Yes the whole NH label definitely seems to trigger strong responses, both for and against. I wish there was a better way to describe some of the kinder, more intuitive training techniques that have become more widely available, at least in my mind, in the last couple of decades that were not as prevalent in years past. Some really ugly stuff was routine in the world I grew up in, as well as thankfully some time-honored approaches, such as much of what is taught in Pony Club.
I personally find labels to be limiting. I’d rather glean what I consider good, solid horsemanship principles from different sources, un-blinkered so to speak. Because in the end, we are all working with the same species, and there are many terrific, humane, effective ways to do things that are not at the exclusion of others.
OP, I understood what you meant about your concern for your horse’s well being. Of course we all like to think that we feel that way. The issue is that not all trainers do, whatever their slant. And even fairly good ones can have developed successful approaches to certain situations but are weak in others. It’s quite a personal journey to piece it all together in a cohesive way that works for us and our horses as individuals. I actually really enjoy thinking about and discussing this topic :).
Edited to add - OP sorry that you’re feeling lonely and that you’re leaving. Another time.
