BAEN Message Board: pedestals

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pedestals

Posted by cjride on 7/29/2012, 3:41 pm, in reply to "Clinton Anderson, Inc."
24.2.38.217

Reading these comments is a cautionary reminder to not put anyone (trainers, athletes, public servants, etc) on a pedestal.

I do believe that with many of the "biggies" their charisma and flair far outweighs their actual skill. I believe there are many skills horseman out there who lack that "star quality" and will never achieve the status that some of the lesser talented BS'ers have and will achieve.

I remember going to see one of the "biggie" natural horsemanship dudes in his early years. Blasted a young horse around a round pen so long he was covered in foam (in cool weather) and was literally shaking when he was allowed to stop. Had I had my own ride that evening, I would have left but had car pooled and was stuck. I was stunned that people didn't see anything wrong with what was going on. I was too young and too stupid at the time to realize I should have stood up and yelled "you are a fool, have probably permanently damaged that horse and should be sued for false representation."

Ever since then I've questioned the pedestals that people place these yahoos on. Give me an old school horseman any day (or yes, old school horsewoman).

I would much rather go audit clinics by trainers skilled and experienced in certain fields, even if it's not my chosen field. I believe I can learn something from almost any trainer be they a H/J trainer, cutting, saddleseat, driving, pleasure, trail or whatever. Never audited a George Morris clinic but would love to. Would I agree with everything ? Unlikely, but I'd learn a lot!

Many of these so called experts claim to have pretty much re-invented the wheel. Everything we used to know is wrong and their way is the only way. Their bits are gimmicky and I suspect much of their other equipment is gimmicky BS as well. Frankly, I find much of their commentary to be insulting and patronizing. How on earth did thousands of horse people ever get a horse schooled without all their special magic bits, whips, sticks and, of course, their videos?!?!?

blech