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Post by rj on Apr 27, 2007 13:04:23 GMT 1
It would have been inappropriate to have responded with Wendy's comments at this conference. All of the farriers felt that they were 'under attack' & some were in seriously defensive mode, therefore the intention was to make clear that a 'them & us' scenario is unhelpful and that all of those with the horses best interests at heart should be getting together, not fighting from opposite sides. Some of the comments made by some of the farriers were totally unacceptable - apparently one of the reasons that they believed it was not possible for many horses to stay sound barefoot was because of 'the huge fat women riding them' which got a small chorus of agreement. But that was some, & yes that man is still alive, though why it is hard to say, except that the rest of us abided by the express request of the person chairing the conference that politeness & respect should be shown at all times To the credit of other farriers I could see, they were completely embarrassed by their colleagues attitude. Nothing to be gained by giving in to those type of taunts, especially as they are so patently wrong, that does not appear be a major factor (ie I know plenty as big or bigger'n me who have successfully transitiond horses barefoot). Not saying it's not relevant, but that was not the way to make any point, & impossible to respect anyone who talks or even thinks like that. IMHO. But, it was the start of a process & all congrats to those who must've worked butts off to make it happen & all those who (me incl) who paid out heard-earned dosh to go.
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Post by Susan on Apr 27, 2007 13:09:29 GMT 1
Derek you write such great words...
And yes different does get ignored then rediculed but after a while it becomes accepted.
I was talking to someone the other day who keeps asking why I dont want a farrier to care for my horse and what do I have against them. Well where do i start was my reply, but simplified. I see little evidence of anyone local I would trust to do my horses feet. I had my horses feet damaged badly by what was a great farrier and only unshod has allowed nature with the aid of my trimmer to repair it. They mostly know little about trimming for a horse to perform, mainly it is pasture trim. Their training is very limiting in knowledge of the foot structure and to identify its needs and then set up a repair plan. PLus looking at my horses feet, how on earth could I put nails into those beautiful feet! that would be criminal. But he said you are wearing boots if it is so good why? fair question. well it is better then nails 24/7 x 365 days for a few hours now and again on conditions his feet arnt ready for. I asked if you were running the marathon tomorrow would you train for months and months before or simply get out of bed tomorrow and get on with it? of course we know his answer. Well that is same for his feet, they need to be got fit for the purpose, he started in a bad way so he had to get to a better place before he can then improve to do this. I also said which what seems to have also come out of the seminar, is there is a place for both shod and unshod depending on the owner and the horse and the given environment, time and commitment. It is not black and white. Then he said well if it is so good why arnt more doing it, I said but they are it is so now becoming common practice and more and more owners are seeking it for their horses. He was surprised ..but if you only move in a place with shod horses you will only think that horses are shod. We are a growing group that is for sure.
Sooner or later the powers that be will listen and hear us more and we will also have learnt even more.
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Post by mandal on Apr 27, 2007 13:23:29 GMT 1
It would have been inappropriate to have responded with Wendy's comments at this conference. All of the farriers felt that they were 'under attack' & some were in seriously defensive mode, therefore the intention was to make clear that a 'them & us' scenario is unhelpful and that all of those with the horses best interests at heart should be getting together, not fighting from opposite sides. . This seems to me to be a very sensible attitude rj.......................criticising,arguing doesn't achieve anything except resentmant imo. I think the time to try and not be angry but be clear headed and factual has come. I personally don't see critcism as a way forward.
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Post by rj on Apr 27, 2007 14:14:39 GMT 1
It was difficult not to respond some of the time, but the (female) speakers who got a lot of heckling, coped with it brilliantly & wouldn't be drawn into an argument, so it made sense to keep the high moral ground. There are good farriers out there ... oh yes there are! ... and hopefully if they can take on board the fact that barefoot horses CAN do as well or better than shod (Simon Earle pointed out that he has noticed longer stride patterns in his unshod racers, and that as their feet don't sink as far into the ground as shod, they use less energy) I hope there will be MORE & BETTER farriers, who are trained to trim for the purpose.
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Post by wendyihts on Apr 27, 2007 14:29:48 GMT 1
Though there was nothing in my post suggesting these points should have been made there and then at the conference. Just responding to the points made on this board.....
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Post by rj on Apr 27, 2007 15:19:40 GMT 1
?? - don't you start!!!! I certainly agree with what you said, I just pointed out that, tempting though it could be to rise to the comments, that would've weakened the position of the speakers. So more a case of not the right time or place to say it. You'd have felt the same if you were actually there, I expect. In fact there were a large number of feisty women, all in the same room, faced with a load of crabby farriers, & we kept our gobs shut, and didn't argue. Wow, I think we all deserve a medal for that. There was only one woman, who rabbitted for England, but we couldn't hear her, so that doesn't count! We are all on the same side, here, surely ......... aren't we? :-)
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Post by mandal on Apr 28, 2007 11:58:01 GMT 1
We are all on the same side, here, surely ......... aren't we? :-) Definitely!! It's a good job I couldn't go as sometimes I can't keep quiet!!
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Post by wendyihts on Apr 29, 2007 13:25:09 GMT 1
"Don't you start!" Heavens - not starting anything. Am poking off this thread and staying away then.
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Post by mandal on Apr 29, 2007 15:45:15 GMT 1
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Post by rj on Apr 29, 2007 16:20:51 GMT 1
What can I say..... Mandal apparently understands me. But go on, just give me a slap, I can take it :-)
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