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Riding Right® Equestrian Center in Cambridge NY Dressage, Jumping, and Eventing Lessons - Training - Boarding 334 CR 59, South Cambridge, NY 1-518-677-5148

Hollie's 'Life on the Farm' blog

A Horseman's Duty to His Horse

When I was studying riding in Germany, I was introduced to the following, which comes from the German National Riding Federation. In Germany, before you can receive your riding or teaching license, you must take the following oath, which I think does a pretty good job of summing up our duties as riders.
-Hollie McNeil

1. Anyone who takes charge of a horse assumes responsibility for the living creature entrusted to his care.
2. The horse's management should reflect its inherent needs.
3. Whatever the horse is used for, the utmost importance should be attached to its physical and mental well-being.
4. Every horse should be treated with the same consideration, irrespective of its race, age and gender, or whether it is used for breeding, leisure or competition.
5. Our understanding of the horse's history and lifestyle, and our knowledge of handling and dealing with horses are part of our cultural heritage. They should be safeguarded and passed on, and handed down to future generations.
6. Contact with horses makes a lasting impression and has a character forming effect especially on young people. The positive effects should be encouraged and built on.
7. The rider, who is the horse's partner, must submit both himself and the horse in charge to a programme of training. The aim of this training is the greatest possible harmony between man and horse.
8. The use of the horse for competition or leisure riding, driving or vaulting must be in keeping with its type, its ability, its training and its level of fitness. Trying to improve the horse's performance through the use of drugs or unhorsemanlike practices is unacceptable.
9. The horseman's responsibility for the animal entrused to him continues until the end of its life. The decisions made must always be based on what is best for the horse.
   
   

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