Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Well..........This Post May Bring..........


A little controversy this week................ I actually was sick with the flu this past weekend and did have to drag myself into work last night for 4 hours of a Mandatory OT shift. I have a friend there that has an on going subscription to Horse Illustrated. I actually had some time to rifle through and to my {{{{SHOCK}}}}, I came across and article of two pages addressing the issue of horse slaughter. I recognized the name, thought, I know who this person is. And than I saw the promo of her "notorious" website at the bottom. Of course the article was one sided as usual and she admits this within this article.........Although condemning, not really offering up any solutions.......The "same ole" argument ensues, which she also admits, admirable, I thought........But again the "same ole". I prefer not to follow this notorious blogger, mostly because of the "mob mentality" that sets in when the thread of comments begins to follow on whatever she chooses to pick on for that day. Admittedly some are truly reasonable and need to be pointed out, however...............I DO NOT FORGET..........what some , not all, but some and a fair amount of some did to someone that we blog with, who truly is a horse's hero, someone we can all respect and I believe that we do, someone who in my opinion has a heart of gold and goes WAY beyond her means to help out when it comes to the rescue of horses and dogs and "rattle snakes"...........I do not forget the behavior of those that nearly foiled a rescue they wanted and knocked our dear friend off the Internet and horse blogging world for nearly 6 months......... I have no respect for that notorious blogger.........she did not moderate during that time and reel in the followers and in my opinion allowed it to go forth without so much as an apology. As the owner of this blog, it is my responsibility to remind others that we are all entitled to an opinion and I always welcome an opinion, any opinion, but DO NOT condone attack on another and even with a controversy post, I feel we are all adult enough to behave in a correct manner. I will say this, when pushed and attacked myself, expect an attack back, which most of you have witnessed a time or two over the years........"cough!"........"Oops!" Usually I will take full responsibility and even though attacked personally, I will apologize whether or not they have done so themselves. In saying this...........I feel that those of you who I follow and follow me, have a deep respect for one another and I for one appreciate the friendships and connections I have been gifted through horse blogging. Thank-you for being great informative horse bloggers and great friends. I just had to get this little annoyance off my chest!

34 comments:

Mrs. Mom said...

Amen baby... AMen! Nicely put Cal ;)

I've truly enjoyed getting to know you and Steve, and look forward to many years to come of friendship.

Stay warm up there!!

Grey Horse Matters said...

I know who you're talking about and I couldn't believe it either. I was reading through Horse Illustrated last month and almost choked when I saw the author at the end of the article. I never followed her blog because it was so negative and the 'mob mentality' that ensued after any article. I can only think that sensationalism is what sells and that's how she even got a job. In my opinion there are a lot more bloggers out there who are better informed and can at least see both sides of an issue most of the time.

Katharine Swan said...

I have to say I love the Fugly blog. You'll be happy to know that when she switched her blog over the WordPress, she gained more control over the comments (WP offers better features than Blogger) and now has a strict "no personal attacks" policy.

Anyway, I haven't read the article, but I do know that Fugly is against horse slaughter but supports humane euthanization. She's also very realistic about there not being enough homes for all the horses.

Callie said...

Katherine, You as always are entitled to your opinion, but I don't know if you know the real truth of what happened in Spring of 2008. And someday, I'll privately email you, if you'll allow and give the details. She is IMO, an oxyMORON, she condems those that breed, or IHO, backyard breed, yet hasn't deballed her own colored stallion. She makes claims to have rescued this and rescued that. She comes with a rich history, all over the internet, and IMO, is not all that she thinks she is. She is quick to pick apart everyone else and yet stands firmly that she is the greatest. I have lost all respect. In what I wrote, I did not dispute her recent article, however, I believe that HI should know full well who they just jumped in bed with. She is full of herself and if you dispute her in anyway, she will turn on you.She is not in the Law field and has been found to do dodgy horse deals. Personally, after blogging along side her for nearly 4 years, actually there's a history that goes back to Texas of being kicked out of barns, that follows her up the coast of California to which she now resides, WA. Personally I do not believe that the sun shines out her ass, even if she does. That's just my opinion.........And actually I didn't mention the blogger by name....But I do welcome your opinion and actually look forward to it as I can always count on a good debate with you, Katherine, that's why I like you! ;)

Stephanie - Siouxzeegirl Designs said...

Nicely put!!

Jean said...

Tough situation all around. I do read the said blog, but I also keep my reservations about some of the topics.

The trouble I find with the whole Internet thing is the impersonal quality of it. People feel free to say things they would never say in person. I have moderated a few such "battles" on two different discussion boards and it is a challenge to get people to be rational and careful with their words.

I far prefer blogs like this where people are supportive and respectful of each others' feelings, and respectful, as well, of others' opinions.

Callie said...

Thanks, Jean, that is certainly well said.....And I try not to stifle anyone and try to value all opinions. Sometimes I like a good "spar". The problem with nortorious blogger person, is that you cannot say an opinion on there without a pounding by loyal followers, fine, but that is why I prefer to stay away........And I really cannot Forget or Forgive for what happened to our well respected golden hearted friend, of whom I think most of us know as well and I think most of us agree to be a genuine large golden hearted person. And someone who actually spares no expense to give of her time and knowledge. And actually takes action to save horses on her dime and time.

Gail said...

I have no idea what any one is talking about but I enjoyed it none the less.

Callie said...

Gail, LOL, glad to accomodate......

cdncowgirl said...

You know, I should write a letter to the editor over at HI. That particular blogger is apparently writing quite often over there, which is why I let my subscription lapse.

Callie said...

Lisa, I too wrote them a letter on line.......expressing those very same feelings, LOL!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

I've not read that article, but know exactly who you are talking about, both the notorious blogger and the heart of gold blogger.....and agree on all accounts.

Blogging for me is a way to have a little fun and make some online friendships. I don't want to add stress or bad feelings into my life, so I'd rather read or be involved with those who do.

I've had a bad experience with one blogger (who actually left a comment on this post, I see) and who was very cruel and rude to me. I feel that if you can't say something kind and be respectful when leaving a comment, then you don't need to leave a comment at all.

If someone really wants to discuss something with another blogger, then do it personally via e-mail.

~Lisa

Callie said...

Lisa(LOR), I'm sorry that someone here has mistreated you. That isn't very nice. I truly believe in expressing an opinion, but not to attack someone for their beliefs. That's why I welcome one and all. And try to be fair and one can easily monitor one's own blog....including to remind others of "playing nice" even when upset. Sometimes, we have to consider youth, lack of experience, naivety, etc. when others make comments that may be hurtful. That is precisely why I like my 40's.....age and experience.....

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

lol! Yeppers, I suppose that's one good thing that comes from age and life experiences. I think I could really do without some of those more painful experiences, though. hehe!
Thanks,
~Lisa

Katharine Swan said...

Callie, I hope that's not the ONLY reason why you like me. :o)

No, I don't know what happened in the spring of 2008 -- I'm not even sure I was reading her blog then. I also don't know whether she breeds her stallion -- I know some people keep stallions just because they like stallions, and if they are secure in their abilities to prevent them from impregnating everything that moves, I don't think there is anything wrong with that.

I don't know much about Fugly beyond what is on the blog, but I do know that I like what she stands for. I like that she calls out the abusers, false rescuers, and backyard breeders. I like that she educates the public about what are good reasons to breed and what aren't, and I like that she promotes a realistic view of horse rescue (i.e., that euthanization is sometimes necessary and that there aren't enough homes for all the horses).

Yes, perhaps I wouldn't like her as much in person. That's certainly a possibility, and I have found that to be true before, with other people I've met online. But from what I know of her public persona, I like what she is trying to do very much.

Katharine Swan said...

P.S. I should also mention that I rarely read the comments anymore. I'm more interested in Fugly's posts than everyone else's comments. So I more or less agree with you about the mob mentality over there.

However, I also respect the position Fugly is in regarding commenters: Censorship is a slippery slope, and as soon as you start refusing to publish comments, you risk seeming unfair. I think what she has done now, moderating comments and making a rule that anyone who leaves threatening comments will be banned, is the best way to handle it -- but I'm still not very interested in reading them, I'm afraid!

Callie said...

Katherine, that's not the only reason, LOL! I like your contribution and your spunk, believe me. And if you really believe in Cathy Atkinson, that's is your right. Personally, I've seen some "crap" go down over the years and I find her fraudulent and mean and not truthful, but that's my right. We can agree to disagree on this one and if you want , I can elaborate on what transpired in 2008. But I would prefer to do it via email. callie.pearson@gmail.com

John and Regina Zdravich said...

I am completely in the dark on this one.....no idea of who or what you all are talking about. I just like to read the blogs and connect with other horse people out there. To quote Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

GoLightly said...

"I like that she calls out the abusers, false rescuers, and backyard breeders. I like that she educates the public about what are good reasons to breed and what aren't, and I like that she promotes a realistic view of horse rescue".

You haven't read enough of the rescue boards then, obviously. Many have leaped onto the rescue bandwagon, and ended up with completely unsuitable, if not downright dangerous, horseflesh, thanks to those posts.

She has been rebuked by rescue forums, for fanning the urgent flames of save this horse NOW. While horses already "rescued" stand sadly awaiting their "forever" homes.

I think she's bad for horses.
jmo.
She's not a professional anything, except she's owned some horses. And she's really excellent at sneering.
(which does indeed still seem pretty common in the horse world.)

Oh, well. I guess Perez-type minion blogs will remain hugely popular, and blogs with some taste, class and compassion will remain largely unread.

To Safe Horses.
To Horses, with their value brought back to them.
Doesn't anyone realize how sad the "free horse" ads are?

Callie said...

Good comment, GoLightly, 'tis unfortuneate and true. Only my opinion, but if there was ever a "pot calling the kettle black" , she is a good example.......

Katharine Swan said...

GoLightly, I haven't read much on the rescue forums, but from what she says on her blog I can't imagine her being responsible for that kind of scenario. She is always driving home how much work rescue is, and that if you don't know what you're doing you shouldn't be rescuing directly from the auctions yourself. I never got the impression that her posts about specific horses needing rescuing were aimed at folks who didn't know what they were doing, but at people who are familiar with rescue. She can hardly be blamed if well-meaning people ignore her warnings and get in over their heads.

And yes, I am quite sure about the impression I've gotten from her blog. I am sure because I've often thought, if I'd read her posts before rescuing Panama, I probably wouldn't have rescued him -- because getting in over my head is exactly what I did. I've also often disagreed with her on that point -- I think if someone has a good trainer, they can rescue and rehabilitate a horse without having much experience themselves. I'm proof of that.

So, that's why I disagree with you -- because I quite clearly remember disagreeing with her on more than one occasion about how experienced you need to be to rescue a horse.

Katharine Swan said...

P.S. Callie, you definitely got your wish for controversy! LOL!

(I have to say you and I are a lot like each other in that respect. I love a good debate, even if I don't agree with everyone else! It reminds us WHY we believe in something if we have to think about it hard enough to try to convince someone else! LOL)

Callie said...

Katherine, The difference is, I think, that you have the good sense and obviously the money and luck to have found a good trainer with your horse Panama.....Some people simply have the bleeding heart and not the means although intentions are good. In saying that, I've learned over the years of horse ownership that I cannot get along with a gelding. That I do better with mares. I have currently an excellent equine vet and another one that I used to go to when I had my trailer that once highly recomended a certain trainer to me for this gelding I had owned for 6yrs and had made arrangements for 60 days to help me get him trail ready, I ended up pulling him out after 30 days and he was worse and abused. It just goes to show you.......Sometimes finding a good trainer is a roll of the dice. Sometimes and in this case, this trainer just didn't like my horse. Period. You have to shop carefully. I chalk it up to lesson learned.........

Katharine Swan said...

Luck? Yes, I got lucky, because I wouldn't have known what to look for then. I found my trainer via a recommendation from the owner of my local tack shop, and she just happened to be exactly what both Panama and I needed.

Money, on the other hand? Ha. I scrape by everywhere else in order to provide for my horse. I can't even remember the last time I bought myself new clothes...

I was also lucky in that my trainer was willing to help me cut corners on the expense. She showed me everything she was doing as we went along, so that I was able to work with him on my own and have her out less. She is truly a gem and I was lucky to find her.

Callie said...

LOL, Luck it is then......

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

Momma always said..."If you can't say anything nice..."

So, all I'll say is great post Callie!

Oh...and if newer "fans" of said blog spent a little time doing some back reading, they would find out that there is a regular turn-over in regular posters. I can think of quite a few of the regular posters(from just the last year) who no longer post there and have lost all respect for said blogger. I guess that's because people who actually have or gain experience or knowledge realize that that place is NOT a place to actually learn anything.

PS-Nice to see ya on "the review"!!

photogchic said...

Interesting. I check out Fugly every once in awhile. I think she brings a lot of issues to the forefront. She is passionate and a compelling writer. Yet she is not on my blog roll and the reason....I have a soft spot for fugly and unwanted horses. I can't look at a horse a deem it unworthy, ugly, and worthless. If I could afford it, I would have a whole herd of fuglies running around.

I would like to believe she writes things to promote change, but then again I don't know what motivates her.

You go Callie...you are fired up! I love it. I will read MidWestHorse Blog any day over Fugly.

dickiebo said...

There's certainly nowt wrong with having some differences of opinion. (I had one with Callie over politics, as I seem to remember!!)If our differences are very strong, then we should simply 'walk away', as in this case. If we remain, then it is because we have more in common, than we have against.
PS. Some posts/feelings are just too strongly felt, NOT to say something, and this we should take on board.

Jennifer said...

So, how about a cool post for us "non understanding folk" about what a good trainer looks like? or a "good parent"? Maybe a "rescue gone south because the owner was overwhelmed"?

My pet peeve about the naughty blogger is there's never any "good examples". It's a huge whinefest, which is the power of free speech.

As a co-worker said about two years ago, "We're always bitching bad news. Give us some good news and happy information once in a while!"

=)

GoLightly said...

"I can't imagine her being responsible for that kind of scenario."

Well, you don't need much imagination.
never mind.

Midlife Mom said...

Oh my! I sure came home to a hornets nest didn't I?! lol! I have never read the person's blog that you are referring to and never will. Anyone who could cause our dear friend to close down her blog for those six months is not someone I want to read. I have a couple of other dear blogging friends that we shut down because of some meanspirited comments and I will have no part of it. Good post Callie!! So sorry to hear about your Fido dog. My heart goes out to you as we love our furry kids so much. RIP Fido and knowing how loved you were is a blessing to you and to those that loved you!

Grainne Dhu said...

Katharine, the policy against personal attacks was new last year. Until then, personal attacks were completely acceptable and encouraged by FHOTD.

What happened last year? It was revealed that FHOTD was having an affair with the significant other of the woman she bought the VLC from. The breeder of the VLC came into the comments section to reveal what was going on and, well, it wasn't pretty.

FHOTD admitted she was having the affair but rationalised it on the grounds that she hated the other woman.

All of this just goes to show that FHOTD is human and humans make mistakes. But for her to start moderating comments because she couldn't take what she has so gleefully dished out on others is rank hypocrisy.

Anyone else remember her rant about woman named Brandy? FHOTD held that it is a "stripper name" and implies all sorts of promiscuous behaviour. And then for FHOTD to be revealed as just such a skank... well, I bet more than one woman named Brandy stood up and applauded.

Katharine Swan said...

Yes, I know the no attacks policy was new. I didn't know what started it, but I seem to remember her saying that someone had been posting someone else's contact information.

Yes, she is human. I never said she wasn't. I won't judge her for being human. I still hold that her blog does the horse world a good service by publicizing abuse, neglect, and irresponsible breeding. No matter what you think of Cathy personally, she IS raising awareness of bad practices in the horse industry.

Grainne Dhu said...

She does some good but it's a question in my mind as to whether it balances out the harm she does.

One of the recurrent situations that pops up in the horse world is what happens when people who at one time took great care of their animals start neglecting them. Someone always asks "why didn't they just ask for help before it turned into this huge mess?"

Well, the answer to that is that people are afraid to admit they need help couple with the expectation that their fortunes will turn for the better. Then when things don't get better for them, when the horses start showing the first signs of neglect, they're afraid to ask for help because they're afraid of being attacked.

Then they are in the death spiral and nothing good ever comes of it.

Sure, such people should just suck it up and ask for help anyway but very few people have the fortitude to ask for help if the asking means they have to accept huge doses of humiliation.

All those people on Craigslist she makes fun of? How many of them do you think are going to be willing to ask for help after seeing the sort of gleeful scorn that is heaped on anyone who she believes does not live up to her standards?

And then, when they learn that even Cathy doesn't live up to her own standards, why should they believe that capping T-posts is necessary?