The process of breaking horses has been a form of animal husbandry since ancient times and is still used in some parts of the world today. Breaking a horse involves a range of training techniques designed to make the animal safe and amenable to being ridden or driven in harness. There is much debate surrounding the issue of whether or not breaking horses is cruel, with strong arguments on both sides. This article will explore the arguments for and against breaking horses and discuss whether or not it is an ethical practice.
What Does Breaking a Horse Involve?
Breaking a horse involves a range of training techniques designed to teach the animal to accept a rider or harness safely. This process can involve anything from basic ground work and “sacking out” (where the horse is desensitized to a range of stimuli such as loud noises, flapping objects and unfamiliar people) to more advanced training such as saddling and lunging. The ultimate goal of breaking a horse is to create a safe, trusting relationship between the animal and its handler.
Arguments For
Safety
One of the key arguments in favour of breaking horses is that it is necessary for safety. Horses are large animals with the potential to cause serious injury if they are not handled correctly. Breaking a horse teaches the animal to accept a rider and to respond to commands, helping to reduce the risk of accidents when riding or driving.
Improved Welfare
Breaking a horse can also lead to improved welfare for the animal. A well-trained horse is less likely to spook or startle and is more responsive to commands, making it easier to handle and ride. This can lead to a happier and healthier horse, as well as a safer riding experience for the handler.
Increased Handling Skills
Breaking a horse also gives handlers the opportunity to improve their own handling skills. Through consistent and correct training, handlers can learn how to read a horse’s body language, how to respond to the animal’s behaviour, and how to maintain a safe and effective relationship between horse and rider.
Arguments Against
Pain and Stress
One of the key arguments against breaking horses is that it can cause pain and stress to the animal. Horses are naturally sensitive creatures and can easily become stressed or frightened by unfamiliar people or situations. In some cases, the use of force or pressure to train a horse can cause fear and anxiety, leading to physical and psychological suffering.
Inhumane Practices
Another argument against breaking horses is that some of the techniques used can be inhumane. For example, the use of whips, spurs or other forms of physical punishment can cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal. Similarly, some trainers use harsh methods such as “sacking out” or “round penning” which can be intimidating and stressful for horses.
Limited Benefits
Finally, some argue that the benefits of breaking horses are limited. While there is no denying that a well-trained horse can be a safer and more enjoyable animal to ride, there are other, more humane ways to achieve the same result. For example, natural horsemanship techniques such as joining-up and liberty training can achieve similar results without the need for force or coercion.
Conclusion
Whether or not breaking horses is cruel is a highly contentious issue, and one that is unlikely to be resolved any time soon. What is clear, however, is that any process of breaking a horse should be carried out with respect and consideration for the animal’s welfare.
For those who wish to break a horse, the use of humane techniques such as natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement is essential. Similarly, any process of breaking a horse should be closely monitored to ensure that the animal is not subjected to any unnecessary pain or suffering.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to break a horse is a personal one. Those who choose to do so should be aware of the risks and should take all necessary steps to ensure that the process is as safe and humane as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Breaking a horse involves a range of training techniques designed to make the animal safe and amenable to being ridden or driven in harness.
- There are arguments for and against breaking horses, including safety, improved welfare, increased handling skills, pain and stress, inhumane practices, and limited benefits.
- Any process of breaking a horse should be carried out with respect and consideration for the animal’s welfare and humane techniques such as natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement should be used.
- The decision of whether or not to break a horse is a personal one and those who choose to do so should be aware of the risks.
FAQs
Is breaking horses cruel?
The answer to this question is highly debated and depends on how the horse is broken and the techniques used. If done correctly, breaking a horse can lead to improved safety and welfare for the animal. However, if done incorrectly, it can cause pain and suffering and should be avoided.
What are the benefits of breaking horses?
The main benefits of breaking horses are improved safety, improved welfare, and increased handling skills. A well-trained horse is less likely to startle or spook and is more responsive to commands, making it easier to handle and ride.
What techniques should be used to break a horse?
The techniques used to break a horse should be humane and should not involve any form of physical punishment. Natural horsemanship techniques such as joining-up and liberty training can be used to create a safe and trusting relationship between horse and handler without the need for force or coercion.