I think you have gotten some excellent replies from Sharron and Ahrobertspony, both of whom are exhibitors who have shown these very ponies we are talking about.
I used to have a MUCH more negative mindset about "ponies with action"... I assumed it was ALL pretty much man-made and therefore it MUST negatively affect the horse. However, after carefully getting to know these ponies up close and personal, and raising them from foals, I have discovered there is MUCH more inbred talent than I ever imagined.
The above pony is pictured at two years old, had him since three months old. At the time of this photo, he had never had shoes on his hinds, and just had KEG SHOES (the exact same ones you would put on any saddle horse) on his front feet. No pads, no long bars. NO long foot as I hope you can see.
I had NEVER worked this pony in bungees, he has NEVER had the SLIGHTEST bit of any irritant like ginger under his tail.
And yet, when asked to trot in hand (with my husband, who does not show horses!!!) down the street in front of the barn, THIS is how the pony liked to trot. He was BRED to pick up his feet and flag his tail! WHERE is the abuse here?
So... until you get intimate with what actually goes on, you just sound very ignorant to those who are. I was there once. Open your mind, check it out, and then make up your mind.
I will agree that it is FAR more expensive to nick tails and keep them in tail sets, and pay hundreds of dollars on sets of shoes... than to buckle a fake tail on top and put simpler shoes on... obviously most exhibitors agree because THAT is the trend that is happening, NOT the other way around!
Andrea
