Oh - and at this moment I am looking at a Forbes Hunting Incidents - "The First Day of the Season" - from the 1800's. Double bridles. Very correct, very traditional. The print is hanging on the wall in my den.

Irishrose261

Sep. 5, 2007, 04:57 PM

Standing martingales on every single horse in the hunter ring, even if they don't need it.

GypsyQ

Sep. 5, 2007, 06:01 PM

This is fun. If I may add my $.02:

- Extra tack that serves no purpose.
- 'My guru's way or the highway' fanatics. This covers more people than you think.
- Bit of the month. Ride your horse in what he goes best.
- Breed of the year. So it takes longer to make a horse than a bit. A good horse is a good horse.
- Discipline snobbery. So some WP horses are worked into machines. No different than some Children's Hunters I've seen. No one is better than another. Just different.
- Horsies with no manners.
- Not every cheap horse was a rescue. Not every rescue was abused.

I like a bit of everything. I dislike a bit of everything. I sit happily on the fence. But not my fence. I have electric tape, and I don't think it would support me. Maybe I could sit on my gate. Then I could swing back and forth as needed. Better still, I'll sit on the tailgate of my truck with my wine and watch my horses and my silly dog and smile.

Beverley

Sep. 5, 2007, 06:14 PM

Watching someone at an open show enter their horse in halter, saddle seat, hunt seat, western, equitation, gaming, and whatever else they can think of.

Watching said person that entered their horse into every single class actually get a ribbon in every single class.

I guess I'm one of your pet peeves! I have largely outgrown my need to show, but if I'm gonna get all cleaned up, yes, I'm going to enter a number of classes if the hoss is up to the task, and yes, I've placed in every class entered at a show more than once. I am not understanding why this would be a problem? In my youth, at the typical show (4-H or open or AQHA) one 'had' to show in halter to be eligible for the all-around.

Showbizz

Sep. 5, 2007, 06:41 PM

The current fads I'm tired of are:

Overweight show horses

Horses having to be big to sell for decent $$

Kementari

Sep. 5, 2007, 06:44 PM

I guess I'm one of your pet peeves! I have largely outgrown my need to show, but if I'm gonna get all cleaned up, yes, I'm going to enter a number of classes if the hoss is up to the task, and yes, I've placed in every class entered at a show more than once. I am not understanding why this would be a problem? In my youth, at the typical show (4-H or open or AQHA) one 'had' to show in halter to be eligible for the all-around.

I always figured people were just jealous that my horse was well-trained enough and fit enough to do multiple disciplines - and do them well - all in one day. ;)

Also, I think people who are more the big-show crowd don't stop to think that classes are usually less demanding at the local level - shorter, less of a "workout," etc. Also they are usually close enough together that you don't do an hour's worth of warmup for each one... (Of course, if I subjected my horse to an hour's worth of warmup for ANYTHING, he'd mutiny - he thinks 20 minutes is quite nice, thank you! :D)

LearnToFly

Sep. 5, 2007, 07:32 PM

surely I'm not the only one that had the "horse psychic" fad go around their barn...

yankeeclipper

Sep. 5, 2007, 08:13 PM

The sheepskin pads on TOP of another pad. Someone explain this to me. I don't get it. I thought the reason you would have sheepskin is to put it against the horse's back and get the effects of the "natural" product... ie breathability, comfort, etc. If you use a pad underneath, then why use real sheepskin? Its a HUGE fad now to have a sheepskin half pad...but on top of another pad? I admit. I tried it. But I used the sheepskin half pad with no pad underneath and got quite a few comments on how I was doing it wrong. The best one was the comment that my sheepskin would get DIRTY! ;)

I was getting the raised eyebrows for putting my sheepskin pad this winter directly on the horses back. But must admit, I aborted over the summer because it would have needed to be washed every other day. It was getting mighty dirty.

Ghazzu

Sep. 5, 2007, 08:54 PM

hunter riders that are laying on the horses neck with their stirrups way too long and their butts sticking up in the air like a cat in heat! :eek:

Hands down the best description of that abomination I've seen yet! :D

Jsalem

Sep. 5, 2007, 08:56 PM

Hey, yankeeclipper, I call the sheepskin directly on the back, "going comando."

Kementari

Sep. 5, 2007, 09:23 PM

Hey, yankeeclipper, I call the sheepskin directly on the back, "going comando."

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I did the sheepskin without the pad underneath once, at a show when I had only brought one show pad for two horses (whoops)... So I tacked up the TB with the show pad (he was being ridden by a kid in just a couple of classes, so I figured he could handle having not-quite-perfect saddle fit) and my baby in the sheepskin (which didn't hurt the saddle fit on her because hers was on the wide end of OK to start with). What I found out is that sheepskin-on-horse is SLIPPERY! I don't know if it was just this particular arrangement or what, but there I was cantering in the warmup (did I mention this was her first time showing at the canter?! :eek:), having already tightened my girth more than I usually do, and she starts to do the bouncy, pre-buck kind of thing around the corner and falls in...so I weight my outside stirrup and slip-twist-bam, there I am on the ground. (Having managed to take the bridle with me, no less - no IDEA how I did THAT! :lol:) Thank god she's a sane one, and just stood there looking at me like, "Why the hell is this thing under my belly, and what are you doing on the ground??"

I tightened my girth to the point where I wondered how she could breath (OK, not QUITE that much... ;)), and made it through the show - though I could feel the saddle still wasn't quite as stable as I would like. I never had a problem with the saddle slipping on her before, and haven't since, so it has to have been that pad. No more commando for us! :winkgrin:

Sithly

Sep. 6, 2007, 12:32 AM

I have come to realize that most people who diss Friesians just could not ride one.

Ahahahahaha. Hah.

Watching someone at an open show enter their horse in halter, saddle seat, hunt seat, western, equitation, gaming, and whatever else they can think of.
Watching said person that entered their horse into every single class actually get a ribbon in every single class.

Why is that annoying? Just curious.

Mine list of annoyances includes (but is not limited to):

Supplements
Bad manners on horses or people
Whiny boarders
I like NH and barefoot but hate the fanatics

LexInVA

Sep. 6, 2007, 12:38 AM

Dating websites for equestrians! :lol:

Sithly

Sep. 6, 2007, 12:50 AM

Dating websites for equestrians! :lol:

A while ago I was really bored and browsing one of those dating sites, and came across an ad for someone I knew. Who was married. Hahah. It was definitely an eye-opener. :lol: :shock:

LexInVA

Sep. 6, 2007, 12:57 AM

A while ago I was really bored and browsing one of those dating sites, and came across an ad for someone I knew. Who was married. Hahah. It was definitely an eye-opener. :lol: :shock:

Yeah it's amazing what you can find on those websites. I certainly can't say I will miss them at all. I'm sure we will get a few threads popping up about them in the Spring or around Christmas.

JRG

Sep. 6, 2007, 06:30 AM

msj

Sep. 6, 2007, 07:20 AM

I was reluctant to weigh in on the sheepskin pad but I can't stand it.

The value is in having the wool on the horses back. Wool is a natural insulater and coolant by nature. Cotton is not. Now that is not to say cotton isn't cool but it doesn't have the capacity to regulate like wool does.

Wearability of wool to cotton, wool will win every time. I have pad that I have had for over 7 years and the cotton has fallen apart well before the sheepskin. I just replace the cotton. As for keeping it clean. You brush it after it has dried before the next use with a wool comb or another stiff brush.

Want to talk price? You buy 2-3 good quality pads, in a few washings they certainly don't look new any longer and you replace them within the year or two you have paid for one pad that, like I have said my first one is over 7 years old. This pad I just sold on ebay because it no longer fit my current butt size and got what I paid for it. They just last when they are looked after.

AMEN!!! Thank you for saying that! :) :) :)

I guess that I don't understand the 'value', or maybe I mean the 'reason' for the sheepskin 1/2 pad though. I'm of the old school, or maybe I just mean OLD, where a sheepskin pad fit under the ENTIRE saddle and not just part of it. After all, horses sweat under the entire flaps of the saddle where those 1/2 pads do not cover. :confused: I'm currently boarding a horse at a stable with some DQ's that have those pads so I'll take a look at the 1/2 pads and see how they are constructed. If I rode more often and harder, I'd definitely buy a full sized sheepskin.

franknbeans

Sep. 6, 2007, 07:21 AM

OK-I have one that REALLY bugs me.....
Totally horse ignorant parents paying HUGE $$ for a "safe" pony for little "Susie"....then paying more huge $$ to teach little "Susie" to ride.....and even MORE to board at the "Gucci" (their words, not mine) barn so that little precious one never has to groom her own pony, tack up or cool out that pony.....much less...GOD FORBID-ever pick up a manure fork or sweep up after themselves! And---then get mad when a great little pony clubber who spends time...not $$ on her pony WINS!!! (I just LOVE IT!)

Also-side note on the NH-moderation is ALWAYS good.....learning is valuable, and I have had great results with some of the techniques...but would agree they are NOT new....it just refreshes my memory of what my wonderful dad, who trained horses in the '30's used to do! I am the one at the barn who is the "bad" parelli mom....since I used my carrot stick as a whip when my horse tried to kick me!! Sorry all you Parelli-ites...there are some behaviors that need more than just snapping the brass snap under his chin!

franknbeans

Sep. 6, 2007, 07:22 AM

OK-I have one that REALLY bugs me.....
Totally horse ignorant parents paying HUGE $$ for a "safe" pony for little "Susie"....then paying more huge $$ to teach little "Susie" to ride.....and even MORE to board at the "Gucci" (their words, not mine) barn so that little precious one never has to groom her own pony, tack up or cool out that pony.....much less...GOD FORBID-ever pick up a manure fork or sweep up after themselves! And---then get mad when a great little pony clubber who spends time...not $$ on her pony WINS!!! (I just LOVE IT!):D

Also-side note on the NH-moderation is ALWAYS good.....learning is valuable, and I have had great results with some of the techniques...but would agree they are NOT new....it just refreshes my memory of what my wonderful dad, who trained horses in the '30's used to do! I am the one at the barn who is the "bad" parelli mom....since I used my carrot stick as a whip when my horse tried to kick me!! Sorry all you Parelli-ites...there are some behaviors that need more than just snapping the brass snap under his chin!

msj

Sep. 6, 2007, 07:30 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by msj:
hunter riders that are laying on the horses neck with their stirrups way too long and their butts sticking up in the air like a cat in heat! :eek:

Hands down the best description of that abomination I've seen yet! :D

Thank you very much! :D :D :D :D :D :D

Again, I'm of the 'old school' where we learned and did the automatic release. Never heard of the crest release until 20+ yrs later. :)

mayhew

Sep. 6, 2007, 07:42 AM

Natural horsemanship has a lot to offer, used wisely. Actually, I daresay most of us who know much about horses use some aspects of NH.

Or perhaps NH people use some aspects of what most of us who know much about horses use. :)

SuperSpike

Sep. 6, 2007, 11:38 AM

I am the one at the barn who is the "bad" parelli mom....since I used my carrot stick as a whip when my horse tried to kick me!! Sorry all you Parelli-ites...there are some behaviors that need more than just snapping the brass snap under his chin!

:lol: :lol: :lol: the "bad" parelli mom...I'm guessing you don't have the bumper sticker?

LDavis104

Sep. 6, 2007, 11:55 AM

goeslikestink

Sep. 6, 2007, 12:06 PM

ooh i could name heaps of things but the most for my part
would be

kids as trianers--- when have they learnt all the facts of lifes littel things that they have to offer

DopyDgz

Sep. 6, 2007, 01:31 PM

Riders who think the answer to any situation (horse bolting/bucking/spooking) is to pop into two-point like a jack-in-the-box.

Helloooo... sometimes you need to SIT!

alljokesaside

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:16 PM

I guess I'm one of your pet peeves! I have largely outgrown my need to show, but if I'm gonna get all cleaned up, yes, I'm going to enter a number of classes if the hoss is up to the task, and yes, I've placed in every class entered at a show more than once. I am not understanding why this would be a problem? In my youth, at the typical show (4-H or open or AQHA) one 'had' to show in halter to be eligible for the all-around.

LOL! I wasn't trying to pick. ;)

My problem with it is mostly the open shows around my area. I swear, there's this ONE girl that shows her horse in:
- Halter
- Showmanship
- Open Pleasure
- Open Equitation
- Hunter Pleasure
- Hunter Equitation
- Saddle Seat Pleasure (hence an open show, so they only have two SS classes)
- Saddle Seat Equitation
- Western Pleasure
- Western Equitation
- And at least two O/F classes.

Seriously? You're going to show your horse in 12 classes? And think that it's suitable for ... 12 classes?

It's just my opinion. ;)

asb2517

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:20 PM

Seriously? You're going to show your horse in 12 classes? And think that it's suitable for ... 12 classes?

It's just my opinion. ;)

Ha ha ~ when I was younger I showed a palomino quarter horse and would show in that many and sometimes more. (Sometimes I would beg to show him in reining and barrells too!!) I look back on it now and think "WHAT was I thinking?"
Now we don't even like to show more than 1 performance class a day - let alone in a session! :lol:

Sithly

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:27 PM

Hey, if someone has a horse versatile enough to show in 12 different classes, more power to 'em.

And add to my list of annoyances people who only do one thing with their horses. Not the people who are truly passionate about one sport, but the people who think their horses aren't capable of doing anything else. Get real. Any horse with four legs and a tail can do more than one discipline.

asb2517

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:36 PM

Any horse with four legs and a tail can do more than one discipline.

They CAN, but why should they if they do one well?

ThatScaryChick

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:43 PM

LOL! I wasn't trying to pick. ;)

My problem with it is mostly the open shows around my area. I swear, there's this ONE girl that shows her horse in:
- Halter
- Showmanship
- Open Pleasure
- Open Equitation
- Hunter Pleasure
- Hunter Equitation
- Saddle Seat Pleasure (hence an open show, so they only have two SS classes)
- Saddle Seat Equitation
- Western Pleasure
- Western Equitation
- And at least two O/F classes.

Seriously? You're going to show your horse in 12 classes? And think that it's suitable for ... 12 classes?

It's just my opinion. ;)

When I was in 4-H that wasn't unusual. Lots of people had "all-around" horses who entered a bunch of classes. I just don't understand why it bugs people. Maybe it depends on the area you live and you just don't see it that often. Around here, it's the norm. :shrugs:

Giddy-up

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:46 PM

The belts worn with the buckle on the side is a bit odd to me though. My belt buckle never bothers me in 2-pt.

I didn't realize it was a fad, but I have side zip breeches & always have done it for bathroom necessity. Less time in hot smelly port-o-pots. ;)

Sithly

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:55 PM

They CAN, but why should they if they do one well?

The question here is why shouldn't they. I can't think of a reason.

asb2517

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:58 PM

LDavis104

Sep. 6, 2007, 02:59 PM

They CAN, but why should they if they do one well?

Adds a little spice to their owner's life :D

asb2517

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:01 PM

Adds a little spice to their owner's life :D

:lol: :lol: :lol: Hey, we trail ride our show horses or should I say attempt to!

Sithly

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:08 PM

Well, to me that's like saying if you can speak you should be able to sing. Now I can speak just fine, but now my singing leaves something to be desired. So if you have a great english pleasure horse it doesn't mean he's going to be a great or even good western horse. So why not stick to what you are good at?

Or did I misunderstand you?

Most people would be sticking to very, very few things. If any. :D (kidding!)

I understand where you're coming from; I just don't think you can make that decision for others. You are more than welcome to stick to what you are good at. Me, I'll continue to do a little of everything and have fun doing it.

asb2517

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:11 PM

Me, I'll continue to do a little of everything and have fun doing it.

THAT'S what is really important! :)

veebug22

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:15 PM

Ok I usually don't get annoyed easily, and try to stay away from threads like this, and this probably isn't a fad, but it bugs me to no end!

I HAAAATTEEEE it when people are always saying "you ruined that horse; that will ruin him/her; they are ruining him/her" because of the way they're bending, not bending, using/not using leg, what tack you're using, blah blah blah blah. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO RUIN THE FREAKING HORSE! If you beat them, gallop them until they are dead at 2 years old every day, yes, you will ruin them. If someone uses *gasp* draw reins / non-plain-snaffle-bit / bends the horse's neck too much, etc., then they may not be the "perfect horse" but they are not RUINED!!! You haven't ended their life, you haven't ended their career, sheeeessshhhh... let people ride their horses. If you don't like it, then don't buy that horse if it comes up for sale. Simple as that.

Vent over.

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one, LDavis (in the friendliest manner possible:)!!). I've seen people ride/handle horses in ways that created chronically dangerous behaviors that made the horse unrideable (and behaviors that are close to impossible to cure). I've been at barns whose training "methods" created rearers, horses that laid down and refused to get up (with riders on them), and downright terrified animals. I've seen horses with blood coming out the side of their mouths due to the bit and rider's hands. I've seen horses with welts, bloody spur marks, and repeatedly run into walls (no, the horses were NOT taking off). That kind of emotional baggage rarely goes away, and it can be very hard to find that horse the right situation in which it can be allowed to continue on and have a career. Those are more extreme, but I've also seen horses trained/ridden by people who pushed them too hard and too soon, and created chronic head-flippers and dirty stoppers among other things. Ever had a horse's head flip back into your head? It can be bloody. I wouldn't say these last two "ruin" a horse completely, but they can both be dangerous habits. My mare falls into the category of being run into walls while green (before I bought her), among other things. She is very worried about being ridden, although she's come a long way after a year with my trainer, and is doing great right now. But I was told I was her last chance. A couple great trainers in the area even said she was "ruined" and "a waste of time." I doubt that we will ever get her mind back 100%.

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:28 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol: Hey, we trail ride our show horses or should I say attempt to!
Ha. I used to attempt to trail ride with a gelding I had as a teenager. Unfortunately, he just didn't have the common sense and self-preservation to be a safe trail mount. It was more like equine base-jumping. He'd spook at nothing and down we'd go. We always rode along a creek, so the sand cushioned these incidents. There is no feeling quite like when your horse spazzes, steps backward off a ledge, and you find yourself at gravity's mercy, sliding uncontrollably downward. Ironically, he was a fabulous XC mount, but we had to give up trail activities.

Current training diversity includes fantasy jumpers with one of my mares. It's how she prefers to do dressage. My coach finds it fabulously entertaining and hilarious. I've never sat a horse before who would literally jump nothing. This is not a leaping lizard sproing. She tucks her knees to her chin and flies through the air in good form as if there is something there. But there's not. :confused: :lol:

asb2517

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:31 PM

Ha. He'd spook at nothing and down we'd go.

Ours are scared of the rabbits..oh no..better watch out - very, very SCARY!! :lol:

LDavis104

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:31 PM

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one, LDavis (in the friendliest manner possible:)!!). I've seen people ride/handle horses in ways that created chronically dangerous behaviors that made the horse unrideable (and behaviors that are close to impossible to cure). I've been at barns whose training "methods" created rearers, horses that laid down and refused to get up (with riders on them), and downright terrified animals. I've seen horses with blood coming out the side of their mouths due to the bit and rider's hands. I've seen horses with welts, bloody spur marks, and repeatedly run into walls (no, the horses were NOT taking off). That kind of emotional baggage rarely goes away, and it can be very hard to find that horse the right situation in which it can be allowed to continue on and have a career. Those are more extreme, but I've also seen horses trained/ridden by people who pushed them too hard and too soon, and created chronic head-flippers and dirty stoppers among other things. Ever had a horse's head flip back into your head? It can be bloody. I wouldn't say these last two "ruin" a horse completely, but they can both be dangerous habits. My mare falls into the category of being run into walls while green (before I bought her), among other things. She is very worried about being ridden, although she's come a long way after a year with my trainer, and is doing great right now. But I was told I was her last chance. A couple great trainers in the area even said she was "ruined" and "a waste of time." I doubt that we will ever get her mind back 100%.

:eek: how dare you disagree with me!! ;) Just kidding :)

True true, those are some bad things, but a lot of the things I read or hear of that supposively are "ruining" a horse aren't that bad. Such as a horse is "ruined" because they aren't taught to use their hind end, etc. Perhaps I've been blessed with good barns as I've never seen some of the things you describe above, but I am referring to less abusive things that people say "ruin" a horse.

LDavis104

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:33 PM

:eek: how dare you disagree with me!! ;) Just kidding :)

True true, those are some bad things, but a lot of the things I read or hear of that supposively are "ruining" a horse aren't that bad. Such as a horse is "ruined" because they aren't taught to use their hind end, etc. Perhaps I've been blessed with good barns as I've never seen some of the things you describe above, but I am referring to less abusive things that people say "ruin" a horse.

ETA - or as my Texan hubby would say "runt" a horse (that's how he said ruined)

asb2517

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:33 PM

[QUOTE=LDavis104;2668022 I am referring to less abusive things that people say "ruin" a horse.[/QUOTE]

Like petting them on the head? No kidding I once had someone tell me their trainer said not to touch their horse on the head?!? I thought they were joking but they weren't!:eek:

LDavis104

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:34 PM

Ours are scared of the rabbits..oh no..better watch out - very, very SCARY!! :lol:

Or even MORE scary than the rabbits - hoofprints in the ring sand that were left there last time around the ring :rolleyes:

pattnic

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:37 PM

J Swan

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:39 PM

I didn't realize it was a fad, but I have side zip breeches & always have done it for bathroom necessity. Less time in hot smelly port-o-pots. ;)

I don't know why some riders wear their buckle on the side - but when I was in the Army and we were doing hand to hand combat exercises, we'd either remove our belts - or move them so the buckle was on our side. Supposedly there would be less of a chance of internal injury if the buckle was not smack dab in the middle of our abdomen and we were kicked in the gut.

That's the only reason I can think of - other than side zip breeches. Though from what I've seen, the folks wearing their belts in this manner have little to no chance of suffering internal injury in that manner. Maybe they think it makes them look tough? :winkgrin:

LDavis104

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:42 PM

I don't know why some riders wear their buckle on the side - but when I was in the Army and we were doing hand to hand combat exercises, we'd either remove our belts - or move them so the buckle was on our side. Supposedly there would be less of a chance of internal injury if the buckle was not smack dab in the middle of our abdomen and we were kicked in the gut.

That's the only reason I can think of - other than side zip breeches. Though from what I've seen, the folks wearing their belts in this manner have little to no chance of suffering internal injury in that manner. Maybe they think it makes them look tough? :winkgrin:

Oooo ooo! I wear my belt to the side because I don't like the lump the buckle creates in the front.

ybiaw

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:43 PM

A couple show seasons ago, I noticed all the teenager girls would undo the top of the zipper on their breeches and fold the waist down....then walk around the show grounds for the rest of the day with their rolled-down breeches, flip-flops, polo shirts with the collars popped...all in the name of being "trendy".

Man, am I glad you don't see THAT very much anymore! :lol: I can't even begin to describe how weird looking that was.

vtdobes

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:46 PM

These things actually don't bother me in the Morgan world... but I think I would pitch a fit if I saw them in the regular hunter-jumper world!
Also, you see them much more in hunter pleasure than the actual working hunter classes.

Yes, you are correct. The hunter pleasure classes I'm referring to not the actual hunter over fences, etc.
I dunno, I think it's looks weird...especially the no saddle pad...ick!

vtdobes

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:52 PM

A couple show seasons ago, I noticed all the teenager girls would undo the top of the zipper on their breeches and fold the waist down.....

Ummm....I still see it! One girl around here does it all the time...not to mention she has a big fat roll that hangs out over the waist with her shirt rolled up as well. And she is supposed to be a "professional" farrier. Yeah, I'd hire her walking around like that....

J Swan

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:52 PM

Oooo ooo! I wear my belt to the side because I don't like the lump the buckle creates in the front.

Oh.

At my age - the buckle ain't the thing creating a lump in the front. I'm just a big fatty.

ybiaw

Sep. 6, 2007, 03:55 PM

Ummm....I still see it! One girl around here does it all the time...not to mention she has a big fat roll that hangs out over the waist with her shirt rolled up as well. And she is supposed to be a "professional" farrier. Yeah, I'd hire her walking around like that....

Eeeewwwww....

some day you should just pull her aside and tel her that look is SOOOOOOOO last season ;)

franknbeans

Sep. 6, 2007, 04:11 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol: the "bad" parelli mom...I'm guessing you don't have the bumper sticker?

:winkgrin:Uh-no, SuperSpike...no bumper stickers for me!! I do like SOME of the methods....good for some things. Just have to pick and choose. I did try some NH stuff with my old horse whom I have had for 11 years....he looked at me like I had 3 heads!

vtdobes

Sep. 6, 2007, 04:28 PM

Eeeewwwww....

some day you should just pull her aside and tel her that look is SOOOOOOOO last season ;)

I would but she'd probably punch me! We almost got into it at a show last year so we don't speak anyway. We (BF and I) just snicker at her walking, er waddling, around like she's gods gift....
She puts beginner kids on recently gelded Arabians with draw reins and then blames everyone else because the horse spooked in a crowded practice ring and the kid got dumped...(no offense to the Arab..wasn't his fault!). Anyway...I shouldn't gossip!

Coreene

Sep. 6, 2007, 04:29 PM

Eeeewwwww....

some day you should just pull her aside and tel her that look is SOOOOOOOO last season ;)Muffin tops. Icky. :dead:

ybiaw

Sep. 6, 2007, 04:31 PM

Muffin tops. Icky. :dead:

Definitely.

Hauwse

Sep. 6, 2007, 04:44 PM

I have just two words to add. Crest Release.

Thank the Lord !!!!!!

I may not be thinking exactly the same as you but..... when did the crest release become the best possible release, what happened to the automatic release?

If I see one more equitation class filled with riders who, excuse me, look like they have sticks up their butts, lying on the horses neck, with their exaggerated crest release I will scream.

You would think that after the thousands of people who have sent GM their pictures and all of them getting ripped for not using an automatic release they would get a clue!!!

Oh my faith is renewed!

Bluey

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:04 PM

My understanding is that GM is who started it as a fad.
When I came here, some of my students came from him, some still went to take monthly lessons there and that is what he taught them, even adults and intermediate riders long past needing that at all, if they ever did.:eek:

I heard later that he backed off, when it was becoming the laughing stock it was, but I have seen the pictures in COTH for years now, still with many doing that, if not most.

I guess that if it works and you are not training, just riding well trained horses, it won't matter how you do it.
It is just not a very efficient way to ride in my book, but heck, I am definitely not as wise as GM.;)

catknsn

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:13 PM

Riding whilst talking on the cell phone

Totally guilty. I text and surf the internet and e-mail on horseback. But I have a short attention span and figure that is preferable to not doing enough walking at the beginning/end of the ride. If I'm busy reading message boards, the horses get a proper 15 minutes at each end.

ybiaw

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:17 PM

Giddy-up

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:23 PM

That's the only reason I can think of - other than side zip breeches. Though from what I've seen, the folks wearing their belts in this manner have little to no chance of suffering internal injury in that manner. Maybe they think it makes them look tough? :winkgrin:

Oh that's good. If people ask, I'll say "the Army does it so what's your problem?". And then make a tough face. But I have seen hand to hand combat at horse shows so that's the same thing, right? :lol:

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:25 PM

Totally guilty. I text and surf the internet and e-mail on horseback. But I have a short attention span and figure that is preferable to not doing enough walking at the beginning/end of the ride. If I'm busy reading message boards, the horses get a proper 15 minutes at each end.Clearly, you are a gifted rider. We have horse-eating plastic chairs next to the arena. They are there every single day, have been there for years, and thus far have not managed to consume a horse. But if I were to attempt to chat on the phone or text, that would be the exact moment the chair transitioned from passive to aggressive in my horses' eyes. And when a plastic chair is on the prowl, it's every man/horse for themselves! ;)

ybiaw

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:27 PM

Giddy-up

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:27 PM

A couple show seasons ago, I noticed all the teenager girls would undo the top of the zipper on their breeches and fold the waist down..

That just makes me want to say "put on your clothes!" when I see it. I totally do not get that one!

Although maybe their breeches are too tight trying to squeeze in their muffin tops so I can sympathize there. :p

Pony Person

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:29 PM

A couple show seasons ago, I noticed all the teenager girls would undo the top of the zipper on their breeches and fold the waist down....
I hate that!! But, I guess it could be worse; all of those girls could have the dreaded...

MUFFIN TOP!

:eek::eek::eek: OH THE HORRORS!!

ybiaw

Sep. 6, 2007, 05:30 PM

I hate that!! But, I guess it could be worse; all of those girls could have the dreaded...

MUFFIN TOP!

:eek::eek::eek: OH THE HORRORS!!

(some of them DO!!!!)

Kementari

Sep. 6, 2007, 06:35 PM

Or even MORE scary than the rabbits - hoofprints in the ring sand that were left there last time around the ring :rolleyes:

True story: I take my 4 y/o into her first (real) dressage test. I pick up the trot after my salute. About halfway to C, she stops DEAD, staring at the ground and snorting. I look down to see what horse-eating monster has made it's way into the arena, and discover that she is spooking at the TIRE TRACK from the tractor that dragged the ring. :rolleyes: This is a horse who is afraid of NOTHING on the trail and who I am convinced is going to make a kick-butt eventer because she will go over ANYTHING. I just hope there are never tire tracks on XC... :lol: :lol:

On the versatility subject... The last time I took my TB to a show that offered all those disciplines, we entered showmanship, bareback eq, hunt eq & pleasure, western eq & pleasure, pattern, command, and trail - and placed in the top three in every class (out of 8-10ish). We would have done O/F, but it got rained out. We repeated our placings the next day in gymkhana. Obviously, not only *I* thought that we could do all those things, but the judge did, too. ;) He (my horse) no longer does that much, as he's older now and primarily packs kids (and as he has aged, his back has become such that I simply can't find a non-custom western saddle to fit... :eek: he does gymkhana now in an Aussie...), but I'm bringing up baby to be every bit as versatile. :yes: If you start with a dressage-type foundation, the sky is the limit, and the cross-training not THAT difficult. I think it helps keep me and my horses from getting burned out, but I have nothing against people who DON'T do the versatility thing. :cool: To each his or her own!

Edited to add: I really, really don't get the whole rolling-down-the-waistband "fashion" in general. If you want low rise pants, buy low rise pants! I will do it when wearing shorts with my swimsuit (which happens frequently as I'm currently working as a lifeguard ;)) because the suit is so slippery that even lower-rise shorts end up somewhere around my armpits :lol: but other than that I buy pants with a rise that suits me. It's not really that hard...

J Swan

Sep. 6, 2007, 07:40 PM

Oh that's good. If people ask, I'll say "the Army does it so what's your problem?". And then make a tough face. But I have seen hand to hand combat at horse shows so that's the same thing, right? :lol:

I wonder how catfights at dressage shows differ from catfights at hunter shows? Nail length? Muffin top? Buckle location? Amount of makeup?

If you mention that the Army does it - you have to make the appropriate mean face - preferably the one recruits make when doing bayonet training.

First, you move your belt buckle to the side. Then you grasp your crop like a rifle with bayonet, hold it in front of you a bit, make a rush at the opposing DQ or Hunter Princess, and shout at the top of your lungs ARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YOU BIT** THAT SHOULD BE MY RIBBON YOU'RE RIDING THAT STUPID DRAFT CROSS AND I HAVE AN IMPORTED HORSE FROM FINLAND THAT POOPS GOLDEN BUTTERFLIES.....

catfight ensues, to the general merriment of other riders.

Pony Person

Sep. 6, 2007, 07:43 PM

(some of them DO!!!!)
I think your signature speaks for itself!!:lol:

Bugsey_2007

Sep. 6, 2007, 08:00 PM

Use of hunting breast plates and martingales as a fashion accessory.

Dutch gag bits

Saddle pads

Parelli

Barefoot nutters who think its cruel or bad to shoe horses

People who post photos of a horse jumping an teensy weensy tree branch and say they're eventing and they really believe they are

fat horses

fat riders

Reiki Healers

I don't know what you call them but those nutters that reckon they speak to horses and find out what's wrong - In fact its more the owners who are stupid enough to employ them that annoy me.

Oh and I've just remembered what you call them - nutters :winkgrin:

RHdobes563

Sep. 6, 2007, 10:00 PM

Pictures of people lying on the necks of their horses over a 2'6" jump. It's NOT Grand Prix. It's a fricking 2'6"; you can STEP over that!

Perpetual 2 point. Sit down between the jumps.

Jumping out of/ahead of the saddle. Deliberately. Looks stupid and is probably dangerous.

The "perfect" hunter course. The judge doesn't have to really watch, just count strides. I would like a few challenges (odd distances) where you would need to lengthen and shorten.

The idea that you have to have the "perfect" horse to do the "perfect" strides. If you horse can do a perfect 5 strides in a 60' distance, fine; if he can do a perfect 6 strides in a 60' distance, fine.

Slow speeds, whether English (hunter) or western. Excuse me, the fox or spookin' steer ain't going to wait for you to catch up!

Tails (real or fake) that drag on the ground. I hate it, just the thought of tail dragging through dirt or manure at a horse show. I like long, but what's popular in some breed shows just gags me.

Too long manes. Leave "my pretty pony" manes on MPP.

Beverley

Sep. 6, 2007, 10:33 PM

My understanding is that GM is who started it as a fad. When I came here, some of my students came from him, some still went I heard later that he backed off, when it was becoming the laughing stock it was, but I have seen the pictures in COTH for years now, still with many doing that, if not most.

Yes, I read one of his articles (maybe in COTH) where he feebly attempted to attribute the whole idea of crest release to Gordon Wright. I don't think so, though I grant that I only had a few sessions with him (but he sure never hinted at that prospect to any of us and we'd have been prime candidates!).

If I were queen, I would decree that one couldn't hope to place in anything other than a novice equitation class unless one used a following hand (or automatic release, if you prefer, or just the definition I grew up with, straight line from elbow to bit). The Chronicle is full most weeks of pics of people of all ages clamped to the neck, no leg to speak of, and the poor horse's nose tucked in because the rein clamped to the neck is too short to allow free movement. Sigh. Used to be that one got chewed out for 'ducking,' now it seems to win! And of course by now most of the trainers 'only' know crest release, couldn't hope to teach anything else,so it's self perpetuating.

And oh yeah. How could I forget to mention the whole ridiculous counting strides thing. How that's 'supposed' to work is, you observe the number of strides that others are taking between fences, and then figure out what's best for YOUR horse. How did that get lost in the shuffle?

Bluesy

Sep. 6, 2007, 11:30 PM

I remember a couple years ago watching one of the Spruce shows - everyone and their dog had a Mikmar on. Even if they were showing in a plain snaffle the year before. The next year - noone had one. :D

It may be fine for some horses, but it's definately not a miracle bit. If your horse goes fine in a snaffle, why would you change it.

Bridle-less riding.

I totally agree with Coreene about all those NH guys.

Mayaty02

Sep. 7, 2007, 07:10 AM

1. Fly bonnets on jumpers....every... single... one of them. Makes ya go "hmmmmmm"
2. Needing big big horses for little little girls, "anything under 16.3/17 h is way too small for my 13 yr old to do equitation on" attitudes
3. Breed snobbery in the whole TB/warmblood issue, also ties into the above
4. Fake tails, unless it's on an appy :)
5. General lack of pace in the typical hunter round, "well my warmblood has such a long stride I can just canter around a course of 3'6" attitude

yep those are my top 5....

Cielo Azure

Sep. 7, 2007, 08:55 AM

"sport horses" A term that defines any horse that participates in one or more of any number of disciplines. A sport horse registry to capture that segment of the horse market is rather all-encompassing, don't you think? The term sporthorse seems to have come to mean any horse competing in any of the "hot" performance venues. The term seems a little overused in my opinion. Whatever special meaning the term once had is getting lost as people seem to use it as a special key to sell their animal for big money on www.dreamhorse.com

Other fads I hate:
Faux Registries

The "American Sporthorse Registry"
http://www.americansporthorse.com/americansporthorseregistry/index.html
Lets see, a for profit, website with no organizational structure who is clearly owned by "Equine Enterprises."
Yes, your PMU/rescue/mutt horse can be a valuable registered animal! Just send them a video and your $60 and the ASR can make your dreams come true!

What about this one?
http://www.shoc.org/

or this one?
http://www.curlysporthorse.org/

http://www.americanwarmblood.org/
I don't "get" it.
When I read this article, I find so many illogical and inconsistant statements, I can't believe that this group is taken seriously?
An example, did you know that actually there are no breeds? Yep, according to the AWS even the Arabian is suspect. This is from their site:
"What is pure, anyway? Technically, the Arabian is really the only purebred; everything else has come from various mixtures. But then again, the Arab originally came from somewhere also, so what does "pure" really mean?"
(hint: maybe it means a closed breed, reputable registry with a strong breed standard)

Another group of registries that I find suspect are the "Spotted Draft registries 1) yet another color breed registry and 2) those aren't drafts to me and 3) how many registries does a "breed" need? and 4) THEY ARE CROSSBREDS -get over it!

Another up and coming "breed" are "Clyde Ponies." Sigh.

Just let a nice crossbred be that for goodness sake!

and...
does every performance horse have to wear the same label and be in a "special" registry?

Whew. Glad I got that off my chest...

EasterEgg

Sep. 7, 2007, 09:43 AM

"sport horses" A term that defines any horse that participates in one or more of any number of disciplines. A sport horse registry to capture that segment of the horse market is rather all-encompassing, don't you think? The term sporthorse seems to have come to mean any horse competing in any of the "hot" performance venues. The term seems a little overused in my opinion. Whatever special meaning the term once had is getting lost as people seem to use it as a special key to sell their animal for big money on www.dreamhorse.com (http://www.dreamhorse.com)

Other fads I hate:
Faux Registries

The "American Sporthorse Registry"
http://www.americansporthorse.com/americansporthorseregistry/index.html
Lets see, a for profit, website with no organizational structure who is clearly owned by "Equine Enterprises."
Yes, your PMU/rescue/mutt horse can be a valuable registered animal! Just send them a video and your $60 and the ASR can make your dreams come true!

What about this one?
http://www.shoc.org/

or this one?
http://www.curlysporthorse.org/

http://www.americanwarmblood.org/
I don't "get" it.
When I read this article, I find so many illogical and inconsistant statements, I can't believe that this group is taken seriously?
An example, did you know that actually there are no breeds? Yep, according to the AWS even the Arabian is suspect. This is from their site:
"What is pure, anyway? Technically, the Arabian is really the only purebred; everything else has come from various mixtures. But then again, the Arab originally came from somewhere also, so what does "pure" really mean?"
(hint: maybe it means a closed breed, reputable registry with a strong breed standard)

Another group of registries that I find suspect are the "Spotted Draft registries 1) yet another color breed registry and 2) those aren't drafts to me and 3) how many registries does a "breed" need? and 4) THEY ARE CROSSBREDS -get over it!

Another up and coming "breed" are "Clyde Ponies." Sigh.

Just let a nice crossbred be that for goodness sake!

and...
does every performance horse have to wear the same label and be in a "special" registry?

Whew. Glad I got that off my chest...

Oh man, you are going to love this little gem I came across the other day:

http://www.drumhorseassociation.com/

Drum horses as a special breed - and they're 'talented athletes' too - who knew eh? :winkgrin: :lol:

MistyBlue

Sep. 7, 2007, 09:46 AM

Pictures of people lying on the necks of their horses over a 2'6" jump. It's NOT Grand Prix. It's a fricking 2'6"; you can STEP over that!

They fell asleep due to boredom...they don't *mean* to lay on the neck, they're napping. :winkgrin:

Cielo Azure

Sep. 7, 2007, 11:12 AM

Just think if you enter your VSE in a CDE and score well, your mini could then be considered a SPORT HORSE PONY!!!!

Now...There a performance animal!

Heineken

Sep. 7, 2007, 11:19 AM

Warmbloods as the only acceptable show horse

ANYTHING "Natural Horsemanship"

J Swan

Sep. 7, 2007, 11:27 AM

They fell asleep due to boredom...they don't *mean* to lay on the neck, they're napping. :winkgrin:

Yeah - my beagle jumps 2'6" from a walk. Is it me or does that "posing" position and poor excuse for a release get more exaggerated every year?

sublimequine

Sep. 7, 2007, 11:48 AM

Barefoot/Natural/Trimmers/'Equine Podiatrists'

I drew the line when a lady lectured me on how I was doing my tenderfooted horse wrong by putting shoes on her, when a trimmer flipped out and got personally offended when someone called her a 'horseshoer', and when another lady decided to trim her clients in the middle of the driveway because she would only use natural light, then got mad when folks wanted to, oh I don't know, DRIVE ON THE DRIVEWAY. :rolleyes:

MistyBlue

Sep. 7, 2007, 12:09 PM

Yeah - my beagle jumps 2'6" from a walk. Is it me or does that "posing" position and poor excuse for a release get more exaggerated every year?

No, it's not just you. They're beginning to look like baboons in heat...or like when you pat your cat on the arse and they raise that behind way in the air. :winkgrin:

Thomas_1

Sep. 7, 2007, 12:15 PM

I'm going to limit myself to descriptive terms, or I could be here all day!

Photos of people hanging on to their horses necks when jumping and calling it a technique! (crest release!)

People who can't pronounce or spell the word PONY (Hony!)

People who don't know a pony when they fall over it (VSE! or minis!)

A con man who bought a qualification online (KC LePierre and his PhD from an online diploma mill: http://middleham.org.uk/faq.html#6)

Someone with limited knowledge and skill in relation to foot care (Equine Podiatrist or Barefoot Trimmer)

A hippy who is shoeless (Barefoot Trimmer)

So wtf gait is that (Hand gallop!)

Its a coloured cob (gypsy vanner)

Its a big coloured cob (drum horse)

Cack-handed, cheap job (Pasture trim)

Its lame, I can't afford a vet and its old anyways (brood mare)

Riding out (endurance newbie)

Riding in (dressage newbie)

Cheap horse and going to be kept with minimal investment (Rescue)

Dead horse (crossed the rainbow bridge!)

kellyb

Sep. 7, 2007, 12:19 PM

People who can't pronounce or spell the word PONY (Hony!)

Are you joking or being serious about this? People here do not mispell "pony". "Hony" is a term all in of itself, referring to a horse that's a touch bigger than a pony but still quite short...think 14.3hh-15hh. Get it? Pony + Horse = Hony :D It's just a fun term that some folks like to use....

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 7, 2007, 12:29 PM

No, it's not just you. They're beginning to look like baboons in heat...or like when you pat your cat on the arse and they raise that behind way in the air. :winkgrin::lol:

I was being tactful when I called it "posing" earlier. We actually call it pornstar posing. Initially, it was just a joke. However, a non-horsey male co-worker of mine who used to date a hunter rider confided that he liked attending shows and that it turned him on to see the over fences photos. He said it was "better than any magazine". Being me (nosy! :D), I had to show side-by-side hunter and jumper photos to find out if it was all jumping positions or something specific. He was specific in his interest - hunters only. :lol: Unfortunately, I just cannot get the idea out of my head that spectators may find hunter rounds "exciting" in that way. :dead: :lol:

NRB

Sep. 7, 2007, 12:37 PM

Riders who have a floppy and loose chin strap on their helmet. As in you can see at least 2 inches of air inbetween the strap and the chin. Almost exclusively a hunter thing. Drives me nuts.

horse-loverz

Sep. 7, 2007, 01:01 PM

I hate it when parents refuse to move their kids up in classes showing because they "might not win ribbons" so they continue to do.. poles on the ground and cross rails for 3 years or so... especially after you catch them in the schooling ring jumping 3' :mad:

asb2517

Sep. 7, 2007, 01:04 PM

I hate it when there are kids in the 10 & under walk trot classes that are big enough to be cantering! Walk/trot is for LITTLE kids.

horse-loverz

Sep. 7, 2007, 01:29 PM

I hate it when there are kids in the 10 & under walk trot classes that are big enough to be cantering! Walk/trot is for LITTLE kids.

Amen sister:yes: We have one local circut here that has the same kids pinning in the same classes for years... YEARS.. you see them school and it is sooooo obvious that they need to move up but noooo poopikins needs to get a pretty blue ribbon that means so much after that 14yo that has been riding for 7 yrs or so has kicked some 6-7 y.o butt.....:rolleyes:

kellyb

Sep. 7, 2007, 01:33 PM

I hate it when there are kids in the 10 & under walk trot classes that are big enough to be cantering! Walk/trot is for LITTLE kids.

I see where you are coming from, but not all kids have been riding since before they could walk. I had a lot of older children (10-13) who were beginners, so regardless of size they still only showed walk-trot.

asb2517

Sep. 7, 2007, 01:41 PM

I see where you are coming from, but not all kids have been riding since before they could walk. I had a lot of older children (10-13) who were beginners, so regardless of size they still only showed walk-trot.

It's obvious the one's I'm talking about. They are NOT beginners and have been showing walk/trot for 2 or 3 years. Come on, you mean to tell me you can't canter after 2 years?? The only reason they are in that class is to win ribbons.

asb2517

Sep. 7, 2007, 01:43 PM

Oh I just thought of another one. Equitation riders who can only ride push button horses ~ I'd like to see most of them try to ride the pieces of crap my daughter has had to ride! :lol:

thumbsontop

Sep. 7, 2007, 02:01 PM

I can't say this is an "annoying fad" as everybody has their own taste, but I can't stand doing something non-traditional in a hunter or dressage class!

Even in the kiddie classes - if I were a judge I'd give more credit to the kid who comes in with a navy coat, a hair net, and braids they obviously did themselves than those that come in with pink palm tree covered pigtail ribbons and a matching belt.

ybiaw

Sep. 7, 2007, 02:22 PM

J Swan

Sep. 7, 2007, 02:24 PM

Unfortunately, I just cannot get the idea out of my head that spectators may find hunter rounds "exciting" in that way. :dead: :lol:

You know, I could have gone my whole life without knowing that and been perfectly happy.

Where is that barfing icon!!! Hurl retch gurp....:lol:

Well, I guess it would be one way of getting Mr JSwan to go to a horse show - but then again - he's always been a boob man. Might not work for him. ;)

neVar

Sep. 7, 2007, 04:04 PM

Buying a saddle because of the "Brand" not because it fits the horse

Vice versa "saddles that fit almost everything i put it on" well of cours eit does- you've got so many bloody pads underneath it it's not even ON the horses back-

H/j Riders placing the saddle ON the wither OVER the shoulder blades then using a breast plate to keep it up there....

hundredacres

Sep. 7, 2007, 04:38 PM

Westlaw

Sep. 7, 2007, 05:17 PM

--Cowboy remedies that it turns out every single horse in the world needs because every single horse in the world is misunderstood and doesn't have good ground manners and must have its inner horse-ness unleashed.

--The people who believe that this is the gospel truth.

--Hostility to shoeing any horse.

--If you like a Friesian, you'll love a Friesialoosa!!

--A draft cross is a "warmblood"

--$4,000 saddles.

--Neon colored equipment. This is always used by little girls, so moms, I beg you: STOP BUYING IT FOR THEM!

catknsn

Sep. 7, 2007, 09:58 PM

--Neon colored equipment. This is always used by little girls, so moms, I beg you: STOP BUYING IT FOR THEM!

Clearly you do not live in the PNW, or you would realize a stunning amount of fully grown adult women are zinging around everywhere you look with horses decked out head to toe in hot pink, lime green or turquoise tack - usually also involving fake crystals.

Janet

Sep. 7, 2007, 10:36 PM

Riders who have a floppy and loose chin strap on their helmet. As in you can see at least 2 inches of air inbetween the strap and the chin. Almost exclusively a hunter thing. Drives me nuts.

+1

Aggie4Bar

Sep. 7, 2007, 10:41 PM

You know, I could have gone my whole life without knowing that and been perfectly happy.Sorry. :D But you just have no idea the relief finding out that normal equitation did not have that effect (since I don't, never have, and never will show hunters or pose in any manner that might mistake me for a hunter rider). :lol:

Janet

Sep. 7, 2007, 10:57 PM

Janet

Sep. 7, 2007, 11:01 PM

Side zip britches.

We "burned our bras" to get center zips (in all pants, not just britches). Going back to side zips REALLLY BUGS ME. I know it is irrational, but it does.

LearnToFly

Sep. 8, 2007, 12:44 AM

I hate it when there are kids in the 10 & under walk trot classes that are big enough to be cantering! Walk/trot is for LITTLE kids.

oooo
so you would have HATED me... I entered a walk/trot class at a local fun show earlier this summer... Now, granted, I'd only had the horse for 2 days, he hadn't been ridden or worked with in three years, he wasn't in shape enough to canter (hence why we did walk/trot) and I DID write on the entry form "DO NOT PLACE"...

But I did feel pretty ashamed of myself walking into the ring...

Dreamboat Annie

Sep. 8, 2007, 03:07 AM

Lots of annoying fads here....:)

NH, it's not new!

WP horses, I see them in the practice ring, with their training forks on 2 hrs. before the class...making sure that "horsey" keeps his head 2 feet off the ground come class time....

Breeding any thing that can concieve, just because she wants to be a mama at least once...

Draft(cold blooded) + Tb. (hot blooded) don't = Warmblood....no way no how...

Thomas_1

Sep. 8, 2007, 08:55 AM

Tamara in TN

Sep. 8, 2007, 09:11 AM

my first biggest annoyance is recreating a sport/breed/style or riding that one cannot afford to "do" in the traditional manner, with breeds and types of animals that cannot perform <x> and can NEVER perform <X> under the guise of "it's just as good as <X>".... and "if it makes them happy why not???" it's not as good and it's just the horses that suffer for their owners "needs"....

and the never ending armchair internet quarterbacks who themselves have not gotten a leg up and over in mos (if years) but feel qualifed to tell everyone else their shortcomings....

Tamara in TN

MistyBlue

Sep. 8, 2007, 09:33 AM

LOL..in the locals around here there are at *least* 20 horses and ponies (more ponies than horses though) showing the greens every single year. For years. I'm sure there are more...but some do not have distinguishing markings so I can't tell if it's the same horse or not. But a handful are pretty loudly marked and just have a name change every season. :lol:
Soooo...how long does a horse stay green these days? :confused:

Tamara in TN

Sep. 8, 2007, 09:35 AM

LOL
Soooo...how long does a horse stay green these days? :confused:

Til you can convince a clueless newcomer that he is worth the imaginary $$$$ you think he's worth :lol::lol::lol:

Tamara in TN

meaty ogre

Sep. 8, 2007, 10:25 AM

Last time I checked, equine life expectancy was more than five years but so many treat them like throw-aways. Futurities/young horse events encourage and reward having horses doing as much as possible, as early as possible. I won't even go into the racehorse industries. I know money talks.
I could care less if you like rope halters or if you wear your belt buckle on the side or if you have a bedazzler and you put little rhinestones on everything you own. I don't care if you turn your horse out in bell boots, splint boots and full fly gear. I don't care if you own a gypsy vanner-freisa-loosa "hony" that you jump in 2 point over 2 foot fences in a double bridle (I think that's the 2-2-2 special!). I don't even care if you do it barefoot or with shoes.
What really bothers me is people who longe their horses incessantly or chase them around in a round pen from the time they turn 2 for the sake of "training" and then wonder why their horse ends up broke down. It's not just the longing/round penning over-use, it's any "training" technique that is incongruent with longevity of the horse. I know there are still those out there who have the 20+ year olds who are sound and showing or going on the trails, but it seems they are becoming a rarity. What is not a rarity is the number of owners who are willing to use a horse up and then toss them aside, either by selling at auction or dirt-cheap, or even discarding them at some rescue or by some other manner of giveaway. There are good reasons for giving a horse away and I'm not badmouthing everyone who gives a horse away, but there are also a lot of good reasons for keeping and taking care of a horse (responsibility to the horse, being able to sleep at night knowing the horse is properly cared for). There does seem to be more information out there regarding diet, proper shoeing/trimming, etc. and many do make good use of it. I just wish more people fed, trained, shod or trimmed, and bred with longevity in mind.

Equilibrium

Sep. 8, 2007, 01:26 PM

Well here goes.

Anyone who buys a scruffy horse and considers it a rescue

People who buy OTTB and can't ride.

People who buy OTTB's because they are saving them from a life of hardship.
(I've saved him from an awful life and we will be friends forever, aren't I noble)

Employing a NH to deal with all the issues the OTTB has because they can't deal with it.

Getting rid of the OTTB on the QT because they didn't quite know what they were getting into.

The amazing amount of problems horses seem to come up with on this board mostly ex racers and spending loads of money on something that could easily be cured with time spent outside being a horse.

Feeding loads of sweet feed/starch and wondering why your horse is hot.

And something that I don't know if it's a fad or not, but it drives me insane over here. Clipping your horse, having it in work, then in the middle of winter, strip him of his rugs and throw him out. It's called "roughing off" over here. I'm sorry but how and why would you do that to a horse. Then look at the thing shaking on a rainy cold night and walk away saying, oh it builds character. These are the kind of people I want to put in a t shirt and shorts and tell them to hang out in that weather for a few hours.

People who sell prospects for made horse money. Well try I should say

People who breed and won't sell thus having a field full of gone wild horses with no manners. When inquiring about why you can't sell anything, you find out their asking over 10,000euros for a 1500 euro horse because when loose jumping he/she cleared 2'.6" in spetacular fashion.

Terri

[r.oo and l.ulu]

Sep. 8, 2007, 03:33 PM

What I find annoying?

People who don't agree with me. :D

At least I'm honest. Working on the humble.

For real, though, all of the following apply:

1. Bad ground manners! NO, no no, NOOO excuse for this to continue months on end.

2. The rejection of anything new and progressive simply because it is. Do your research, and use what works for you, but don't trash it because of information or experiences you got second hand. This also applies if you tried something, but half-assed it. Try something different, but don't place sole blame on what was really your own fault.

3. An over reliance on pieces of tack to help you feel secure, or used as shortcuts, as opposed to thorough training.

4. Keeping horses as stallions when they should NOT BE. Same goes for breeding mediocre mares.

5. General lack of common sense, which extends into every facet of the horse world, and life for that matter.

LookinSouth

Sep. 8, 2007, 05:56 PM

Interesting and fun thread. Here it goes........

~ Riders who say their horse CAN'T be ridden in the open but have never tried...

~ Riders who call themselves "horsemen" but do not and will not ride outside of the ring

~ bright, tacky or pastel saddle pads used by adults. I prefer the classic navy,hunter,white or neutrals.

~ The skunk stripe helmets; sorry I just prefer the classic velvet

~ Trainers who ride every horse they get on in draw reins ( and jump with them too :no:)

~ Anyone who uses a standing martingale on a horse that doesn't need it because it "looks naked " without.

~ No turnout

~Turnout in tiny dirt paddocks

~ Owners who let their horses walk all over them and tolerate bad ground manners and then expect anyone else handling them to do the same

~Overblanketing to the point the horses are SWEATING underneath
~Riders/Owners who are only visit their boarded horse when they are riding (i.e. if horse is lame or not getting worked the owner is not to be seen)

~ Owners/riders who don't spend the time to bond with their horse and then complain when they have issue

LookinSouth

Sep. 8, 2007, 05:58 PM

;2671599']What I find annoying?

4. Keeping horses as stallions when they should NOT BE. Same goes for breeding mediocre mares.

5. General lack of common sense, which extends into every facet of the horse world, and life for that matter.

Amen to that!!!

flyingchange

Sep. 8, 2007, 06:30 PM

Those horrible skunk helmets.

Sdhaurmsmom

Sep. 8, 2007, 06:56 PM

Another thing I hate, and this doesn't have to be with horses, is when people pair the colours red and purple together!:no: Whenever I see something with that combination, it make me want to get some spray paint, and cover it with better colours. There is nothing wrong with red, and nothing wrong with purple, but never ever put them together!!![/quote]

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the corollary: PINK and ORANGE are not good friends to the eye either, in combination. OUCH.

eventer15

Sep. 8, 2007, 07:21 PM

CARROT STICKS! .............

...........unless they come with a side of Ranch Dressing:winkgrin:

:lol::lol::lol:

Beverley

Sep. 8, 2007, 08:54 PM

A standing martingale anecdote just popped into my head...:)

Opening meet, mid-80s, huntsman decrees that in addition to the matching scarlet and white string gloves, all staff shall have hunting breastplates w/standing attachments so we'll really match. I grumble a bit as I'm riding a gelding that goes in a snaffle, period. And I am of the school that you only use what you need. Oh, well, I slapped the extra leather on and my didn't we all look splendid. Huntsman's horse gets a little playful at the meet, and explodes his martingale. It was impressive. So huntsman commandeers my martingale, knowing I don't need it. Which is why in some pics from that meet my horse has a martingale and in others, he doesn't. But hey, it was nice to be able to furnish needed equipment!

Okay, apologies for the interruption, let us return now to the show in progress!

thumbsontop

Sep. 8, 2007, 09:10 PM

:D

It's hilarious to see what bugs people. Funnier because it's that opportunity to vent that we've all been looking for!

Pony Person

Sep. 8, 2007, 09:27 PM

Another thing I hate, and this doesn't have to be with horses, is when people pair the colours red and purple together!:no: Whenever I see something with that combination, it make me want to get some spray paint, and cover it with better colours. There is nothing wrong with red, and nothing wrong with purple, but never ever put them together!!!

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the corollary: PINK and ORANGE are not good friends to the eye either, in combination. OUCH.[/quote]
What exactly are people thinking with these colours???

In fact, I made a Facebook group dedicated to the hatrid of red and purple:)...

Equilibrium

Sep. 9, 2007, 01:11 AM

Amen to whoever said overblanketing and causing horses to sweat. Over here where your coldest night might be 25 degrees you see people with 3 rugs on their horses. I often wonder if they really know what cold is. Most nights are above 30 degrees. I find you don't need anything heavier than a 200gram TO and when they get clipped, give them a liner. It's hardly 700grams worth of blankets cold.

Or once putting a rug on, it somehow becomes unremovable. I watch people over here who have horses standing out in cold wet and snow for days only to put a blanket on in December because now it's the winter. I'm like what's the point, they actually don't need them now. Come April they are still in their heavy winter rugs because it might get cold.

Terri

Thomas_1

Sep. 9, 2007, 01:46 AM

Kementari

Sep. 9, 2007, 01:53 AM

Heck the girls that work for me wear pink and purple and pink and orange and pink, purple, orange and lime green together regularly!

And I'm NOT joking!

Though fortunately, they scrub up well when needed!

I work at a pool. You know how they sell the tops and bottoms of women's swim suits separately? And often (at least in the US!), the store advertises it as "mix & match?"

Yeah, well, someone needs to tell these girls that that does NOT mean that if you mix them, they will automatically match... :eek:

Try a pink and purple striped top with orange and green "camo" bottom... :eek: :eek: :eek:

Thomas_1

Sep. 9, 2007, 02:05 AM

Heck they know they don't match. That's the point!

They joke about their array of bright colours and its almost become a competition to see who can wear the most vivid. Even down to wearing odd bright knee high socks over the tops of jodphurs!

I hasten to add that this technicoloured array is reserved for "work" on the premises only and when we've nothing important going on. Then they're all much more conservative and conventional.

BarbB

Sep. 9, 2007, 02:20 AM

Those horrible skunk helmets.

Gad, you're worse than me. I finally gave up calling them skunk helmets this year. :lol::lol::lol:

Kementari

Sep. 9, 2007, 02:41 AM

Heck they know they don't match. That's the point!

They joke about their array of bright colours and its almost become a competition to see who can wear the most vivid. Even down to wearing odd bright knee high socks over the tops of jodphurs!

But my eyes! My eyes! :eek: :eek: :eek: :lol:

And note, I am not against bright colors. I took my horse in gymkhana in TIE DYE... And I own some of those lovely bright socks, too... :uhoh: (Though mine are for under my tall boots at shows - but still get fair play when I'm walking around in my paddocks or sneakers beforehand! ;))

But the horrible clashing colors and patterns make me worried I'll get a migraine... :winkgrin:

J Swan

Sep. 9, 2007, 08:12 AM

News Flash - there is something WORSE than skunk helmets.

Anyone see what folks are starting to wear now? Take a look at the current issue of COTH to get an idea - neon colors on funky helmets - helmets that look like something out of a cheezy sci-fi movie.

Very eye catching. In a bad way.

eventmom

Sep. 9, 2007, 08:43 AM

Driving down the road on a beautiful early or late winter day, when the sun is beaming down and the temps have reached 60 degrees.....and seeing horses in heavy winter blankets out grazing because nobody got around to taking them off after the chilly night :eek:

Cielo Azure

Sep. 9, 2007, 08:43 AM

I love seeing those 13/14 year old girls, with their brightly colored socks and neon clothes. As youth fashion trends go, it seems very innocent. It does not involved piercing, showing your boobs, ass or bellybutton and it doesn't look like they should be hangin out on a street corner, looking for pick-ups at midnight! It looks young and silly and innocent. In my book, if rebellion reaches the height of wearing contrasting neon colors and brightly colored socks, fantastic! It sends that message that they really don't care what the rest of the world thinks but in a very sweet way. I love see those grrls dressed like that (even if you wouldn't catch me dead in neon cammo)!

FuelsterFarm

Sep. 9, 2007, 10:11 AM

Barefoot trimming - regardless of the horse's conformation, hoof shape, etc
Self proclaimed Natural "gurus" who sell gimmicky items and hype
Warmblood and Sport Horse - used to describe any crossbred someone is trying to sell, other than an actual, registered WB

flyingchange

Sep. 9, 2007, 10:16 AM

Gad, you're worse than me. I finally gave up calling them skunk helmets this year. :lol::lol::lol:

LOL. They is sooooo ugly.

JSwan - I haven't had the displeasure of seeing the neon ones yet, thank god.

flyingchange

Sep. 9, 2007, 10:19 AM

Another one -

Young girls wearing low cut breeches and t-shirts that are too small so that their beer guts stick out over the top. Good lord. And then when they lean/bend down to attend to a horse's leg/hoof, we get a good serving of plumber's crack as well.

Live2Jump

Sep. 9, 2007, 11:26 AM

Neuticles - totally weird! Wouldn't that cause problems at shows for a junior? Would they have to carry a certificate w/ them to prove that their horse is really a gelding to be able to show?

Pet peeves:

Not being able to buy a decent dressage bridle w/o a crank noseband - I don't think they are cruel or anything (you don't need to have them that tight), THEY ARE JUST A PAIN to put on. I just want a simple buckle on my noseband, is that so hard?

New Trainer = New Horse. Obviously the problem is the horse, the rider just needs to pay a commission to the new trainer to sell it, then another commission to the trainer to buy a bigger, fancier, more expensive one, then all of their issues will be solved. Aren't trainers supposed to be able to teach you how to ride?

$500-$1500 helmets. How can they even charge that much for helmets, and who has been buying them to encourage this? It's just a helmet, holy cow!!

Barefoot fanatics. Sometimes a horse has good enough feet to be able to stay barefoot and that's great. Some horses simply need shoes to comfortably do what we are asking of them.

Anti-Treat people. Not all horses instantly become monsters that will rip off your arm if you and hand feed them treats now and then. They like it, I like spoiling them a little to say thanks for all the work you've done for me today, doesn't mean that I am letting them get away w/ being rude about it.

Pleasure horses doing the 4-beat canter thing just to be slower. It's not a canter, it just looks bad.

Rope halters. I like my regular halters... Rope halters are ugly and a pain to use. I have not seen that they instantly create miracle amounts of control.

BarbB

Sep. 9, 2007, 11:35 AM

I'm another one who hates the fake tails. Wouldn't be so bad if they looked natural but they remind me of a cheap acrylic wig.

The whole fashion thing....and not just in the horse world. By the time I figure out a version of the latest fashion that MIGHT look good on me or that I was willing to spend the excessive amount of money on....it's not in fashion any more. :rolleyes: And I resist the $500 helmet.

In the rest of my life I just gave it up years ago and wear what I want....I do this in horses too....but I keep getting sucked in.....so far it hasn't cost a lot of $$$ yet. :lol:

hundredacres

Sep. 9, 2007, 11:38 AM

Live2jump....I have to tell ya....I'm *not* a NH person and neither is my trainer. But I was having trouble handling a bossy Percheron mare (filly at the time) and my trainer (who uses the best fitting tool for the job and all with common sense) showed me how to actually USE a rope halter on that horse and I never had a problem with her again. There is a logic and usefulness behind the design...problem is no one uses them properly.

So I am a rope halter convert - I use them when I need a little more control for a horse with a bigger sense of himself ;). But I am VERY particular about the material and weight of the rope - I've only found one maker who makes them properly, er, up to my specs.