Navigating the world of horse ownership can be an exciting, yet often daunting, journey. For many, the significant investment in professional horse training, often around $850 per month, raises questions about its true worth. However, when contrasted with the often-unpredictable costs and hidden issues associated with purchasing a “finished” horse, especially those priced under $10,000, the value of professional training becomes clearer. Many individuals find themselves in a financial and practical “lottery” when horse shopping, encountering animals that are not as sound, gentle, or finished as advertised, or worse, possessing chronic problems that may never be resolved. For those seeking a reliable roping horse, the investment often begins at $10,000 and can easily exceed that amount.
For the average horse buyer, the process of selecting the right equine partner can be particularly challenging. While professional horse trainers may have evaluated thousands of horses throughout their careers, many prospective owners have only looked at a handful, leading to intimidation and potential misjudgment. It’s crucial to understand that numerous issues, even in young horses, can be permanent if not addressed correctly, especially without the guidance of an experienced horseman. Problems such as running off, difficulties with arena boundaries, or issues related to the roping box can place a buyer at a significant and often unnecessary disadvantage. Untangling these behavioral challenges independently can be incredibly difficult, particularly for those who do not ride or rope daily.
The Risks of Training a Young Horse
The financial aspect of training a young horse is not merely the cost of the trainer’s time, but also the potential expense of mistakes made during the training process. Young horses are highly impressionable, and incorrect training can lead to lifelong behavioral problems. Issues such as developing a complex about the roping box, the rope itself, or the general dynamics of a run can be exceptionally hard to rectify. Furthermore, young or “green” horses can be unpredictable and even dangerous when approached without the proper techniques and understanding. Their decision-making skills are still developing, and this can be exacerbated if they are not consistently ridden. Similar to human adolescents, unsupervised, their choices can rapidly decline. The sheer size and power of horses mean that they can easily cause injury, often unintentionally. Inexperienced handlers often inadvertently set themselves up for a “wreck” when attempting to train young horses independently. For this reason, many recommend considering horses that are slightly older, perhaps in the 7 or 8-year-old range, rather than those that have not yet reached full maturity.
The Advantage of Professional Training
This brings us to a compelling alternative: entrusting a professional horse trainer to develop a suitable mount. When executed correctly, this approach can effectively address the aforementioned challenges and result in a horse that can be reliably ridden and enjoyed for many years. A skilled trainer can assist in locating the ideal horse, identifying and avoiding “plugs” or unsuitable animals on the market. They can also help prevent buyers from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous sellers and can facilitate thorough veterinary checks, ensuring the horse begins its career on a sound foundation. Even the simple act of sending videos or photographs of a horse’s papers to a trainer for their opinion can be immensely valuable.
Moreover, a professional trainer can help circumvent fundamental problems in a horse. Their motivation is twofold: ensuring you don’t inherit a difficult animal, and also because they themselves would prefer not to ride a problematic horse. Based on years of experience, riding a kind, well-trained young horse is far more enjoyable than working with a troubled one. While a good trainer can often fix existing issues, they are invariably more successful when starting with a clean slate rather than attempting to correct pre-existing faults.
As previously mentioned, the most successful outcome is often achieved when a horse is started correctly from the beginning, rather than needing to have problems fixed later. This is where the expertise of your chosen trainer becomes invaluable. For those desiring a truly exceptional horse, the most prudent strategy is often to purchase a quality young horse and send it to a trusted trainer for several months. This allows the trainer to shape the horse according to your specific preferences and skill level. The result is a horse free from ingrained problems, safe to handle, and tailored to your individual needs and abilities.
The Financial Investment Explained
While the prospect of professional training sounds ideal, the financial commitment can seem daunting. However, a closer look at the numbers reveals that it can be a surprisingly cost-effective approach. Typically, a quality young colt suitable for professional training can be purchased for under $6,500, and this is a generous estimate. Many horses are acquired for clients in the $4,500 range. If you then factor in four months of professional training at $850 per month, the total cost amounts to $3,400, bringing the grand total to approximately $9,900. If you manage to purchase a horse for $4,500, this budget could even accommodate an additional two months of training, potentially bringing the total cost down to around $7,900, well within the $10,000 budget. This demonstrates that investing in professional training can be a financially sound decision, leading to a superior outcome compared to the gamble of buying an unproven horse.
Your Dream Horse, Made for You
Choosing the route of professional training means acquiring the horse of your dreams, one that you know has been meticulously trained without any prior negative experiences. You avoid the challenges of breaking in a young horse, the daily commitment of feeding and handling during those crucial early months, and if your trainer is skilled and attuned to your needs, the horse will be trained specifically for you. Rather than being generically patterned, the horse will be developed to feel exactly how you desire. Therefore, if your goal is to build the right horse for your needs rather than simply taking a chance in the market, consider reaching out to experienced professionals. Continuous work and a dedication to improvement are key in developing exceptional equine partners.
AJ Fuchs is a professional roping horse trainer and PRCA competitor based in Stephenville, Texas. With over a decade of experience, AJ specializes in training Team Roping horses and overall horsemanship. You can find him on Facebook at AJ Performances Horses or visit his website at ajfuchs.com.
