This group can be a wonderful way for horse people at all levels and types of riders to join in the advancement of this historic discipline. I am happy to know that this group’s stated policy is one that forbids slander: “We do not allow slander…” One of the interesting things about libel and slander (at least in U.S. law) is that truth is not necessarily a sufficient defense in those cases where there is malice or ill will. It occurs to me that postings with the primary intent to tarnish or damage the reputation of accomplished riders or well-known trainers are suspect of being malicious. Most importantly, such postings also do not advance the stated aims of this group: “For people working with horses In Hand and Classical Riding according to the Viennese, Portuguese, French methods, similar schools, modern offshoots or a combination.” I would like to suggest that the group consider posting guidelines that permit widest dialogue possible, discourage malicious attacks on individuals but also respect the reputations of those horse professionals even if they are greatly disliked. In doing so we can allow the widest criticism and dialogue of methods or pedagogy without attacking individuals.
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 14:46:23 +0000