How often is it argued, that a human cannot force a thousand pound animal to do something it doesn't want to do? An argument to defend against an accusation of abuse.
But the physical comparison between horse and rider is only one small aspect of our complex relationship.
Systematic oppression and objectification of the horse is normal. But they're rarely discussed as such.
Instead we read articles about the objectification of women like the recent #GamerGate headlines. Even as the equestrian demographic averages around 80% female, we seem oblivious to the ways we objectify the horse we rode in on.
What is Objectification in the first place?
To simplify, objectification means treating a person as a thing, without regard to their dignity. In action we might see a person treated:
- as a tool for another's purposes;
- as if lacking in agency or self-determination;
- as if owned by another;
- as if interchangeable;
- as if permissible to damage or destroy;
- as if there is no need for concern for their feelings and experiences.
Think about that list for a moment, replacing person with horse. How often is a horse seen as anything but at tool for the purposes of their rider? When is a horse not owned by a human?
Of course many riders do not see their horses as being interchangeable, but still many do. They serve a function similar to an ATV or snowmobile – a means for fun and recreation.
And as we move down the list the more serious problems of objectification become known. When you see your horse as an object it becomes easier to cause them harm.
We maintain the ability to sell, alter or destroy the horse as we please for the most part, with little legal or social intervention. There is little uproar when sport horses are euthanized because they can no longer compete. And the death of racehorses at the track becomes a complaint rather than a concern.
Equestrians are told to “Cowboy Up”, to be tougher with their horses. This video shows an almost sport-like atmosphere to break a horse to saddle with rough and unnecessary means. The horse is obviously not prepared in advance for anything being done in the video, the rider lacks an education and the onlookers all support the abuse of the horse.
Sexual objectification of the horse
Stay with me here for a minute. Yes, we equestrians behave in similar patterns towards objectifying the horse as men do in sexually objectifying women. Gross.
How many equestrians reduce the value of a horse down to a single body part? Can't think of any? What about Quarter Horses who are prized for their large hip, while some men value a woman for the size of her derrière? Or horses with a small head, and women with a small waist? The Arabian horse bred to magnify the dished face over all other qualities at times.
If you're unfamiliar with the finer points of sexual objectification I'd recommend reading up on it, you might be surprised.
From this point, it's easier to see how certain “training” methods continue to find an audience of supporters. Methods where the horse, forced against its will, physically participates with a human. Sounds like rape.
That's right. As a woman I'm drawing parallels between some methods of training, and the violence of rape against human women.
It's troubling that we are, objectified female equestrians, condoning and committing these abuses.
Sources: GamerGate Controversy (Wikipedia)
Gender and Equestrian Sport; Riding Around the World by Miriam Adelman
Antonia Arl to Move to Junior Riders' Level with Equestricons Ziggy (EuroDressage)
Protectionist wins Melbourne Cup; 2 horses dead (Kansas City Star)
RationalWiki: Sexual Objectification
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Excellent, well thought out article. The worst horse owners are the ones who consider their horses to be a means to an end. To them, they literally are a non thinking, non feeling object to be used for the purpose of impressing other people or used up, then thrown away like tissue. I always wish that people like this would get involved in some other sport like auto racing or anything else that doesn’t involve an animal getting mentally, emotionally or physically damaged.
This subject could be made into a book. Well done. I can’t stand when horses are treated roughly. I find them so incredibly teachable and often so willing, especially when they understand & are relaxed.
Most people who complain about a horse being stupid are the ones who expect the horse to respond as an obedient subserviant human ~ immediately, to any demand. Then they deal the horse pain and punishment when they do otherwise.
Pretty sad – Poor little gelding – if this is an adopted wild horse – he got adopted into a lousy “home”. Talk about doing everything WRONG! As the above commenter said – too bad these people didn’t get into car racing – anything else except for having anything to do with any kind of animal.. Obviously, posting this video shows how ignorant they are about “training” a horse!
Hi erica 🙂 I always love you articles! But I wonder if you can write more about you and your horse! I would love to read something like that 🙂
I was interested in this article, until I got to the very last bit.
Clearly you’ve never been raped, then. Good for you! It’s a little bit different than a horse having a goddamn bad day.