A
cross-country jumping lesson I took in Maynooth, Ireland in Sept.
2003. Photo by Matt Unwin.
My philosophy toward horses is that although we can use these beautiful creatures for work and for play, we should do our best to keep our horses healthy and happy during their time with us. If we are going to take away some of their benefits of living in the wild, we must compensate by meeting their physical and mental needs in other ways, such as through quality hoof care (barefoot or shod), low-stress training methods, and allowing them to play and have fun once in awhile. My passion for this profession comes from seeing the ways that I can contribute to holding up that philosophy.