Poor donkey... I'm always uncomfortable when I see people mount donkeys, we treat it as a luggage rack...

encountered a lovely equine in someones backyard once...paint mare with a young foal. The owners said she didn't like being ridden, so she stayed a pasture pet.

I'm an equestrian, but the barn where go to ride every week treats the horses well. In fact, the owner of the barn is a huge animal lover. She takes in unwanted kittens, and a bunch of them live in a warm shed next to the barn.

I know exactly what you mean. I find the english and dressage riders in particular, treat their horses like inanimate objects to do what they're told, when they're told, always having the reins held tightly so there's constant pressure, being forced to jump- that's about a thousand pounds of pressure on two forelegs with bones that are hallow- and then stuck in a stand-up stall for the rest of the day. Not to stereotype, I'm sure not all english riders are like that, but it just seems like every one of them I've met are like that. I hate rodeos as well, the calf roping, the bronco busting- all of it's absolutely cruel and the most disgusting part is it's perfectly legal.

I have two horses who are free range. They only come in the barn on very cold nights in the winter, but there is a lean-to where they can get shelter from the sun and rain. Zipper, my mustang, as far as I'm concerned was a rescue about nine years ago. She was in horrible condition when I met her, in a crowded feed lot with cows, mud and crap up to their knees in the middle of winter, a scar across her back leg suggesting she'd been caught in a barb wire fence, and very skiddish, did not like to be touched at all. Jewel, my arabian, originally belonged to my niece, but she couldn't keep up with the bills anymore and she decided she wanted to sell her, so I bought her. I ride only if they feel up to it. If they seem like they're in a bad mood or if it's just too hot, I won't force them. And I never use spurs or crops- that's just cruel. I don't make them wear horse shoes either- it is a lot better for horses to go barefoot. It allows the hoof to expand naturally and absorb shock. Plus the hoof has better circulation. I always try to end on a good note with them. When I go to see them I always bring carrots or apples for them. They can be very playful. Sometimes I'll start running and they'll run to catch up with me. I do know some horses actually do enjoy being ridden, if it's done kindly and gently. At the place where I board, Frank the owner, has this beautiful buckskin paso fino stallion. He's blind now, but as soon as he hears the tack jingling and Frank's footsteps coming towards him he gets so excited. While Frank is Cowboy's eyes, Cowboy acts as Frank's legs. Cowboy has the utmost trust in Frank, and that's the type of bond that's heartwarming to see. He's a true horse whisperer- he's the one that trained both my horses, actually. Horses should be treated as our partners, not as our slaves.

Of course being a vegan and being a horse rider can be difficult sometimes. I try to buy all synthetic tack but it can be extremely difficult as some tack doesn't come in synthetic. It's conflicting and makes me feel guilty. I do what I can, but that's why I prefer to ride bareback with a halter and a set of snap on reins, however doing this while riding on a roadside or on a trail can be dangerous.