Social Media Fallout: How Viral Videos Threaten the Equine Industry

Beyond the Post: Safeguarding the Horse Industry in the Age of Viral Controversy

In today's digital age, social media serves as a powerful tool, shaping public perception swiftly and often irreversibly. Within the horse industry, this technological advancement has introduced a troubling trend: individuals posting graphic, often disturbing videos depicting alleged mistreatment of horses. While many share these videos seeking drama or attention, their actions inadvertently deliver damaging ammunition directly into the hands of animal rights activists who use these isolated incidents to paint a distorted, generalized narrative of widespread cruelty within the entire equine industry.

Exceptions Rather Than the Rule

It's crucial to recognize that, while cases of horse abuse unfortunately exist, they represent exceptions rather than the rule. The equine industry overwhelmingly consists of responsible horse owners, trainers, and enthusiasts who prioritize animal welfare and adhere strictly to humane practices. Nevertheless, when videos of abuse—often without context or investigation—surface online, the broader industry suffers severe reputational damage. This can lead to devastating consequences, fueling unnecessary regulatory scrutiny and influencing public opinion negatively.

Social License to Operate is an Animal Rights Driven Concept

The animal rights-driven concept of Social License to Operate (SLO) is increasingly promoted as a way to require industries, including the equine industry, to gain public acceptance or approval for their practices. This inherently subjective standard can be exploited by activist groups, who use sensationalized or isolated incidents to suggest the equine industry lacks legitimacy. Rather than empowering industry experts, veterinarians, and knowledgeable stakeholders, the push for a Social License to Operate allows emotionally driven campaigns and viral content to dictate industry practices. This scenario poses serious risks, opening the horse community to undue criticism, overly restrictive regulations, and significant threats to humane traditional practices and livelihoods.

Viral Videos Deny Due Process

The act of sharing videos of alleged abuse and mistreatment on social media bypasses proper legal channels and denies the accused parties the opportunity for fair due process. It is essential to acknowledge that every story has multiple perspectives, and often videos depict situations out of context. For instance, an incident portrayed as abuse could, in reality, be a reaction to a horse behaving dangerously, threatening human safety, or protecting the welfare of the horse itself. Without full context and due investigation, judgment becomes biased and inaccurate.

Public Perception Influences Legislation that Can Harm the Horse Community

Legislative measures like the Horse Protection Act's proposed new rules and the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act are directly influenced by public perception. These regulations while presented as “protections for horses” were written by animal rights ideologues with the agenda to impose overly broad or restrictive measures. With the increased volume of the use of social media-based vigilantism, we can count on the fact that more egregious regulations will appear in legislation, driven by these viral social media portrayals rather than accurate, fact-based analysis. Thus, by irresponsibly disseminating disturbing imagery online, members of the equine community unintentionally support efforts to implement regulations that could drastically, and negatively, impact the entire industry.

Unity Does Not Mean Ignoring Problems

This digital dilemma underscores the vital need for unity within the horse industry. Whether participants compete in rodeos, equestrian sports, racing, or any other equine discipline, they share a common bond and responsibility towards horse welfare. Unity and mutual respect across different equine disciplines and breeds can fortify the industry against external misconceptions and misinformation. We can practice unity and still stand up for the welfare of the horse. These two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Instead of resorting to video vigilantism when there is a concern, people should follow the processes within equine associations and the laws that are already in place.

Moving forward, those within the equine community must commit to addressing any incidents of suspected abuse promptly, thoroughly, and through appropriate legal avenues rather than through public spectacle. By acting responsibly, the equine industry can protect its reputation, resist external pressures driven by the Social License to Operate narrative, ensure fair treatment of all individuals involved, and uphold the genuine welfare and safety of horses.