On Arrogance

Very few things bother me more than arrogance in horse training.

Especially when it comes to the horse and/or the rider’s well being. There are so many ways to get physically or mentally hurt in this sport for both the horse and the rider. Adding extra danger because of a trainer’s ego is wrong and infuriating. And the lasting effects of a “trainer”’s hubris or temper getting in the way of what is needed can be catastrophic.

To try to avoid the soapbox, I’m going to tell an anecdote that hopefully illustrates what I’m trying to discuss. A student came to me this year with a horse that she had been told was unsafe and untrainable. This is a young horse that had been ridden by the teenage owner for over 2 years, competed successfully at 2 foot, etc. She had moved barns and the “trainer” at the new barn had “worked” with the horse for a week and deemed her completely dangerous. She told the owner and her parent that she was the only one who could train the horse, that she would need their full cooperation (read: money), and that they would either have to sell the horse or let her exclusively train her without even seeing her.

Very fortunately for everyone (except the so-called trainer) involved, the owners demanded to see their horse. They found her physically and mentally abused, with rope burns and rubs from poorly fitting tack. She was dejected, standing in the corner of her paddock without looking up, which was not normal for this usually social mare.

I’m not going to go on about the abuse, because although it is related, it is a different subject that I’ve written a bit about already. But I’d like to address the fact that the owners were devastated at the news that their horse was dangerous and untrainable. Luckily they were smart enough to recognize the fact that their horse was in a very harmful situation and needed to be removed immediately. At the point they called me, they were sure they would have to sell the horse and convinced that she would never be able to be trained. This type of manipulation by the “trainer” is unjust and awful. To claim that you are the only person able to train any horse is absolutely absurd. To convince an owner that their horse is somehow at fault for your bad training is disgusting.

Since the horse was only there for a week, she was easily rehabbed. After a few days to heal and then getting checked out from the vet, we were told she was physically okay, although narrowly. We counted our blessings and started working her. To my NOT surprise at all, the horse was completely pleasant, willing, and lovely. She of course wasn't perfect, as no 7 year old off-track thoroughbred mare is. But I had no inclination that she was dangerous in any way. Suitable for the teenager? Jury is still out. We will see what this year brings. But the fact that I STILL have to convince her owners, who were terrified into believing she is an awful horse with no hope, that she is in fact amazing and easy to train, incenses me. Trainers should not be allowed to scapegoat their ignorance or mistakes onto horses. Unfortunately it happens all the time, but if you see this in your trainer-call them out on it! If they’re a good trainer, they will welcome your good-intentioned criticism or concern for your horse. And if your “trainer” claims to have a monopoly on training techniques or claim to be the “only one” that can train your horse-run the other way! There is no room for ego in horse training.