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Editor's note: The following monthly perspective was written by National Horseman's publisher, Allison Lambert, appearing in Volume 1:5 of National Horseman Arabian.

If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

By Allison Lambert

    With the most contentious presidential election to date in full swing, one thing our Facebook feeds aren’t short of is opinions. Our outspoken friends boldly express their minds without fear of how controversial, debatable or offensive their comments might be, while our more “under the radar” friends let their sentiments be known by covertly “liking” the political banter of the outspoken ones. Whether you air your opinion to the masses or keep it quietly to yourself, it doesn’t change the fact that everybody has one. But for those who take the path of least resistance, how do you decide when a topic is worthy of standing up and letting your opinion be heard? 

    The answer to that question depends on what is important to you. What topic are you so passionate about that speaking up means more than the possibility of what others may think? What are you willing to lose by not saying anything at all?

    There are many controversial topics surrounding our sport today, from bagging and noisemakers, to using chains and numerous things in between. Whether you’re for or against these things, each and every one of us has an opinion about them, and just like the presidential election, valid points can be argued to support both sides. For instance, some may argue that bagging is inhumane and scares the horse. Others contend that a spirited demeanor is a character trait of the Arabian horse. The truth is, there are controversial issues that divide us into two opposing sides, and ones that bond us in a united front. What defines these topics from one another is when the outcome could negatively affect our entire community equally. Those are the topics worth standing up for.

    Most of us are aware of the USDA’s recent proposed changes to the Horse Protection Act (HPA)—a law that was created to end the practice of “soring,” used primarily in non-USEF regulated breeds such as the Tennessee Walking Horse, Racking Horse and Spotted Saddle Horse. The intention of this law comes from a good place: to prevent the inhumane and inexcusable abuse of horses in many industries. However, the vagueness in which the law is written leaves many questions unanswered and could potentially affect all “trotting horse breeds,” if not written more clearly. 

    The proposed rule forbids the use of pads, bands and action devices in the aforementioned and “other related breeds.” When used properly, these tools ensure soundness, comfort and balance in our horses. “The high action breeds are bred for their movement,” states Dr. Scott Bennett, DVM, in a letter arguing against the HPA’s proposed changes as they are currently written, “and shoeing with normal pads protects from the concussion that develops from the movement they naturally exhibit too often in an environment surrounded by less than satisfactory ground surface for ambulation.” However the abuse of these tools in other industries has gained widespread attention, unfortunately putting us all (even the ones who use them correctly) under a microscope. 

    Arabians, Morgans, Saddlebreds and Hackneys are different in many ways, but our similarities far outweigh our differences, and our industries are bonded through a likeness that extends far beyond the breed of horse we show. When push comes to shove, we are a family—one that needs to unite together to ensure the future of our sport. If you are passionate about showing horses, now is the time to find your voice, because if not clarified, this law could affect each and every one of us. 

    We have all said things we wish we hadn’t, but it is far worse to say nothing and wish you had. If you haven’t done so already, comment on the USDA proposed changes and ask that the “and related breeds” clause be excluded from this regulation. Each and every one of you can help make a difference, so please go to nationalhorseman.com and follow the link on the home page for more instructions. Remember, snowflakes alone are frail, but if enough of them stick together, they can stop traffic.