Interesting because the MDC guy is on Facebook deleting all comments and defending her…so will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
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Yes he was pretty defensive and angry when I first got on the phone with him. He called down after a bit. I simply told him I wasn’t attacking anyone but she needs to be stopped and if the officials won’t do anything than,the only way we can defend her horses is with our dollars. And that’s just it for me. She has done despicable things to her horses. She should not be in our sport. I am not attacking her, or her sponsors. Just doing what I think I can to help put a stop to this. I told him for everyone like me who calls there are dozens who just will stop buying the product.
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Email just sent:
Dear MDC,
I had heard good things about your stirrups and due to an ankle issue from an old injury, I had considered buying a pair from you. However, because you continue to sponsor Marilyn Little, I will not be buying MDC stirrups. She may win, but in the process she causes great pain to her horses. That you continue to sponsor her, despite all the evidence of what she does to her horses, is beyond appalling. I hope you will reconsider your sponsorship. There are many riders out there to choose from who never have made one horse bleed from the mouth during cross country. She has made three of her horses bleed - three different horses in at least five different events. She may be “within” the rules, but those of us who have been watching this have had enough. And be sure, we will eventually get a rule passed that does not allow people like Marilyn to present bleeding horses on cross-country. And we will remember that you looked the other way and hid behind the “rules” not being broken. There was a time when slavery was “within the rules” of this country. That you are behind this rider tells me all I need to know about you and your company.
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As much as I am not a fan of what is going on here I am not sure I think slavery is a good comparison.
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I am going to repeat something I said early - Adding extra drama (a comparison to slavery fits into that category) only loses the good point that is trying to be made here.
Please if you are contacting these vendors or proposing a rule change stick to facts. Do not add extra fluff thinking it makes it better. It only makes people roll their eyes and ignore everything else that is being said.
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My email:
I am a 58 year old horse woman. I have been involved with eventing and pony club for over 40 years. I can not stand a witch hunt, so I have gathered information about Marilyn and the history of her abusing horses from many sources.
I find her practices disgusting. If someone shows you who they are, you should believe them. This woman should not be around animals.
Please drop your support of her.
Thank you.
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Shea’smom. You rock. Just got off the phone from calling Walsh products. Again Jealoushe can’t thank you enough for the list.
This is who we are. Horse first.
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Someone has a PR person, not a friend…
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I don’t know…I really love this email. I think it’s a good comparison, obviously they are not equal in how horrible, but they are equal in how money, power, and influence can make people turn a blind eye to a truly terrible thing.
If anything sponsors are going to learn to vet who they sponsor in the future.
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If you had a horse with a cut in its mouth isn’t that the equivalent to having a really sharp bit as far as how much reaction you’re going to get with even a slight tug. You don’t need a harsh bit to get a reaction if there’s already a wound.
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He might be supporting her, but he’s probably getting tired of all the grief and things being said about his company. One pro is not worth it. he has plenty of other BNR who use his products.
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The owner of MDC was extremely defensive yesterday when I tried to have a reasonable email exchange with him. So much so that I gave up on the conversation. I hope others have better luck. But thank you everyone for your efforts!
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I’ve posted this a couple of times on different FB threads; it’s not just about the bit. Sure, the bit was wrapped in rubber. It’s. Not. Just. About. The. Bit. Try this, and see what conclusion you come to about tight nosebands.
Test it yourself: press your fingers fairly hard up against your cheek with your teeth clenched. Now open your teeth apart a little bit, while still pushing against your cheek (like an unrelentingly tight noseband). Now clench your teeth again, like you’re resisting a tight grip. What happens to the flesh inside your cheek? Now imagine that happening while you’re running 575-600 mpm. Imagine you bit your cheek due to a rough half halt a couple strides in front of a combination that will require all your concentration. This is why the tight nosebands are part of her problem, not just the bit.
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Getting a call from the guy .From MDC. Right now!!? He is reading me a FB . They pulled the sponsorship.
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WOW!!!
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YES!!! YES YES YES!!! Trust me, if he could be persuaded to no longer sponsor ML, anybody can - he was about as staunch a supporter as could be found yesterday.
I’ve heard from both Samshield Europe and Samshield America that they take the situation extremely seriously, and are looking into it, and will respond shortly. We can do this!
Fabbri boots has also responded similarly. Hoping to see something from them soon as well.
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here is the MDC Stirrups posting on FB 11 minutes ago:
Dear MDC Customers, MDC Stirrups invented and distributes the finest stirrups in the world. We support our customers whole heartedly. Our customer base has indicated that they would prefer we withdraw our sponsorship with Marilyn Little. Although there have been no official findings against her, we will support our customers in their belief in the integrity of the sport. MDC Stirrups and Marilyn Little have mutually agreed to disengage our sponsorship at this time. MDC does not support animal abuse, human abuse or brand abuse. Martin D. Cohen / Horseman / Inventor
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OUTSTANDING!!! Bravo!!!
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It is absolutely fine to discuss horse welfare issues that are in the news or being addressed by animal welfare or law enforcement, or that occur in competition or are otherwise public.
Per our posting policies, which everyone has agreed to upon joining the site, we don’t allow blatant allegations of abuse or neglect without substantiation per the above standards.
It’s generally fine to share positive or negative experiences with or concerns/opinions over horse keeping practices or training methods of professionals in the industry, but we do not allow discussion when it crosses over into unsubstantiated allegations of blatant abuse.
For that reason, we’ve edited an earlier post and removed a substantial number of posts stemming from it.
Please be mindful of our policies going forward on this thread and others.
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I guess the powers-that-be (ML & lawyers) come for us all.
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