My perspective and Tom Dorrance's take on Equestrian Competitions. Included in this video is footage of Tom Dorrance seated in the Roundpen, holding a flag, speaking about competing with one's horse.
I so agree with this line of thought. I bought a 5 yr old cutting horse, that had never gotten through a show due to having been pushed so hard at 2 and 3, that he developed ulcers. I let him be a horse, created a connection, treated his ulcers and we were able to compete and win regularly for 3 or so years ($35k). At one point he was clearly telling me he didn't enjoy the pressure anymore, so I stopped competing. He is now enjoying life at 24.
Too many people that compete only think of themselves at the expense of the horse. That is wrong. The well being of the horse comes first in good horsemanship.
