Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Riding and showing have been my passion since I was a little girl, and will forever be present in my life. My showing levels have changed throughout the time, and today I am at a top level where professionals can make millions just by doing well in the show pen. This research has drawn my interest not only because it is a topic that happens daily, but because it is a topic close to my heart when it comes to dealing with the animals I love. My horses are put at the top of my priority list when it comes to responsibility and care. I am their owner, and caretakers, and if I fail to do so, then who will? This is usually where the trainer or assistants come into play, and where the situation can get messy. I do not mean to pin the blame on the trainers, but most of the time, in my experience, it is when the doors are shut and the caretakers are not watching. I have seen pulls, rips, and tears to the mouth with a single swift movement of the hand. Rakes, jabs, and kicks to the sides with a quick movement of the leg. Sometimes the worst is when the rider is off of the horse and then comes the "self inflicted" pain. They'll tie a horse's rein around to its saddle as to almost put the horse in an "O" look, just to "prove a point", or "make his neck tired". I am not an expert in this study, but if you were to measure expertise by experience and one's own sightings, then I may as well have a degree in the topic.

Horse & Rider served an informational piece about horse abuse in their article, "Horse Training or Abuse?" The article points out the abuse at the shows and is appalled at the extent the trainers are willing to go to, just to win the big bucks. Ms. Jennifer Forsberg Meyer goes back to the origin of the abuse, all the way to ways we can prevent it from happening. This article values the showing of horses, and understands that good trainers and caretakers are out there. The unfortunate fact is, if this continues, showing horses may be suspended or no longer allowed. The multiple article written and background of the magazine consider Meyer's input reliable on the topic. 

Kjirsten Sneed keeps the topic broad as she covers many parts over horse abuse. She overlooks different breeds, events, and types of abuse. Covering these different topics keep the main topic hotter and stronger, as we see that it is not only in one breed and is not only at the "big shows". Sneed's journal is edited to underline the facts. The bias is held back and out comes the dry facts, which proves this source is credible in every angle. This piece is a large informational text that provides outsiders with the knowledge of horse abuse from different aspects of the industry, therefor hitting all major key points.

My last source used was pure evidence. An RMPH Staff member published the case of Shirley Roth in the quarter horse world. A well known trainer is arrested for horse abuse after causing visible marks on a two-year-old that she was trying to prepare for a show. This article shows that even the "big dogs" in the industry are not being let go. Trainers are being watched everywhere they go, and for Shirley, the eyes were not going to let this one go away without a fight. The evidence of pictures and statements in this source, harden the credibility. Absolutely no bias or opinions presented in the case increase the seriousness and understanding that the issue is real, not make believe.

People all around the industry will argue what they believe is best for the horses. Some believe whatever gets the blue ribbon is what needs to be done, while others let horses get away with so much that they become too dangerous to be around humans. There is a fine line in horse training and what becomes too much, and that is where this research needs to define that line. All my sources found agree that horse abuse is not permitted, in any way, shape, or form, but that if done correctly and with the right person, horse training can continue. The disagreements come, again, when talking about how the training operation will be done. All trainers have their own tips and tricks, however, when the tricks become something that needs to be hidden because in some eyes it can be "mistaken" for abuse, that is where us bystanders need to take action. This research and the sources within it has opened my eyes to many different aspects of the horse industry, and throughout my years as a showman, and having seen them first hand, I will not think twice when I see a swift hand movement or quick movement of the leg.
