Social media can make or break a person; one day it’s all about praising, and the next it’s trolling about a small thing. The same happened with American model and media personality Kendall Jenner. Her love for horseback riding is no secret, which the model often shares on her social media account. This lifelong passion, which started when she was a child, is something that Jenner has mentioned before, about how her love for horses became a thing of strength and respite for her. Jenner even received admiration from community members who still practice equestrianism for her history with it.

Nevertheless, a recent photo, which was taken during her riding session, has stirred the equestrian community against her. The photo is the centerpiece of the discussion because it shows her maintaining a horse with what critics think of as inadequate equipment; thus, it became the catalyst for a furious debate on the internet, dividing the public over her attitude toward horsemanship. What was the way that Kendall Jenner dealt with the horse, which made the community disappointed?

Kendall’s controversial approach to riding

Kendall Jenner’s loved horses since she was a 10-year-old kid, and she never gave up on her pursuit of becoming a horseback rider. Back in 2016, Jenner appeared in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, and when asked about the childhood dream, she shared, “Ate, breathed, and slept horses.” Jenner said that she wanted to be a professional horseback rider; if not an equestrian, then a veterinarian.

Kendall Jenner further talked about her love for horses; she stated, “I’ve always loved animals. I rode horses for 10 years, so I thought I was going to be a professional horseback rider and then a vet.” That’s why her parents gifted her a pony as a Christmas present when she was 12. It is clear that Jenner’s love for horses is not new, and she has loved horses and horseback riding since she was a child. But the same horse riding has become a bullying topic and is blamed on the mistreatment of horses. What must have happened all of a sudden?

It’s not like anything has happened today; it’s about an Instagram post of Kendall Jenner. On her birthday, November 4, she uploaded a carousel that included an image of her sitting on a horse. Now, a fire has been sparked in the equestrian community, and people are trolling her, as they think Jenner is mistreating the horse. Taking that image, a post on Reddit is going viral, with the caption, “Can anyone outline the headpiece going on here? And what it’s attempting to accomplish.”

Jenner has a bridle in her hands, and her horse is facing downward. As per trolls, there is a gag bit on one rein, and that’s the reason the horse is not able to open his mouth, topped off with a standing martingale. However, it is not clear in the image about the assumptions made by the commentators. Back in May, Kendall Jenner appeared in the Vogue video series, where Jenner talked about her first ride: “I was probably two when I first sat on a horse, and maybe four when I took my first lesson.” She further added how her horse, Arizona, helps in her loneliness. She stated, “When we’re alone, he’s the only person I can talk to. Especially with Arizona, if I ever feel overwhelmed or super anxious, which is most of the time, I usually like to run out here and go for a ride.”

Despite her love for horses, as she shared, “Even though I can’t communicate with them directly, I feel that the ones I have cared for have always lent that strength to me,” she’s been trolled and blamed for mistreatment.

The equestrian community did not hold back and trolled Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner’s Instagram post has sparked an outcry among horse enthusiasts, who are scrutinizing the equipment and techniques displayed. Fans took to social media to voice their concerns, highlighting what they perceived as discomfort and questionable training practices involving the horse. One Reddit fan noted, “Definitely looks like a gag bit. When are these ever even necessary to use? That horse looks so uncomfortable.” The gag bit, a controversial piece of equipment, is often criticized for its potential to cause distress, particularly when used in conjunction with other restrictive gear.

The imagery of Jenner interacting with the horse also drew criticism. As one commenter remarked, “Yes, she’s pulling on his face while looking at him. Assuming she’s moved her leg for this, why?? Why is she pulling her horse to touch her boot??” This reaction underscores confusion about the purpose behind the rider’s posture and the actions depicted in the shoot. Another commented, “Arguable if she needs this kind of setup to do it,” like she can choose another way to ride the horse.

The choice of gear, including the gag bit and standing martingale, fueled further disapproval. “It’s kind of hard to see, but I think it’s a type of a gag bit and a standing martingale. Not the kind of equipment I prefer to use, as they are quite harsh,” another fan pointed out. These tools, while used by some trainers, are often criticized for their potentially harmful effects when misapplied or tightened excessively.

Reflecting on personal experience, one equestrian shared, “I don’t get why some trainers wrench them. The trainer I bought my PRE from had his headstall, band, and flash so damn tight. The first thing I did when I got him was loosen it all. He was so much happier.” This insight highlights a broader debate about the balance between effective training and prioritizing the horse’s comfort.

The consensus among fans is clear: the horse’s expression indicates unease. As one succinctly put it, “That’s not a happy horse. Our poor friend.” These sentiments resonate with a growing movement in the equestrian community that advocates for humane training practices and equipment choices prioritizing animal welfare. What do you think about Kendall Jenner treating the horse?