You’re probably right…but we competitors have no idea, we just see them at the ingate! I don’t mind the system, and I like that they’re always on the grounds at big shows…keeeps it fairer!
1 Like
I’m fairly sure the writer asked for follower story submissions on her Instagram (in a “send me your equine industry horror stories” kind of way) so the rambling or outlandish/incorrect claims may not be entirely her fault. That said, unattributed hearsay/secondhand gossip from Instagram followers is probably not the most reliable source to base your writing on. Yes, there are people in the industry who do terrible things, but I’m inclined to believe that at least some of the stories told in the article may have been exaggerated to try and improve their chances of being picked for inclusion by the original submitter. Would love to see more forensic/proof-based journalism on the topic.
2 Likes
Blogger has a small herd of “rescue” horses so probably not a lot of first hand experience of show barns.
9 Likes
Surprise, surprise, surprise
5 Likes
I’m in Canada, and get drug tested a lot for the amount that I show, lol. I don’t know how they do the hunters, but when I’ve been drug tested after some of the school jumper classes during the week they’re just standing there waiting when we finish our round. The drug testers are very nice and make it a very pleasant experience.
2 Likes
I got through part of the article. I’m sure some of it is true but a lot of it could just as well be exaggerated, or made up. Unsubstantiated claims and rumours are an awful way to write an article or even a blog post.
It’s true that vet’s and stewards have nothing to do with drug testing in Canada. The testers are at virtually every show. And yes they know ahead of time that they will test 4th place in the AA undersaddle, etc. They meet you as you exit the ring and stay with you.
Also spraying rubbing alcohol on polos isn’t go to make a horse more careful. Unless the polos are soaking wet and the horse has a cut. If dunk my hand in alcohol and then bump it on a table it’s not going to “sting”.
Some of the stories are or were common practice in dishonest barns. Some of the stories don’t even make sense.
2 Likes
Quiet a pony by stapling the forelock. First time I’ve heard that one.
Yeahhh, sadly most of these weren’t new to me but THIS ONE was. What the h e double…??
Colour me crazy, but we use rubbing alcohol after showing to actually cool and tighten legs! It’s one of the only things left that is legal…and as I’ve got it on my hands (with and without cuts) I can attest it doesn’t sting but does feel nice and cool. It’s an antiseptic anyway!!! Methinks this wannabe bloggertrainerlookatmeimsogreateveryoneelseiswrong kid is just trying to stir the pot!
6 Likes
If you clip the horse’s with #40 blade and use 90 percent isopropyl, it will most certainly burn the skin.
I think there is a belief that there is some sort of nerve there that if pressure is applied will calm the horse. I’ve only heard about stapling in the western showmanship world though.
1 Like
That’s real.
Well you learn something new everyday… 
2 Likes
Jeebus that was just a terrible piece of writing. Like in no way would someone “inject dry ice” into a pony’s back. WTF. What a horrid clickbait “blog” that is taking away from real issues. Ugh
Every sport has a dark side. You live under a rock if you’re surprised by it. You can still find enjoyment in the sport because, as others have already posted, there are plenty of good, honest people out there.
2 Likes
And then the groom uses a good stiff brush to “clean” that area vigorously right before the horse goes into the ring. Sting city. Done often.
2 Likes
I thought this was ridiculous too! Like when you think about it how is that even physically possible?
I’ll be honest - I followed this girl on Instagram for a short period but then got frustrated about what she’d post so I unfollowed. I believe if you’re going to post an ‘article’ like this some fact checking and commen sense should come into play.
1 Like
I mean, what’s real is that…
- Someone did it to hunter ponies and/or
- Someone was bragging about it at a show
That part is true. Whether it actually has a quieting effect? Who knows. Allegedly it triggers a pressure point, much like twitching, that releases endorphins. It wasn’t a “get this off the copier” staple but a medical staple (which we do put in our horses all the time for veterinary reasons). In the grand scheme of things I think this is dumb, pointless, bad sportmanship, but unlikely to cause any long term harm other than maybe making the pony headshy. I do think it’s dumb as all heck and not without some risk (small) of infection/bleeding
2 Likes
I do believe that in Canada the draw for testing is random but a request can be made to (perhaps) show office if a horse is suspect.
IIRC - to sting the coronet band turpentine was painted on the coronet bands and then then sensitized with a wire brush or hammer. Pine tar on the hoofs would help mask the smell.
Well, an accupuncture treatment IS to staple on the forehead just as they staple human ears to quit smoking. But never knew anybody who left it in to show, it’s not a big a *s box staple just a little, shallow one so the needles can stay on the acupuncture points but it is still easy to see so I doubt that claim especially with a Hunter braided forelock.
How the heck to they “inject” dry ice, its not a liquid, it’s, you know, dry. How would you get it into a syringe and dispense it? Placed on the skin it burns and the hair usually falls out, seen that blunder a few times.
This is so disappointing as there is a boatload of real and verifiable crap going on, these aren’t it.
4 Likes
