Ain't that cute?
21 Nov 2012
Animal Allegations on The Hobbit
It's good to be skeptical, this I believe much more! Both PETA and Anima has had a huge lack of evidence! Read this:
The Hobbit production has always instituted swift and immediate investigations in to any concerns of any kind over the treatment of animals under its care. A prompt and thorough investigation into the recent unsubstantiated allegations by the American organisation, PETA, in to the ‘hobbling’ of a horse during the making of The Hobbit was undertaken. No evidence of such a practice was found to have occurred at any time. Further, the production contacted the owner of the horse concerned who provided the following statement: “I am 100% happy with the return of Shanghai and his condition. In the term that he was leased he was picked up and returned to me two times. On both occasions there was not a mark on him and he was healthy and happy. He has shown no signs of ill-treatment. I would not hesitate in leasing him to the movie again.”
To date, the only horse wranglers whose treatment of animals fell below the production’s standard of care seem to be the two wranglers who have chosen to level this new accusation on the eve of the premiere of the first Hobbit film and who were dismissed by the production over a year ago. Reports of their actions are documented in several written statements dating back to October 2011.
The production regrets that PETA has chosen to make such a serious accusation, which has distressed many of the dedicated Kiwis who worked with animals on the films - including trainers, wranglers, care-givers, farm workers and animal health care professionals - without properly vetting the source from which they received this information.
The production has been inundated with calls of support as regards to this matter, including the following statements:
FROM: DR JULIA BRYCE BVSc
“From December 2010 till July 2012, this practice was the primary Veterinary care giver for the horses and livestock in the care of “Three Foot Seven”.
During this period we were consulted promptly in cases of injury and illness. We were also consulted routinely about ongoing veterinary care and preventative medicine.
If referral was required to a specialist clinic or Massey Equine Clinic, this occurred promptly. As occurs in normal practice there are incidences and injury which may result in an unfavourable outcome and others that recover completely; like the young goat who fractured a front leg but recovered completely after 6 weeks in a cast and hospital rest, or the rooster who spent two weeks at our clinic with a foot infection.
These and other animals in the care of Three Foot Seven Limited received the best available treatment to ensure their recovery, their welfare and return to good health was paramount to those in charge. At no time were we concerned about the welfare and on-going treatment of animals under our care.”
FROM: JOY GRAY - FARMER
“I was appalled to hear of the wild claims being made in the media by PETA. I and my family own the farm which the Hobbits used to train their animals. Myself, my manager, my children and grand-children saw nothing to make us uncomfortable or give us cause for concern. We all had totally free access to all activities at all times. In fact, the animals were wonderfully looked after, being well-fed, well-housed, and well-treated. As both farmers and dedicated horse people ourselves we would have stood for nothing less. I myself ride horses, all my children rode competitively and now my grandchildren ride.
I was involved in Pony Club for many years and was District Commissioner for the Wellington Pony Club. My manager was totally aware of all that was happening with the Hobbits and he is outraged at these false claims.
The sixty horses, the cattle, oxen, sheep, goats, dogs, pigs, hens etc. were given professional and humane treatment.”
FROM: JED BROPHY - ACTOR (NORI)
“As an actor and animal trainer who has worked on large scale productions here in New Zealand, in particular The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and more recently, The Hobbit, I am flabbergasted to read this morning of the accusations levelled at the production by PETA. With a production as large as The Hobbit, filmed over such an extensive period the care of the animals used in filming was exceptional. The entire time we were on set, and when we were training with the animal wranglers employed to look after and train the animals for filming, I observed no mistreatment - in fact the opposite is true.
The animals were treated with the utmost care and responsibility. The farm in which they were housed had excellent facilities for the care and maintenance of the animals’ health. So much so that I moved my own horse on site so I could ride him for training exercises. At all times on set we had experienced Wranglers and Animal health Authorities on hand and Vets to monitor the welfare of the Animals working for the film. It has been my experience working for this film company that they take every conceivable precaution and employ the very best practitioners in every department and that includes the animal department.
I feel that there is a certain amount of personal vindictiveness levelled at the production from individuals with their own agenda. As is often the case in these situations, organisations will leap at the chance to gain publicity for their cause without seeking the truth. Being an experienced horseman and having worked as a wrangler and rider in the past, I would not have allowed myself to be a part of any production that knowingly employed unsafe practice in the workplace in this way. I can say with absolute certainty the production went out of their way to treat animals with the upmost respect and care.”
Several animals killed during filming of The Hobbit
Have you heard all the commotion about ilming of The Hobbit?
This is from Animas website:
Several animals are killed during the filming of The Hobbit.
When many eager fans to December flock to theaters across the country to see Peter Jackson's long-awaited adventure film The Hobbit, is animal cruelty probably the last thing the audience has in their mind.
But the truth is that many animals are involuntarily got a role in the film, both were molested and killed when conditions they were kept in was extremely problematic. Several horses were killed when they were held in a way that simply was not at an acceptable level.
For example a horse died because of overfeeding and another horse broke it's back in a fall. The animals were fenced in a place that was not suitable for livestock. Several goats, sheep and chickens also died as a result of inadequate treatment. A total of 27 animals lost their lives during the production of The Hobbit.
This comes from Animas website. To me it sounds like a total exaggeration. Of course, animals should be treated properly, but what I know of is these animals treated as gold. There are huge amounts of time in their training, not least money. Why would you then treat them badly? I must honestly say I'm a bit skeptical.
20 Nov 2012
Spanish Riding School
If there's something that impress and inspires me it's the Spanish Riding School! I simply think their ethics on riding and handling of horses is amazing. They spend much time on perfecting that the horse's muscle are built correctly and that they mentally can follow the training. Beyond that, it's always looks very harmonious and beautiful when they ride their horses.
The methods used by the Spanish Riding School are based on François Robichon de la Gueriniere. It is a common myth that the movements were developed to aid in battle; in fact, they were used to strengthen the war horse's body and mind and make him a supreme athlete, not to actually attack. All movements are based on those naturally performed by the horse when at liberty, with the exception of one-tempi changes.
The stallions are taught in three stages:
- Remontenschule: ("forward riding")
- Campagneschule: ("campaign school")
- Hohe Schule: ("high school" or Haute Ecole)
The most awesome thing is that the riders, too, are carefully schooled. They first work on the longe without stirrups and reins on well-trained horses for up to 3 years, to teach a balanced and independent seat. They are then allowed to control the animals themselves, under the eye of an experienced rider, until they can perform the high school movements. With intensive training, this will take 2–4 years. The rider is then allowed to train a young stallion from unbroken up to High School, a process that usually takes 4–6 additional years.
Many could learn from the Spanish Riding School. I think every beginner should get trained in a longe first. The horse avoids a lot of unnecessary pain. And according to me it's the only right way to train people to ride.
Wii good news!
Wii good news! I was at the doctor today and I have not sprained my knee. However, I have got some impact on my shin and neck. I'm just so sore all over my body. But fortunately my bruising and dents heals faster than anything sprained would do!
So in a few days, I should be as good as new :-D
This horse actually looks much alike the one I rode. And I'm sure it jumped as high as this one ;-)
Btw. I'm against Rodeo.
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