Compliance or Confusion? If you are a Black Beauty fan, you will recall the scene where Beauty is being led from a burning barn and he’s scared. James puts the blindfold on to instantly calm him down, and then he’s able to be rescued. Written in 1877 by Anna Sewell, the novel was based on how horse handling looked back then. Thanks to scientific research, we now know a lot more about horse behaviour and equine welfare.

Social What? The horse industry is vulnerable to the vagaries of negative public opinion, just like other activities that involve live animals. However, equestrian activities are especially vulnerable because for many, horses represent freedom, power, and grace. The romantic image of horses galloping across wild plains exploring new horizons persists, although that’s not the reality for most horses.

Those who ride and care for horses know that an injured equine is an inevitable event, even if the horses in their care live in a padded stalls wrapped in protective gear. While some horses seem remain remarkably unscathed, others keep us on high alert (and drain our wallets) with their uncanny ability to get injured. But is it really just bad luck? Or could our approach to horsemanship play a bigger role than we realize?

Tim Mearns teaches bear awareness and wildlife safety as part of the Horseback Riding Backcountry Boot Camp. He imparts essential knowledge for anyone venturing into the backcountry. Basics are key, including proper handling of food, using bear-resistant pack boxes, knowing how to use bear spray and having it ready to go at an instant’s notice. Equally important is understanding bears and what is important to them, such as the changing of the seasons and the types of environments they prefer. In the spring, for example, females will be out and about with cubs, and in the autumn bears are intensely focused on food and fattening up for winter.