The equestrian community is buzzing with finger pointing and incantations of animal abuse allegations. It’s as if these individuals can assuage themselves of being guilty by association. However, there is no bandage for these wounds, we are all guilty of rubbing elbows with animal abusers. And I’m tired of it. I’m tired of the heinous bits, the excessive lunging and the copious amounts of NSAIDS to get around another course. I have now bought and retired a mare who was overused and ill cared for by her rider. And recently how to put down another who was used, drugged, used again and then sent to me as a step-down horse. He could barely walk. And he was eight. How do we overhaul this industry? I’m not sure but I am hoping there is open conversation. Without finger pointing. We are all complicit. I am starting to think there is no ethical way to compete in this industry. I am hoping that I am wrong.