What is ethical horsemanship?
The word "ethical" is at the heart of Inca Equestrian. But what does that actually mean? How does it relate to the equipment we use with our horses and how does it shape our identity as equestrians?
By acting ethically, we align our actions and attitudes with our moral principles, whatever they may be. In simple terms, it means prioritising our horses' welfare above all else. Their wellbeing should come before human interests, conveniences or competitive goals. It’s a straightforward concept, yet it carries profound implications for how we interact with and care for our horses.
In simple terms, ethical horsemanship means prioritising our horses' welfare above all else.
Contrary to popular belief, ethical equestrianism isn’t confined to a specific discipline or type of practice. It’s not exclusive to natural horsemanship enthusiasts or that problematic "hippy" stereotype of non-competitive amateur riders. Ethics in horsemanship can span every discipline, group, nationality and skill level.
If you choose to rest and treat your horse when they show signs of pain rather than “riding through it,” that’s ethical horsemanship.
If you provide your horse with a healthy, fulfilled life outside of the time you spend in the saddle, that’s ethical horsemanship.
If you carefully train and prepare your horse rather than overfacing them with a new challenge, that’s ethical horsemanship.
Ethical tack choices
How does this philosophy relate to the bitless bridles and other equipment found in the Inca Equestrian shop? The connection is clear: our choice of tack reflects our commitment to ethical horsemanship.
Firstly, ethics are personal. While we can share evidence, present arguments and discuss our own experiences, the decision ultimately rests with you and what you feel comfortable using once you have a good foundation of evidence and education.
Inca Equestrian aims to provide as great a diversity of tack and equipment as possible within the ethical boundaries we have set out. When it comes to bridles, this means avoiding anything that applies pressure inside or through the mouth, wraps tightly around the lower nose, or creates significant pressure points. That’s why you won’t find long-shanked hackamores, cross-under sidepulls, or “control” headcollars in our shop. Not all bitless bridles are created equal, and we focus exclusively on those that aren’t inherently harmful to the horse.
Not all bitless bridles are created equal, and we focus exclusively on those that aren’t inherently harmful to the horse. But there is not, and can never be, a 'perfect' bridle solution that works for every horse.
This brings us to a critical point: the horse and their choice. What works for one horse may not work for another. A horse's preference is influenced by their past experiences, medical history, anatomy, temperament and so many more factors. Which is why there is not, and can never be, a 'perfect' bridle solution that works for every horse.
It’s also essential to consider yourself in the equation. The way we use equipment can dramatically impact how our horse experiences it. Even the most ethical tack can cause discomfort or harm if used improperly, emphasising the need for knowledge and mindfulness. And that’s why the free Knowledge Hub was created: to educate, support and empower you to make informed choices tailored to your horse’s needs.
Riding with ethics
Ethical horsemanship extends beyond tack. Riding ethically involves a holistic approach to every aspect of our interactions with horses. It means:
- Choosing tack that does not inherently cause pain or discomfort.
- Using that tack in a way that respects the horse’s comfort and wellbeing.
Riding ethically in unethical tack or riding unethically in ethical tack can both harm a horse’s wellbeing. The two considerations must work hand in hand.
Some might equate ethical riding with being “hippy-ish” or informal. However, ethical riding is not amateur or unprofessional. It does not exclude partnerships from upper-level sport, competitive events or achieving high levels of success. It also isn’t synonymous with being part of the “natural horsemanship” movement or other subcultures which are often misrepresented as being less serious approaches to working with horses, such as agility, trekking or liberty work.
Ethical riding is an attitude, not a rigid set of rules. It transcends disciplines, experience levels and horse-and-rider partnerships. By building a relationship rooted in trust, free of pain and coercion, and responsive to the horse’s feedback, riders create a solid foundation for training and performance.
Building partnerships based on trust
At its core, ethical horsemanship is about trust. A horse should feel safe, understood and respected in their partnership with their rider or handler. This trust is cultivated through consistency, patience and empathy.
When we ask a horse to perform, we must do so from a place of understanding. Training should be progressive, respecting the horse’s physical and mental readiness. Pushing too hard, too fast undermines the trust necessary for a harmonious partnership. This approach not only fosters a positive relationship but also leads to better outcomes in training and performance.
A future rooted in welfare
The greatest barriers to ethical horsemanship are a lack of education and the misinformation this contributes to. Many riders continue to rely on traditional methods and equipment not because they are best for the horse or most effective, but because they have not been exposed to other ways of thinking and acting. Without exposure to alternative approaches, it’s challenging for anyone to make informed decisions and steps towards a more ethical way of working with their animals.
Many riders continue to rely on traditional methods and equipment not because they are best for the horse or most effective, but because they have not been exposed to other ways of thinking and acting.
That’s where education and exposure to alternative points of view plays a vital role. The Inca Equestrian Knowledge Hub exists to bridge this gap, offering resources to help equestrians learn about ethical practices and make better choices for their horses.
By fostering a community of informed equestrians, we can drive positive change within the broader horse world. As more riders adopt ethical practices, we create a culture where the horse’s wellbeing is paramount. This isn’t about enforcing a single way of doing things but about providing the tools and knowledge to make ethical decisions tailored to each unique horse-and-rider partnership.
This shift doesn’t mean abandoning competition or tradition but reimagining these practices through an ethical lens. It’s about challenging outdated norms and advocating for progress that benefits both horses and riders.
Ultimately, ethical horsemanship is about doing right by the animals who give us so much. It’s about building partnerships based on trust, respect and understanding. And it’s about striving to be better for the sake of our horses’ wellbeing. Together, we can lead the way toward a kinder, more compassionate equestrian world.