News Flash: Beating Your Horse is a No-No.
How could I have missed this?? Well I didn’t completely miss it, as I remember the feeling of pure disgust that ran through me as I watched Michael Morrissey’s round during the online broadcast of WEG Trial #2 back in February. Here’s the “highlight:”
I might have had the thought that little old me out in California couldn’t do much more than shake her head and sigh at this spectacular use of excessive punishment. But what I should have done was this here. That’s right, Karen Robinson, I bow to you. In my last post I talked about inspiration; Karen and her Straight-Up blog on Horse-Canada.com are in a whole different category of people who inspire; she inspires boldness and action. The Canadian blogger not only has the gumption to say out loud what everyone else might be shaking their heads about, her voice is so strong it makes the FEI take notice!
Yes, it took them over a month to take action. There was no yellow card or ground jury reprimanding Michael immediately after the ride. Just silence and a few boos from the audience as he rode out of the ring. But thank you internet, thank you YouTube, and thank you to bloggers like Karen for pointing out the obvious: beating your horse with the handle end of your whip a dozen times NEVER qualifies as acceptable behavior, whether you’re jumping crossrails or competing in a national selection trial. Not only that, but lesson kids everywhere will agree that most horses will refuse when pointed head on at a jump standard.
For more on how Michael Morrissey broke the FEI’s rule that defines more than three strikes of the whip excessive, or how he was allowed to compete in Selection Trial 3 (not to mention Saturday’s Tampa Invitational, in which he placed 8th), just google. Michael is being soundly raked over the coals today, and he’s starring in the popular and aforementioned YouTube video, 11,300 hits at last count. After Michael’s suspension and fine run their course, here’s hoping he asks around for some lessons in steering, and then reads up on the psychology of horses. Crelido, bless his poor mistreated heart, will thank him for it.
Sidelines web editor Erin Gilmore writes on the line between life and the riding world.
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wow, this is my first time seeing this. Certainly jaw dropping. I hope that horse comes back in a second life with whip in hand!
1Everybody whos a horsemen views the crap pulled as pathetic and cruel. he needs to spend time with Monty Roberts who will set him straight on HOW TO get the best out of your horses. Without cruelty.
Leave your ego at the door. a lot of rage in that lashing you gave your horse. im glad youve been kicked to the curb you jerk.
2Dear Michael,
You are an utter embarrassment to the sport. You should be completely ashamed of yourself for BEATING your horse. I am sure you are not since you probably have an ego the size of a house, none-the-less, I cherish the fact that you are suspended and find you to be a disgusting human being.
Good luck finding anyone to take you seriously in the future. You deserve nothing but the worst in life and I wish you misery and failure.
Ashley Cheechoo
3It may have taken too long for the response form the FEI, but at least the took notice. Shame on that man.
4anger does not mix with riding. period. out of control. how did he get out of the ring, past the stewards etc. etc. to ride again in another trial? and the Invitational?
His ribbon and $ should be returned.
Rider mistake, blame the horse. Then beat the horse. Nice…
5