Progressive Equestrian Alliance

JUST AND IDEA : POTENTIAL Atlantic Progressive Equestrian Alliance Mission


The Atlantic Progressive Equestrian Alliance does not see a horse as representing a social standing, nor a piece of equipment or a fashion accessory, rather a sensitive, emotional being that is endowed with advanced communication proficiencies. We believe that one can only fully understand them when we are prepared to pay attention and listen.


The term “Natural Horsemanship” is highly frowned upon in the horse industry due to Natural Gurus who sell their theories. These gurus have great intentions but seem to lack “common sense horsemanship” which is key to a balanced equine partnership. Parelli sells equipment such as kits, tickets, educational information, gift items, and even has their name on supplements all at a very high cost. We believe In-depth understanding of the horse cannot be purchased; it must be fully examined and understood from all angles and perspectives.

There are many connotations associated with the word 'natural'. Some people think 'wild' others think of leaving him 'fend for himself' outside in the weather when this is definitely not the case. The word Natural is so misused and over used in our society that some of the meaning has been lost. The dictionary says...

Natural: is in accordance to what is found in nature; produced or existing in nature; not artificial or manufactured; in a state provided by nature; wild; uncultivated; free from affectation or artificiality; not altered, treated, or disguised; present by virtue of nature; innate; having certain qualities, abilities; innately felt to be right; based on an instinctive moral feeling.

We think it is time that the term “Natural” is seen in a new light. The Atlantic Progressive Equestrian Alliance has chosen its name as the word progressive suggests a continued evaluation. Airing to the side of caution at all times in our communications, so as to position ourselves as nonpartisan as possible, without ever losing sight of our objectives and to cultivate our methodology to be inclusive of all disciplines. Reaching out to horse people while avoiding the urge to convert them. Many people form their opinions, attitudes & believes on little information, yet people that fall in to this pattern will vigorously defend their point of view when faced with conflicting evidence no matter how well substantiated. We Invite devotees whom are willing to support and promote better human / equine relationships.

You have to see, understand and accept that the natural horse is a whole entity ... the core and sum of many portions. In order to start to decipher what is “Natural Horse”, we have to explore the various circumstances which credit the horse.

All horse owners and lovers have one thing in common, the desire to improve our relationships with our horses through better understanding and communication.

A club designed to keep members up-to-date with new innovative horse keeping methods, alternative medical practices and therapies, 20th century Equine Parasite control as well as various training methods would be neat no? This is something my barn owner and I came up with... a club where ideas and views are not frowned upon, rather improved for the horses benefit!

PURPOSE OF AN ORGANIZED CLUB?

It would be beneficial to have organized events such as trail rides, pot lucks, and clinics. Certified or not, every knowledgeable horse enthusiast has something to offer to others.

Points such as tack fitting, nutrition, hoof care, training issues would be wonderful to discuss at meetings.

Guest speakers such as vets, massage therapists, farriers, and instructors would benefit all those involved.



Views and opinions?!

Just AN idea*

Wow opening sentece with typos? seriously..... *sigh*

:)

I like the sounds of that. I've always enjoyed the company of horses, and I think their companionship (compared to price tag or training) is greatly under-rated :)

I like the sound of it. Not sure on the name though, sounds a bit like a political party

Interesting thoughts though, please keep me posted.

This is just a topic that really interests me!

The name isn't a huge factor nor something set in stone, we were just trying to stray away from the term "natural" as nothing we do with our horses is "natural" so to speak. We need a new name... seems the term "natural" has been labelled.. A lot of people are anti-natural because of the extremist... there are other ways to introduce people to new innovative horse keeping/handling methods. Starting with the new vets coming out (my friend is in vet school and says they are pushing new practices and straying from view points from yearssss ago) then of course there are new studies on hoof care, worming, riding, bits ect.

Say natural to some folks and they get all most violent so I see where you are coming from. It is interesting for me coming into horses later in life basically clueless. I have met some great people whose ideas made sense and resonate with me, and slowly I am finding what works for our set up and our horses. I'd hate to hear what my father in law really thinks about my poor horses out with just a run in all winter lol. In his day works horses were stalled or working - but I can understand how there wasn't time to go chasing after them and they certainly got a lot of exercise. So the way they kept horses made sense.

I am always looking for new ideas and information, the group sounds interesting.