There is enough abuse to go around, isn't there, Audrey? It seems like there are a million ways out there for humans to abuse the kind nature of the horse. Let's hope that those of who want change in the industry can continue to connect - hopefully we will be able to support each other in speaking up. Thank you for reading!

Kerrie, for some reason, this platform will not let me reply directly to your comments, so I apologize and hope you are able to find this reply. (Grrrr....Silly technology makes me batty sometimes!) Anyway, thank you for your comments and for joining the conversation. It sounds like you are doing your best to keep your horses safe while tying around. However, I'd like to suggest something that will help you start your young horses without tying around.

When I start my babies, I first teach them to lunge, with both a halter and a snaffle bridle on, the lungeline attached to the halter. This is so they can get used to the feeling of the bit, but learn to lunge in the normal way, by listening to my voice and by my body language. I do this in a round pen.

When I think they are comfortable and understand what I want, I then teach them to ground drive. This is an excellent way to for them to learn to give to the pressure of the bit, turning and stopping and also gets them used to more equipment being on and around their bodies. While I am ground driving (or long-lining, as it is sometimes referred), I am able to give the all-important release that tells the horse that they are doing the right thing, which tying around cannot. I ground drive with a surcingle; while I know some people use a saddle and put the lines through the stirrups, I feel this places the lines too low to mimic the rider's hands. After my young horses are good at ground driving, I can feel very confident about getting on their backs - both me and the horse feel safe.
Again, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Best of luck with your horses!

As always, I truly appreciate your support and encouragement, Judy! I am happy to be standing on the right side of change with people like you! I have had so much positive response that I feel reassured knowing that there are many like us who want ethical training and competitions.

Thank you so very much for reading and sharing this blog, and also for your kind comment, Mary Ann! The sentiment that you would trust me with your horses is the highest compliment I could receive! I hope that your sweet old ponies give you many more years of joy in their retirement!

Your welcome, and thank you right back atcha! :) Yes - let's spread the word!

Some trainers have a lot of swagger and bluster, don't they? It can be hard to question them, because a bully's defense is often to make the other person feel stupid. And let's face it - a person capable of bullying a 1,000+ lb. animal probably won't hesitate to go to work on a human. I am hoping that I (we) can spread the word, educating people and giving them the support they need to speak up. Response to this blog has been amazing, so I know there are a lot of people out there who think like I do, and want change. So let's stick together, shall we? :) Thanks so much for reading and commenting!

I sincerely hope that good things can come out of this tragic death, and that the industry can collectively learn something. If my article can make someone pause and think, then I have done my job. Thanks for reading!

Amen Linda! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment!

No need to qualify your experience, Lisa! We are all on our own path, and it isn't a race. What matters most is that you feel good about what you and your horses are doing, and that you are always striving to do better. Kudos! I also believe that horses are soulful animals, and not nameless commodities put on this earth for us to win ribbons or money on. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

Thank you Debbie, for reading and for your comment. I am in no way suggesting that the abuses that I have listed are all that needs to be weeded out. I completely agree that there are many others, including the ones you mentioned. I have also had those moments as a young rider where I followed instructions despite knowing deep down that it was the wrong thing to do, and now, as an adult, feel it is my duty to listen to that inner voice and help others to do the same. In reference to Martha, I do not know her, and therefore can't say what her reaction has been beyond what was on the video. My point in including her in this article was to underline the fact that many people know this is happening and go along with the "it's common, so it must be OK." While her situation is tragic, I want people to learn from this situation. If people don't speak up and not allow abuse, it could be their barn that the news crew comes to next. I really do not wish to demonize her, only to make the point that despite how common this practice is, we must change our mind-set, and prevent these tragedies from occuring. Again, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment.__