Turning a blind eye to abuse at home because someone looks good in a show ring is definitely part of the problem.
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Exactly!! The Olympian became my partner in managing a very difficult horse with plenty of talent. The first time I rode him in a lesson he started the backing up, my trainer said take the whip over your head and hit as hard as you can. My horseās ears didnāt twitch. Another time he went after my trainers young horse entering the. Arena. Chased the horse into the wooden mounting block. The jig was up. With my trainers help, this horse became the most wonderful horse I ever had and broke my heart when he lost his battle with EPM. he was so brave, so talented and funny. Without that trainer, he would have been put down or ended up on a meat truck or some other terrible abuse. My whole point in sharing this, is, SOME horses you need to find another avenue than hugs and kisses. ( like my current oneā:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:
)
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Heās still learning all the things, including shifting his weight back more, but not BTV and is now reaching for the contact and is MUCH better balanced after using side reins like this. Any shortening of the side reins isnāt done for too long before I let them out again for a stretch and a break. These are a bit older, but he has gotten a bit rounder since these too (still not BTV or cranked in, if there was ever any tension or curling Iād take several steps back). Basically, Iāve found them extremely helpful for this very unbalanced guy.
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I love the first picture, gorgeous horse working well, the 2nd one has me biting my lip. Iād worry a leg would get caught in a long rein.
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I always keep a very close eye on it, heās never come even close to getting a leg over but Iām very diligent about it just in case. Also have spent lots of time making sure he doesnāt panic if he steps on or over lines anyways, heās a pretty level headed guy.
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Times Kismet moves from Charlotte to Jessica.
Interesting article and interview with the breeder/owner.
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So it sounds like the Werndls purchased all or a share of the mare. So they bought Charlotte out. Has there been any further news about CDJ?
Iāve worried about Charlotteās mental state ever since this happened. Yes, I realize whipping a horse like that is not right but she is also a human being whose entire life revolved around being an equestrian. She has since been shunned and stripped of any possible life an a successful pro.
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Meanwhile Kittel rides merrily along without a care in the world. Helgstrand will no doubt do so as well once this latest sanction expires.
Iām not excusing Charlotte by calling those two out. Three wrongs do not equal one right but it does seem somewhat unjust.
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Good. Every horseman should note what the new normal will bring you if you are abusive. Perhaps her fall from grace opens some eyes.
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They also will have their comeuppance if they donāt alter their modus operandi.
Things were only unjust for the horses.
If a guy robs you, punches you to the ground, and gets caught and goes to jail, do you say it wasnāt fair because not every robber is in jail yet?
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I think a better analogy would be if a person from a minority group did the above actions and got 10 years while while robbers get a slap on the wrist and 6 months community service.
Charlotte is absolutely accountable for her actions. There is no justification for beating a horse. There is also a profound gap in how the equine community has responded to the fall of this previously respected woman and how male idols have been treated in the aftermath of an abuse documentation.
Two wrongs do not make a right. There is nuance thatās interesting and speaks to broader systems of how gender plays out in different facets of life and professional success. I think both conversations can and should co exist.
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Iāve been active in fighting dressage abuse since 2010. And I mean ACTIVELY. I know how bad Kittel, Helgstrand et al are.
Iāve authored petitions to the FEI, written stories, contacted major media. It was like passing against the wind until CDJ got busted, then I didnāt have to do a thing.
Frankly, the issue is the males named have better protection in place than CDJ has. They let her drown. They donāt let eachother drown because business intertwines more with them.
Just my opinion formed from observation. In this matter Iām not implanted into that secret society to really know the inside scoop.
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Duplicative post. Not sure why.
Iāve been active in fighting dressage abuse since 2010. And I mean ACTIVELY. I know how bad Kittel, Helgstrand et al are.
Iāve authored petitions to the FEI, written stories, contacted major media. It was like pissing against the wind until CDJ got busted, then I didnāt have to do a thing.
Frankly, the issue is the males named have better protection in place than CDJ has. They let her drown. They donāt let eachother drown because business intertwines more with them.
Just my opinion formed from observation. In this matter Iām not implanted into that secret society to really know the inside scoop.
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I saw a post that CdJ is expecting another baby, so hopefully if that is true, it is a turning page to a new, happier chapter of her life.
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Imhotep soldā¦
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Well, the horses are perishable goods. She wonāt be riding at the top level in the forseeable future and there is no point keeping this much money tied up in the barn.
Sounds like a smart decision.
I would be surprised if she did not have a string of youngsters waiting to be brought along.
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Doesnāt she also have that lovely black colt, Secret Agent?
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Male shamelessness, when outed.
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Bring down one and they all shall fall.
