KEN'S COLUMN - the diary and thoughts of a Saddle Fitter
This month: WORLD affairs impact on all of us
The current economic climate – not just in this country but worldwide – means all of us must tighten our belts. The cost of food – for both humans and animals – is rising and most economists agree that we shall witness further increases. The increase in the price of ‘fuel’ is largely responsible for the problem because the costs of petrol and diesel - and gas and electricity – are a big factor in practically every business sector as well as on the domestic market. In any event, fossil fuel deposits are reducing at an alarming rate and so it’s really a double whammy.
There is no doubt that the costs of horse ownership are rising but in this country at least the chances are that it won’t be the animals that suffer. I have long been conscious that a fair percentage of horse owners are prepared to go without themselves in order to look after their horses – even to the extent of indulging the animals by buying ‘treats’ and other non-necessities. Most owners are prepared to reduce their own ‘treats’ - in whatever form they take - in order to ensure their horse continues to be provided with food, bedding, forage, a saddle that fits well, rugs and all the other paraphernalia, regular shoeing – and anything else deemed necessary.
Almost every black cloud really does have a silver lining. It is possible that the rising costs of motoring will encourage far more shared journeys resulting in a reduction in carbon emissions and fewer vehicles on the road. Even sharing horsebox, trailer and car journeys to and from shows and competitions would make a very valid contribution to the environment and cut down on costs quite substantially. (I would urge anyone considering sharing any type of motoring to check it out with their insurance company first. ‘Not-for-profit’ schemes seem not to concern them at all – but it’s just as well to make certain.)
I was involved in a debate the other day about likely future changes in policy in relation to the use of land. Recent revelations indicate that the production of bio-fuels in any great quantity is unlikely to happen because the negative aspects are considered to outweigh the positive. This is good news from the perspective of growing food – which has to be of paramount importance. At the moment we import huge quantities of food – for ourselves, farm livestock and domestic animals. Everyone knows we have to become more self-sustaining – grow more – import less. In order to do this it may be necessary, in years to come, to consider the amount of land devoted to keeping horses or in use for golf courses. I have no idea how much land in our small isles is basically for ‘amenity’ use but it must be considerable. Some scientists are predicting that it will be necessary to bring every single possible acre into use for food production – including the national parks - even ‘fringe’ land with little substance and few nutrients – but they are talking of times to come. In the meantime, huge sums of money and vast amounts of research are being put into the discovery of new sources of energy that are more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels and biofuels.
During the twentieth century humankind made huge scientific and technological advances but it’s only now that we are really beginning to appreciate the vast and unwelcome consequences. Waste disposal involving non-biodegradable materials, for example, is a problem that is still growing – despite our being aware of the disaster it is causing. The world’s population continues to expand and there are fears that future generations will be short of both food and water. Even today, famines are regular occurrences in some parts of the world and we have so far been unable to find viable solutions.
Readers may think I have strayed rather a long way from the subjects I usually air in this column but no doubt the majority, like me, are concerned with what is happening on our planet. We cannot turn our backs on the issues – they are far too serious, the consequences too dire.
KEN LYNDON DYKES is a Society of Master Saddlers’ Qualified Saddle Fitter who specialises in fitting competition and problem horses. He is available to give demonstrations and talks and has recently returned to after-dinner speaking on a wide variety of subjects. Telephone: 01622 844440 (office) or 07973 501873 (mobile). Ken will be interested to hear from any SMS qualified saddle fitters seeking additional work as well as those with more limited experience who wish to extend their knowledge.
