The FEI World Reining finals held here in Sweden last weekend has created quite a stir! A Dansish animal rights group, Epona, filmed the warmups and posted the videos on the web. Several of the participants are shown jerking, spurring and using pretty harsh methods getting their mounts ready. One of the less flattering videos are of Craig Schmersal, $2.000.000 rider and one of the worlds leading reiners, warming up Miss Lil Attitude, who won the CR4 and placed 2nd in the world finals. The rough hands & constant jerking in the bridle has more people than me pretty upset.
The thing is, if this is how it's done in full view of spectators, judges, event veterinerian, and show officials it must be the accepted approach in the reining world wich indeed would be sad. What goes on at home, when nobody's lookin?
In my oppinion the mouth is an inviolable part of the horse and must be treated accordingly. The lowsniffing headset is another aspect I, for the life of me, can not understand. For a horse to perform at his best, a rise in the chest and neck is needed and this "Daxhound on a deertrail" look will never do anything but create soreness and problems down the road.
Riders of Schmersals caliber are also looked up to by hordes of younger riders and if this is how "the champ" does it they're likely to follow.
Judge for your selves, here's the video:
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well if the guy's intention is to be famous he certainly is now. One goal attained. I too posted this on my facebook page That little mare trying her heart out and scared to death about being kicked in the teeth again and again. and what at 3 maybe? she already has knee problems. Too many things wrong with this from the riders hands & intention to as you suggest the fact that judges & officials have to be aware this is happening. I'm glad the good folks at epona did video this
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