Bringing a new horse into your life is an exciting prospect, but the journey from a green horse to a reliable partner requires patience and a realistic approach to training. Many horse owners, eager to see quick results, opt for short-term “30-day starting” programs. While these programs may seem cost-effective and deliver impressive demonstrations, they often lead to long-term problems and can ultimately cost owners more in time, money, and emotional distress. This article delves into why rushed training is detrimental and offers guidance on how to avoid these common pitfalls.
The allure of a 30-day horse start is undeniable. Clients often approach trainers with this timeframe, expecting a fully functional horse by the end. However, many trainers who offer such rapid programs push horses through exercises like riding through water, moving cattle, or even standing on their backs. While this might look spectacular, it bypasses the crucial process of the horse truly understanding and internalizing the information. The horse is essentially given a “kindergarten course” in horsemanship, but when returned to a non-professional owner, it lacks the foundational confidence and experience to cope with real-world situations. It’s the difference between memorizing for a test and genuinely understanding a concept. This quick-start approach often leaves horses ill-equipped for life outside the controlled training environment.
When a horse that has undergone such rushed training encounters problems at home – perhaps it can’t be caught or ridden without issue – the owner often seeks help from trainers like myself. The process of restoring confidence and correcting poor information is significantly more time-consuming and challenging than building that confidence correctly in the first place. What might have cost $1000 for a 30-day start can easily escalate to $3000-$6000, or even more, for rehabilitation. This figure doesn’t even account for potential veterinary bills or bodywork needed to address physical damage incurred during the aggressive training.
The mental and physical well-being of the horse are interconnected. Tightness and pain can significantly contribute to behavioral problems. Many owners, upon hearing the extent of the issue and the cost of repair, find themselves in a difficult position: a horse they can’t handle, with no affordable solution. This is why I have taken in several “lost cause” horses whose previous owners felt they had nowhere else to turn. Finding suitable, long-term homes for horses with significant training or behavioral issues is challenging, as it requires owners with the time, skill, and financial resources to dedicate to their rehabilitation. Without such a home, the difficult choice often lies between the ongoing expense of caring for an unrideable horse or euthanasia.
Avoiding the 30-Day Trap: A Path to Sound Training
To prevent falling into this costly cycle, a realistic self-assessment is crucial. Consider your own abilities and financial situation. If you only ride on weekends, is a young, inexperienced horse truly the right fit? A horse that performed well for a trainer working with it daily might struggle when ridden inconsistently by a weekend rider. Are you a confident and knowledgeable rider? There is no shame in opting for a “been there, done that” horse that matches your current skill level. Honestly evaluate the demands of owning a young or nervous horse and ensure you are prepared to meet them.
If you are determined to work with a young or challenging horse, finding the right trainer is paramount. Seek a professional who can honestly assess both your capabilities and the horse’s individual needs. Be wary of any trainer who offers time guarantees; horses do not operate on human schedules. Rushing important concepts into a short timeframe can be detrimental to a horse’s long-term development. Look for someone willing to work collaboratively with you and your horse, offering lessons and encouraging your involvement throughout the process.
Once the horse goes home, consistent follow-through with a good instructor is key. Maintain a regular riding schedule and continue to reinforce the training principles. The foundation of good experiences and challenges, regardless of the timeframe, is what truly matters to a horse. The choice ultimately rests with you. While humans often equate time with money, for horses, the quality of their experiences and the development of a strong, trusting foundation are far more valuable.
References
- Skinner, A. (n.d.). Amy Skinner Horsemanship. Retrieved from https://amyskinnerhorsemanship.com/
- Best Horse Practices Summit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.besthorsepracticessummit.org/
