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Post by Hazel on May 29, 2012 21:25:39 GMT 1
Monty's message brings home to me one important factor that I often overlook. I am by nature, a very emotive person, as my kids know from watching films in my company on TV, so when I saw the TWH video I felt what the horse felt in terms of discomfort and distress. Yes it made me cry, but then, I, as I have learned to do, put that aside and watched how Monty helped the horse as sensitively as he could, to understand that there were humans he might learn to trust. I realised, reading Monty's message, that when I say "I can't watch any more of a distressed horse" and walk away, I am actually being self indulgent. It is my feelings that I am acknowledging and pandering to, not what is for the good of the horse. I have witnessed Monty's feelings of emotion too, as did all the audience with a coloured horse at Myerscough last year. There must be many occasions when Monty has been brought to tears, but he never walks away. Nor does he condemn those who act in ignorance, but he always shows then that there is a better way. Very well said. It saddens me greatly that people would try to discredit someone who has dedicated so many years to their cause, and has proved their integrity and sincerity to that cause time and time again. And all on the back of a short clip viewed out of context. I have so much respect for Monty, especially when he takes the time to respond in such a full, heartfelt and detailed way. He has probably (sadly) felt the need to defend himself and his actions many times, but he still does so in such a way. Monty, the world would be a far poorer place without you and the work you do. I'm sure that there have been many instances where you have worked with horses who are in situations that you are whole-heartedly against. It doesn't mean you condone those situations, but that you are trying to look at the bigger picture and trying to follow the most effective path to get your message across to a wide audience in a less confrontational way. One that won't cause them to become so defensive and closed-minded. Actions speak (and persuade) much louder than words. It is so easy to sit and talk about what should be done, but actually going out and doing it, making the tough decisions, looking at the bigger picture and putting yourself often in the firing line takes bravery, tolerance, compassion, determination and the patience of a saint. Characteristics that Monty has in abundance. If I can be a fraction of the person he is, with horses and people, I will be happy. Thank you so much Monty, for all that you do.
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Post by Butterfly on May 29, 2012 23:45:01 GMT 1
If the real intention is to help the horse then it has to be right.
That horse was wearing those shoes ..... it didnt matter. The question is this .. is what Monty did in that round pen for the good of the horse.
if the answer is yes then you need to leave him alone.
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jess00
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 170
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Post by jess00 on May 30, 2012 22:53:48 GMT 1
I was one of the posters on the original thread who said the clip didn't sit right with me. I also said, in the 2 posts I made, that I think Monty is an amazing horseman who has done huge amounts to help not only horses but people, and I have a lot of respect for the man and his work.
I do believe that everyone has the right to their opinion, but would not want to hurt or discredit anyone by expressing mine. The video upset me as I hate to watch any creature which appears to be in distress or discomfort. I questioned what I saw in the video and stated that it didn't sit right with me, and feel I did nothing wrong by questioning. I am a human being with emotions and opinions and do not feel I should be made out to be a bad person for expressing these opinions. Explanations have been given and I have learnt a lot from these explanations. My opinion of Monty has not changed. I still admire him and think he is a very special man who has done many many special things, but I would still be upset if I watched the video again. I do think it is wrong to make personal attacks on others or be part of a 'witch hunt' against someone, no matter who they are.
I think it is inevitable and perfectly acceptable for people to have different opinions about issues such as this, but it is how these differences are demonstrated that can cause problems.
There have been comments on this thread displaying negative opinions about those people who were not happy with what Monty did or did not do. I think it is unrealisticr to expect everyone on the forum to agree completely on an issue. I am not a 'keyboard warrior' who makes 'sly comments' or any of the other things said about those who were not comfortable with what happened in the video. I am just a person who loves horses, admires Monty and has an opinion. I did not read the later posts on the thread so don't know how far the comments were taken, but just hope that those of us who did not mean to cause offence to Monty do not feel that we cannot express our opinions on this forum in the future.
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Post by wabuska on May 30, 2012 23:06:27 GMT 1
No, it's not about that at all IMO. I remember a time when the board became far too polite and hamstrung and we were all afraid to say anything. The open debate is vital to the life of the board, it just needs to be delivered with sensitivity and respect. This is after all Kelly's board and she is a lieutenant of Monty Roberts. I don't think we can lose sight of that.
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Post by marychick on May 31, 2012 11:36:22 GMT 1
Jess00 please you don't feel you can't express your opinion or that anyone is attacking you. I think it's important that we all feel we can debate things on here, even if it's questioning people we admire. Unfortunately some of the posts went a bit far and were quite hurtful, even after Monty took a great deal of time to carefully explain his side of things. I don't believe there is anything wrong with expressing your opinion- as long as it's done in a manner that is fair and constructive and people take into account they are only seeing 8 mins of footage and don't know the full story.
And I don't think that just applies because it's Monty- sometimes people can be very quick to judge and are quite harsh when they don't know the full story and we just need to be mindful that we may be upsetting people...... but we can't (and shouldn't) stop people offering their opinion in a considerate manner as you have done ;D
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Post by antares on May 31, 2012 12:15:43 GMT 1
There have been comments on this thread displaying negative opinions about those people who were not happy with what Monty did or did not do. I think it is unrealisticr to expect everyone on the forum to agree completely on an issue. I am not a 'keyboard warrior' who makes 'sly comments' well as you've really just quoted me I feel the need to explain - my post early on in this thread when I said 'keyboard warrior' was not aimed directly at the DG or anybody on it, it was in relation to a question asked by another member whether issues were internet wide or were merely on horsey forums. I was in fact making my comments based on the internet in general rather than what happens on here. Arguments/difficult discussions/differences of opinion on the DG are in fact very friendly in comparison to some other online communities, an example is the bullying that happens through facebook type websites. Sorry if you took it personally but it wasn't actually aimed at you or any of the people on the other monty thread
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Post by amandap on Jun 28, 2014 13:22:12 GMT 1
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Post by Mal on Jun 28, 2014 22:33:08 GMT 1
Paraphrasing from the history of another great man: "One hundred authors say I'm wrong? If they were right, one would be enough!" Albert Einstein - Theory of Relativity.
This episode saddens me, with deepest sympathy for the animals, and for Monty Roberts who is facing his own One Hundred. They are not right, Monty, you are!
Discussion over.
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Post by portiabuzz on Jun 29, 2014 11:45:39 GMT 1
Never seen this thread before just reading thought it .. Not sure What its all about
Sent from my GT-I8160
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Post by mollichop on Jul 14, 2014 23:08:23 GMT 1
TWH is Tennessee Walking Horse PB! Not sure about the cruelty aspect though there seems to be a few movements trying to get them to stop whatever it is they are doing?
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