Actually it looks like it's just wearing a halter. I think what looks like another piece of tack is just coloration.
In any case this is not abuse (is he a troll or just ignorant?). I've rarely had trouble getting a halter on a horse except for one who doesn't like his ears being touched. My take is that if an animal that's basically 1,100 lbs of muscle (OK,not that one :-) lets you do something, it's not too bothered by it! Horses have absolutely no problem letting you know when they're pissed.
I'm completely with you, but this is not the right place for this discussion. Lead by example (adopt a 100% cruelty-free lifestyle) and let your influence slowly trickle out through your social network.
Well, now we're talking in terms of relativity. You're saying that it's not 'horrible abuse' because it is standard treatment, but this says nothing of whether or not standard treatment is 'horrible abuse.' For example,
The Jews that weren't killed in the concentration camps "didn't have
it so bad" compared to the ones were. But this says nothing of whether
or not overall treatment of Jews in concentration camps was good or bad.
Godwin's law only applies when calling someone a Nazi or comparing someone to a Nazi(s). Godwin doesn't cover the word 'Nazi' or 'Jew' turning up in a discussion.
