Horse Question: Bad Trainer

[rowdy ridgeback]

Hello all. Here is my new horse problem. I have a new trainer that I have been using for 2 months. I was extremely scared going in. Bad horse accident as a kid on the trails. First lesson went well. Second lesson, I was scared to get on the horse because of her height 16.2h. Well the horse spooked but I stayed on. The trainer then got on the horse and it freaked. The next lesson went ok. Went back to the other horse. She tells me she is selling the horse that spooked. Hmmm. Why? Because it spooked once? So my son takes a lesson. She has him lead me on the horse with the reins in his hand. Scared the BLEEP out of me. What if something were to happen. Ok, so today I go. She says we are going on a trail ride with 2 other people. I feel I am not ready to hit the trails. I am leading the horse and it starts getting that look right before it is going to kick or bite. Keeps circling me and crowding me. Trying to get its hind by me. I am about to freak. She comes over and I tell her that I am not going to ride today. Not feeling comfortable with it. I said that I felt that way last week and the horse spooked. She say " we have been having problems with her for awhile and that was the final straw".
Why would someone do that? Put a beginner on a horse that was having problems. After that day, I didnt fully trust her. I had figured it out last week that there was probably more to the story. I am glad I didnt go today because I think I would have gotten hurt. This horse is for sale as well. Today was my last day with her. I am taking lessons at the YMCA next week with certified trainers.

 

[Gig 'Em Ags]

Quite simply, seek out another trainer who's first and foremost concern is SAFETY!!!

 

[Aussie Red]

I thought I would post that a friend of mine will be joining our forum today maybe and that she raises Tennessee Walkers and trains them so hopefully you will have another horse person here soon . Her husband raises Labs for field trials and they are all champion stock can not wait for everyone to meet her.

 

[Roxy's CD]

Maybe it was an old schoolie that just began having problems

I don't know...

Sometimes I use the hard hand tactic with people that are scared and it turns out great. They just needed someone to encourage them and give them a little shov! ROFL

I've always found that with younger children, I ask the parents to leave. Usually the parents are more nervous than the kids, and the kids get nervous, when they're usually fine on their own. Just happy to be there and happy to listen.

Not saying that your trainer was right, but horses are unpredictable. You always have to remember that. Yes the trainer is responsible, but the horse ultimately decides whether they behave or not.

I hope you have better luck at the YMCA next week

 

[Gustav]

Not saying that your trainer was right, but horses are unpredictable.

Especially mares in season!!

 

[Snark]

That trainer doesn't sound very organized or that she has any kind of structure or progression to her lessons. No wonder you're nervous, not knowing what to expect from lesson to lesson...
I hope the YMCA is a better experience for you! Whatever happened with that mare you were interested in?

 

[SummerRiot]

Wow.. that person sounds like they are only concerned about the money.

Which is very little! lol I teach riding lessons freelance now on other peoples horses and do freelance training as well.

I used to teach lessons at a "new" barn in the area as well. I would always pick the rider to the horse b/c I knew these horses inside and out and have ridden everyone of them English/Western/Bareback/In Arena/On Trails etc etc.
I never once chose a horse for a new rider that they couldn't handle.
Even when a new rider comes into the barn that has had previous experience.. I place them on a novice horse, not advanced or beginner.

Never have I taken a student on a trail ride that doesn't feel comfortable.

Horses can sense fear and thrive off of it in riders...

 

[rowdy ridgeback]

So now I dont know how I can over come the fear. My son Sam has a great riding instructor. She said I should just brush and brush her horse. And then inch my way. Just takes time I guess. She says I need to start with square one.