Animal-rights activism can come in myriad forms – protesting, outreach, contacting media and legislators, to name but a few. The goal with all, of course, is to bring awareness to the exploitation of, and cruelties inflicted upon, the other sentient beings with whom we share this planet.
Recently, Ronda Cooperstein, an HW volunteer and occasional contributor to this site, visited an art gallery in Baltimore and saw the following painting and write-up:
Ronda then sent the following to the museum’s curators:
“During a recent visit to the museum, I came upon Theodore Gericault’s painting, ‘Riderless Racers at Rome.’ As someone who abhors horseracing and other equine ‘sports,’ I was moved by the horses’ expressions of anxiety and resistance. The suffering of the horses is so clearly depicted, and I appreciated the realism.
“However, when I read the written panel, I was struck by the description of the horses as being ‘excited.’ Those who are not familiar with or attuned to horses will not understand that the horses in the painting are undergoing great stress. Is it possible that you agree with me and might consider changing the description so that the words are more precise and therefore educational?”
And their reply:
“Dear Ronda, many thanks for getting in touch. The exhibition in which the painting was shown has now been taken down, but if the painting is shown again, I will take your advice. As a vegan and animal lover (I am a cat person!), I think that your change to the language is correct. With best wishes….” (I have withheld the curator’s name.)
Ronda wrote back with great appreciation and linked our site for further reading and education. The moral: Activism works, and we should never miss an opportunity to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Fabulous work, Ronda.
‘Great respect and admiration for you, Ronda—- ‘way to *GO*!!
Thank you, Ronda, for your courage!
Congratulations, Ronda. Well done!
Love this! Thank you Ronda! Your letter’s tone was perfect.
Thank you, Ronda, for your efforts to educate, communicate and make a positive difference in how horses are viewed and perceived. You certainly did communicate well! I appreciate your tactfulness and what a nice surprise that the museum curator is vegan.
Well done, Ronda!
Dear Ronda, I just loved your extremely sensitive and respectful way of writing to the art gallery. If only I could remember to be as non-accusatory as you! Thank you for this reminder and role modeling. You wrote, “Is it possible that you agree with me and might consider changing the description so that the words are more precise and therefore educational?”” And it turned out that the curator is a vegan!
THANK YOU, Ronda!
P.S. I stopped riding my 30 year old TB over a decade ago. Didn’t want to put a bit in his mouth although I was aware of bitless bridles.
Thank you, Ronda, for siting the wall panel that accompanied this painting. Géricault masterfully conveys their panic through strained muscles, flaring nostrils, and wide eyes. Some horses rear up in terror, while others bolt. Their hooves kick up dust, adding to the sense of confusion and disorder. Without riders to guide them, they become caught between panic and the instinct to flee. He painted horses as feeling beings capable of experiencing deep fear and distress. Thanks for using this opportunity to correct the notion of horses as symbolic, mythological beings but capable, sentient beings.