Conference noted::equitation

    Hi Ellen,
    
    I was a vegetarian for a year but went off the wagon so
    to speak. But after gaining some weight back, and feeling
    physically crummy after I eat meat, it's time to get serious
    again. I crave the taste of meat because I was brought up eating
    it, but when I really think that I am eating a dead carcass, it
    makes me nauseous. I try not to eat it when possible but I still
    love fish, chicken, and turkey. I need to wean myself off 
    eventually. It's hard living with a hubby that is a real meat
    and potatoes kind of guy!
    
    What I really detest are the factory farms. If we are going to eat 
    these animals, they should at least be raised in a "humane" fashion. 
    But the almighty $$$ is what it comes down to.
    
    Although I do try to use products that are cruelty free and have
    not been tested on (or made with) animals, I still use leather products 
    etc., that is until they come up with something better than neoprene
    and nylon. 
    
    Yes, thank God the horses are herbivores! Ok, call me weird,
    but I'll admit that I sample their grain sometimes and it is 
    yummy! I like Strider, cracked corn, sunshine pellets....And
    I know there are some closet cases out there that do the 
    same but won't admit it!  :-)
    
    Tina
    

    I am not a vegetarian, but if I were, I don't think I would consider
    leather goods in the same light as eating meat.  Unlike meat, leather
    does not require the outright slaughter of animals; ie., those that die
    naturally, due to accidents, or as a result of medical problems can also
    be used to make leather goods. 
    

    Im not a vegetarian either, but for what it's worth I ride in a
    synthetic saddle, Wintec, because I ride endurance and love the light
    weight and comfort of it. If you are considering one, I absolutely love
    mine and have had no problems with it at all, and find it a LOT more
    comfy for long periods of time than leather.
    
    

    
    I am a veggie, I have been since birth.  I did not have the enzimes
    to digest certin foods and I would become very ill... meat is the
    #1 food I have trouble with.. so I have no idea what it taste like
    
    and that is fine with me.. I hate the thought of eating an aminal
    a live thing... I can't deal with it.  I dont force my veiws on
    others (my hubby only eats meat..no veggis at all)
    
    now..leather... I love leather!  I would rather have a leather
    saddle and bridle.. I also love the smell of leather.  I do wear
    a leather jacket.. it's the only thing that keeps me warm in the
    winter/fall.. no wind gets through to my body.  Now, fur... I gave
    up on fur..I will never wear a fur jacket again... I did wear one
    meny yr ago.. but I think it was a peer/social thing... if you have
    a fur... you have money.. I was 18 with soemthing to prove.. but now
    I'm older and I know I have nothing to prove...but to my self..so
    no fur!
    
    leather boots.. there is nothing like an old pair of leather riding
    boots..all conformed to your leg.. nothing fits like leather.
    
    so, I guess I'm kidna middle of the road on this.
    
    Lou

    
    I love meat and I adore leather!  I hate most veggies.....
    
    Lynne
    

    I've been veggie for about 8 years now but still use leather gear, my
    saddle is synthetic as I bought it with the horse.  When I replace it I
    will definately get a leather one, as before, I like the smell, look
    and feel of leather although I would never dream of eating an animal. 
    Slightly hypocritical really isn't it?
    
    Liz
    

re: .2
Leather is a by-product of the meat industry, and slaughter-houses derive
a good portion of their income from the sale of skins for leather. Therefore
leather is a driving force in sustaining the beef industry. I would
have to say that very little leather is made from animals who have died
through "natural" causes. If so, it ought to be clearly marked, and I would
be able to buy it with a clear conscience!

In the UK there is a growing market for "humane" animal products, such as
meat that is from animals raised in humane conditions, and free-range eggs
from chickens allowed to roam freely. I am well past the point where I
could consider going back to eating meat (took me about a year but now
I just feel sick thinking about it), but I wish these products had been
as available when I was still eating meat. Since I was small I always
had a nagging voice in the back of my head that said "you love animals more
than anything, but you're causing them great pain". 

I still eat eggs, but the eggs I eat are laid by the chickens that roam
about the farm where I keep Rocky, and I can safely say that they are
very *happy* chickens! :)  And they are the greatest tasting eggs! 

re: Synthetic saddles. I've heard good things about the Wintec, and I
imagine they're far easier to clean!! Does anyone use the synthetic (web) 
bridles? (I think they are Wintec as well) I'll just have to keep Rocky's
bridle in pristine condition so I won't have to buy another leather bridle...

Ellen

p.s. I admit to the occasional nibble of Rocky's coarse mix...I always
get mega-hungry when I smell his garlic powder as well!!