Hors-Sens


 

Horse Sense

In the 1800s, the term horse sense came into use.  I believe at first, the label was given to horsemen with the knowledge and skill to handle horses well and help others do the same but soon grew to cover those that made sound judgments and decisions. 

The ability to make good judgments or decisions.

Merriam-Webster Learner’s Dictionary’s definition of horse sense

Practical knowledge and good judgment about ordinary life.

Cambridge Dictionary’s definition of horse sense

Practical knowledge and experience are an important part of horse sense and the ability to make good judgments and decisions.  Good decisions and judgments are possible without knowledge, but they are a lucky guess.

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Opinions are not facts.  When beliefs, emotions, and misinformation support opinions, horse sense disappears.

How do we know if horse sense is being used?  

By results!!!                       

Horse Sense

& Free-Roaming Horses

Free-roaming horses managed using horse sense will be “Healthy horses on healthy ranges.”  Results show the Kaimanawa horses[1] in New Zealand, and the ponies on Assateague Island[2] are managed using horse sense.

 The same can’t be said of the Konik horses ( Oostvaardersplassen Nature Preserve)[3] in the Netherlands, where a 30% annual death loss is not uncommon.  Results show horses and the range suffer at the Kosciuszko National Park[4] and Alpine National Park[5] in Australia. 

Experience, history, science, and an understanding of nature are needed to manage free-roaming horses successfully. Horse sense, critical thinking skills, and practical knowledge are required to develop successful management programs for free-roaming horses.



 


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