Don’t fight for bullying in the Connemara society

I’m curious why officials in the American Connemara Pony Society are working so hard to keep breed inspections that have not proven to create better Connemaras or make the breed more popular. In fact, the society has seen quite a contraction of dues-paying members in the last decade at the same time that it has really pushed to hold these inspections.

I just can’t get over the fact that the society wrote 5,070 words on its website justifying its inspections.

I’ve been to an inspection. The society can argue all it once that this is a great service. But, as far as I’m concerned, three inspectors of questionable qualifications who watch a horse stand and trot in hand before giving it a thumbs up or down as being “Connemara enough” is nothing more than an expensive free trip for the inspectors.

If you’re one of the inspectors who gets a free trip, I guess there’s a reason to dig in and fight for this.

I’m sure my blunt assessment of inspections is part of the problem. I’m like the child in the Hans Christian Anderson tale who blurts out the emperor has no clothes. I’m not willing to sit by and watch a Connemara inspection process that’s nothing more than a farce without calling it what it is.

Is that reason enough for the society to keep going with inspections, when I’m sure many in its ranks are having second thoughts? Perhaps a crisis of conscience at a time when bullying is public enemy No. 1?

If the goal of ACPS officials is to win an important battle, I would suggest they are fighting for the wrong side.

Join me in ending bullying within the Connemara society. Don’t fight for it.