Re: Foxhunting Vandals?
Originally Posted by
keezoy
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While I agree with much of your sentiments.
There is little class about fox hunters upper or otherwise .
They are just people who have money and no concern for wild animals.
I must say though most fox hunters horses in the uk are kept well.
The horses are fit and well cared are usually in first class condition .
I have experience of horses in Australia
I am afraid I dont any Australians who spend 10 hours a day working in the saddle .
I certainly hope they don't do so on one horse .
Australians working horses are often roughly treated and many Australian stockmen are rubbish riders .
Australians hunt foxes too usually by 'lamping' it's only merit is that it's if the hunters are good shots is that it quick.
I take all your points Muddy. Thanks for your comments. No of course not one horse. I guess life is a lot tougher for a horse on a station than it is in rich person's stable. Maybe I should have said 10 hour working days rather than "in the saddle" I sure have known people who work ten hour days on cattle stations. But I think we're all on the same side here. I could argue with you but that's not the point here is it? I wasn't wanting to start an "Australia Vs England" thing. And I certainly would not mean to claim that there is not animal cruelty here as there is everywhere else on the planet. I was just suggesting a hard shock and some hard and dirty work for some comfortable, cruel bastards who need one. And..as if that would ever really happen anyway! One question. I would like to know what constitutes a "rubbish rider" Just curious. I don't ride myself. You obviously do. So I am all ears.
What did you do here?..Were you a jillaroo?
PS..Love your pictures. Were some of them taken in Oz?
What a charming post Keezoy
No I have never been a Jillaroo but I have purchased riding horses from Australia and I have seen the stockmen ride .
And I have ridden many Australian horses.
To me a rubbish rider is one who is not at one with his horse and just hauls him about by the reins instead of by balance and training .
Because of out British influence the snaffle bit and English saddle ( modified in the Aussie stock saddle ) are use different mainly .
They are not conducive with finesse and long hours in the saddle .
Also many of the Australian horses are descended from English throughbreds which are fast but not as handy as the Iberian breeds .
Ie therefore one sees the horsemen of Spain South American Mexico and indeed the cowboys of NA have a different more balanced way of riding .
However doesn't mean that they are all kind either far from it .
Alas cruelty is everywhere and horses are our slaves .
They also hunt and kill animals
It must be a cave man instinct .
Most people hate the whole English hunting scene with all its connotations of class and money .
It really is as Oscar Wilde so famously put it .
'The unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable .'