Hi Abi, sadly there are many who think this. Some people are open minded and when shown a better way will ditch what they have been doing for years and change for the better. However, there is a large group (not just horsey people!) who feel that their pride, knowledge, status, standing in the world would be threatened beyond repair if they were to change their minds. These are often the people who will adopt some pseudo scientific sounding crap such as the phrase you heard to justify continuing to do what they do. I suggest next time you hear it you say, "Really? Hm that's interesting, can you tell me what you mean by that and the scientific influences and theories that have helped you reach this conclusion". I suspect after a few minutes of blustering and blithering the 'audience' will realise that s/he wouldn't know a model/theory of psychology/oppression or any other if it bit them on the backside! However, this person may have some very interesting research and knowledge and if they do, bring it here and we can all have a good look at it :-)

Hi. Welcome to the wonderful world of 'know it alls'. Some people can find fault no matter what. The best way to deal with it is to lead by example, just like Monty. You were right not to get involved. Do not give them the satisfaction of regarding their stance as worthy of consideration. Focus on the things you can do. I assume this person rides/has a horse. I also assume that you too ride. Do all you can to be the best rider possible and that will show them that there is a better way. It will take time but then the best things usually do.

I've just had a thought. How intelligent does something need to be before it can be influenced psychologically? Given that traditional training methods were based on the premise that horses were very unintelligent and therefore needed to be mastered and broken, the argument that join up is oppressive indicates the belief that they are highly intelligent! If that is the case then to include any violence in interactions with horses is totally illogical. Maybe one day we can surgically insert a microchip into our brain, all sit down together ( humans and horses ) and discuss how the partnership will progress. Until that happens we, the intelligent humans, have a choice. We can continue to abuse horses or we can use the best tools available. Perhaps join up is not perfect. However, chasing horses about with whips is far more hard work for the human, clearly less effective for the horses and out of keeping with the notion that in the 21st century we are civilised.

Nicely put Jo!

You showed more restraint than I could have managed, by not rising to this bait. Much better to bring the comment here, so it can be dealt with appropriately!
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"The wise have something to say. The foolish have to say something". Jo's counter-argument is very well framed, and summarises the Psychological Oppression fallacy beautifully.
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As far as my horse is concerned, he seemed very laid-back when I sought his opinion on the matter. He has finally found a way to train his owner - by sharing a language - and doesn't care what anyone wishes to call it. He went on to tell me that a certain place on his near hind leg was itchy, and requested that I scratch it. He asked so politely that I was happy to oblige.
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Monty's insights and methods have lifted our mutual respect and understanding to undreamed-of heights. I'm not going back to the old methods, no matter what the 'intellectuals' say.

Thanks all, vicci I will be sure to say that to anyone in the future! It will be amusing to see them attempt an answer!
Thanks again,
Abi