Mismatched Horses & Riders

not a good enough rider. Green and complicated horses should only be worked by riders who are experienced at riding unpredictable and challenging mounts.
Unless you have someone else to do the riding for you possibly for years it is foolish to buy a horse that you are not experienced enough to ride. I am not talking about sitting on the horse when all is quiet and you are not asking for much after it has already been worked by someone else. I am talking about being able to take your horse by yourself and ride it without the help of someone more experienced. The risk of something going wrong is very very real on a mismatched horse and it is exponentially more dangerous if you are not aware or capable of handling the situation when things start to go wrong. Almost every day I see people who are in over their heads with the horse they own.
If you are having trouble with your horse I am sure you realize how difficult it is to find help. This kind of situation can cost more than you may think not in terms of paying another trainer to help but in terms of confidence satisfaction enjoyment and in maintaining some value in your horse if you try to resell him.
Once you have decided to change your dream horse your dream can become jaded. In todays horse selling economy you may end up having to give the horse away so the financial loss can be significant too.
I realize this article sounds like a rant and maybe it is. As a professional I make my living working for people who find themselves mismatched and out of their comfort zone. I cannot always improve the situation dramatically enough to save the relationship. I see the frustration and the fear firsthand. I get to know the clients and their horses and see how far apart their respective needs are. This is not an enjoyable part of the job. I am there to help the horse first but I cannot do that effectively if the owner is not capable of continuing what I have started.
The horse world is wrought with emotion and ego. The romantic vision many people have of horse ownership and training soon goes out the window when things dont go as planned. Paying someone else to perpetually work a horse that you are scared to
ride gets expensive. Dont feel that you have given up on the horse you love if you decide to trade it for another more appropriate mount. Both you and your horse may well be happier in different relationships. Take the time to find the horse that meets your criteria today so you can haul him home and enjoy riding tomorrow. Do not buy a horse because he has the potential to be what you need unless you know that you may be about to open Pandoras Box.