08/30/2026
I think where horsemanship is going wrong these days is at the junction where it becomes about putting on a reality show, and not simply a demonstration of excellent timing and training of a flight animal. There is no empathy in show business. No understanding. The popularity is found using shock and awe tactics. Standing on the backs of young horses who are simply striving to stay with their handler, while the boot heels of a fully grown man dig into their backs. Or shouting words like "pu***es" at the competition to whip the crowd into raising the roof.
People want this crap these days. It's like the Romans and their coliseum battles of old. Thumbs up or thumbs down deciding who lives and who dies. Real live click bait setting the tone for the next generation of c**t starters;
"Go ahead! Try to beat that!"
Go ahead. Indulge your ego at the expense of good c**ts who deserve timing over entertainment.
Folks will excuse it all as just good fun, but it really isn't, is it? There is a dirty, green edge to it all. Or maybe that's just me imagining things. I simply never thought I'd actually see the day where c**t starting was treated like a blood sport. I remember when it took time, and was done back at the barn, instead of on a public stage and miraculously accomplished in three days.
My oh my, have times changed.
Have a good day folks. š
P.S I feel the need to add a postscript to this as I don't think I made myself clear. I do not believe the problem with the direction that c**t starting appears to be headed in, lies with the ability or talent of the competing trainers (they are pretty impressive) but more with the constant need of excitement found in the audience...just like in the days of Rome.
