Huh?

What am I talking about?

OK.  To me (and this is my opinion), if people felt about the horse the way they do about the dog, there would be more humanity towards the horse.

*I understand that dogs are treated inhumanely often, too… but I’m speaking in general terms.  Generally, more humans understand dogs (than horses) therefore they take better care of and are concerned more for the welfare of dogs (and cats) than they are concerned over horses.

In my opinion, to most people, horses are perceived like cattle.  Most people never get up close and personal with a horse (as with cattle), so they don’t know any differently.  Besides, horses are big and spooky and intimidating – like cattle.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THE POLAR BEAR?

Well, I really believe that if people understood the true nature of horses, they wouldn’t be so ‘meh’ about others treating equines harshly.

It is all a matter of perception.

How are horses perceived?

If there were more campaigns to elevate the status of the horse – in conjunction with all of the other campaigns – it would be one more avenue to aid the horses’ plight.

For example, the polar bear.

The Polar Bear, 13 years ago, was considered a snarly, horrible, man-eating beast.  But now, Disney is featuring them and we all want to rescue the Polar Ice Caps for the Polar Bears…

To put a point on this, I’m going to show you an article written and photos taken of a Polar Bear and a dog interacting 13 years ago.

FROM THEN UNTIL NOW.

When these original photos were shown 13 years ago – exactly as they are shown today – there was outrage.

The viewers thought the photographer had chained his dog to be bait for the Polar Bear.

Outrage and horror.  Viewers HATED the photos.

Fast forward 13 years…

Now, we humans (en masse) are generally concerned for the Polar Bear.  We see the Polar Bear suffering as their environment melts.  We fear for their species.

And now, when we see the same photos of the Polar Bear and the dog meeting – 13 years later – the audience reaction is one of love and joy at seeing these two creatures playing together.

Flip.

THE POLAR BEAR AND DOG ARTICLE…

Here is the original article for you to read about the Bear and the Dog, told by the writer.  You can find the original article here.

IT IS ALL IN THE PRESENTATION…

Spin, they call it.  Except, sometimes the spin is actually the best side, the best face, the best feature of the story.

In my humble opinion, I believe the way to change the country’s perception of the horse, is to bring him into the home.

…like the Polar Bear…

It would start with the school children.  Why not watch a baby Mustang grow up in classrooms?  Have naming contests… watch YouTubes weekly of your classroom’s band of horse.  Have visits from mini service ponies who teach all about the Wild West or Pit Ponies or whatever.  Make an impression on kids that they would embrace, own, take home with them and never forget…

…And then, when they grew up, 13 years later… their perception might be different.

Flip.