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| So, over the passed 60 days I have entered quite a few large barrel races (300+ entries) in the Midwest. And you know what stands out to me at all these barrel races? The one thing that sticks in my mind? The large number of teenage girls who cannot actually ride a horse. From the warm up pen to the barrel pen, they are literal train wrecks. It's easy for me to put my judgmental hat on but I'll be the first to admit I am not perfect but I choose to learn and improve every day, which is where I think the disconnect lies.
Every little girl wants to be a barrel racer and I want to support them in doing so, but I feel there is more to it than putting a teenager on a fast horse and telling them to hang on as they bounce and fling and jerk and kick and pull and whip. What happened to learning to ride? What happened to basic horsemanship skills? What happened to technique and honing your craft? I mean how about we not pay $500 for that tack set or $3000 for that saddle and spend that money on lessons? I guess, my whole point is, do they know how much better they could be? Do they not want to be better? And before you say it...I will...Why don't I (we) try to help them? Yeah...I'll say it now...I've said it before...you cannot teach someone who doesn't want to learn and from experience most teenage girls are experts. So, I guess that's my frustration because to me being a "barrel racer" is more than just that; we're students and trainers, cheerleaders and activists, therapists and strategist...I just don't know why people don't want to be better. |
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Location: South | I think the kids you are talking about don't know any better,neither do their parents. I wasn't raised this way but know many who were. Parents were financially able to buy them whatever they wanted (tack, horses, saddle, trailer, etc). My parents wasn't financially able to do that- I trained my own horses from the start. Also when I would get into a rut training a young horse I wouldn't hesitate to go and ask someone who I trusted their thoughts to help me out. I think about those memories often and how much they helped me become a better rider. Plus how much it matured me as a person. Plus many parents and kids just want to WIN- they don't want to go through the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to get that young horse to be that consistent good mount years later. They want everything right now. Not tomorrow- today. To me their is so much more beauty to barrel racing than that, but that is just my two sense.
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Elite Veteran
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| I do agree with you, it is sad. but for the most part, these kids are simply doing what their parents have taught them. Even if they wanted to get better, they cant do it without their parents support and most of them dont know any better. I think we have a parent problem more than a teenager/kid problem. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
| trobertson - 2016-05-31 3:12 PM
I think the kids you are talking about don't know any better,neither do their parents. I wasn't raised this way but know many who were. Parents were financially able to buy them whatever they wanted (tack, horses, saddle, trailer, etc). My parents wasn't financially able to do that- I trained my own horses from the start. Also when I would get into a rut training a young horse I wouldn't hesitate to go and ask someone who I trusted their thoughts to help me out. I think about those memories often and how much they helped me become a better rider. Plus how much it matured me as a person. Plus many parents and kids just want to WIN- they don't want to go through the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to get that young horse to be that consistent good mount years later. They want everything right now. Not tomorrow- today. To me their is so much more beauty to barrel racing than that, but that is just my two sense.
I was raised much like you...and I totally agree with what you're saying. I shouldn't let them bother me...but it does. LOL. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
| horsiace1025 - 2016-05-31 3:13 PM
I do agree with you, it is sad. but for the most part, these kids are simply doing what their parents have taught them. Even if they wanted to get better, they cant do it without their parents support and most of them dont know any better. I think we have a parent problem more than a teenager/kid problem.
Yes, I do believe it is also a parent problem, for sure. |
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Location: South | RedHead84 - 2016-05-31 3:16 PM
trobertson - 2016-05-31 3:12 PM
I think the kids you are talking about don't know any better,neither do their parents. I wasn't raised this way but know many who were. Parents were financially able to buy them whatever they wanted (tack, horses, saddle, trailer, etc). My parents wasn't financially able to do that- I trained my own horses from the start. Also when I would get into a rut training a young horse I wouldn't hesitate to go and ask someone who I trusted their thoughts to help me out. I think about those memories often and how much they helped me become a better rider. Plus how much it matured me as a person. Plus many parents and kids just want to WIN- they don't want to go through the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to get that young horse to be that consistent good mount years later. They want everything right now. Not tomorrow- today. To me their is so much more beauty to barrel racing than that, but that is just my two sense.
I was raised much like you...and I totally agree with what you're saying. I shouldn't let them bother me...but it does. LOL.
Oh it bothers me too! But when I see these kids I'm reminded of how thankful I am for good parents. :) |
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 Coyote Country Queen
Posts: 5666
| There isn't just one type of uneducated rider. There are those who don't know any better, those whose parents aren't willing or able to get their kids help, and those that think they know everything and won't accept help or constructive criticism. And don't think it's limited to the kids, or just barrel racers for that matter! It does bother me when I see someone struggling and I know that with just a little help they would get along so much better. But I've learned that you're pretty much wasting your breath until they decide they want to be better and seek out help. So I focus on bettering myself and my kids. |
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Posts: 425
Location: California | I think some kids just don't get it. Or they think they don't need improvement. Especially if they do have a nice fast horse & win, then to them, why improve?
I gave lessons for a hot minute, and one little girl just would not relax. She didn't understand that she had to learn to walk before run. That girl would rather bite the dust a thousand times than learn to balance. |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | There's really a number of things that cause this:
1) Child decides they want to barrel race, clueless parents assume all you have to do is buy a fancy horse and tack and you're good to go (how hard can it be???)
2) Child is used to getting everything they want NOW without having to start at the bottom and work their way up, and think they're the best at everything
3) Parents can't stand to let their kids be less than the best or fail, so buy the fastest horse they can and try to win at all costs with no concern for proper riding (as long as you're winning, that's all that matters!!!)
4) Parents actually do want their kids to learn, but their kid is a know-it-all and doesn't need any help
5) A kid with little-to-no horse experience was invited to come ride with their barrel racer friend (Hey, I have a horse you can ride, all you have to do is hang on!)
6) Some parents and kids are doing the best they can and are trying to learn, but aren't quite to there yet, or just genuinely don't know they're doing anything wrong
7) No matter how many hours they spend in the saddle, they'll never be a good rider
Edited by Gunner11 2016-05-31 3:46 PM
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Location: SE Louisiana | I dunno.... I never really learned proper equestrian-ship... What I did learn is that horses are inherently dangerous animals... I was about 12 years old when I got my 1st horse.... She was 1/2 QH and 1/2 Appy... I saddled her up one day and climbed on..... and she took off!!! Dead run!!! She drew a bead on a Walnut tree and headed for it... Well.... I saw what was coming... There was a limb as thick as my leg that grew straight out 90 degrees from the trunk.....
This silly mare had to duck her head to get under it.... The limb cleared the horn by about 2 inches..... SWEPT me right off the saddle!!!
I saw it coming so I had kicked loose and was ready for it... No broken bones..... But I've never trusted a horse since....  |
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| I am a teenaged rider, but I was taught correctly and ride my horses to the best of my ability, I don't whip, and my runs are controlled and I let my horses work. From my experience as I run with these type of girls every rodeo, they cut corners, and honestly don't care. As long as they're fast, they don't care if they're jerking their horses face, spurring them bloody, and it looks like a train wreck. It makes me feel bad for the horses that have no idea what is going on as they're running to each barrel being spurred and whipped and then they get their face jerked around. |
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| IowaCanChaser - 2016-05-31 2:24 PM
I am a teenaged rider, but I was taught correctly and ride my horses to the best of my ability, I don't whip, and my runs are controlled and I let my horses work. From my experience as I run with these type of girls every rodeo, they cut corners, and honestly don't care. As long as they're fast, they don't care if they're jerking their horses face, spurring them bloody, and it looks like a train wreck. It makes me feel bad for the horses that have no idea what is going on as they're running to each barrel being spurred and whipped and then they get their face jerked around.
and every year these same girls end up having to get a new horse at the end of the season because there is "something wrong with them." My daughter is like you...and while it drives her NUTS that I wouldn't let her run full bore until she knew her basics, she is the better rider for it and can now buy the "ruined" horses dirt cheap and run them. *That* makes me proud. Not money and buckles and trophies...but that my daughter (even with our limited finances) is becoming a "handy rider" and can problem solve a horse. |
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Expert
Posts: 1695
Location: Willows, CA | I spent the holiday weekend at Sherry Cervi's West Coast Youth Championship. A great event, by the way. I watchrd every kind of horsemanship over 400 entries that there is. In the end, the good riders were the fast riders. Some of the girls looked like they were in survival mode, and some were poetry, so I don't think we can paint them all with the same brush. As someone who would be honored to be thought of as a horseman, I wish there was a way to get through to some people about the relationship between horse and rider. None of the horses being ridden with such little consideration should have to go through that. My two daughters were blessed to grow up riding with Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance. It still stops me in my tracks to watch them ride. |
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  Witty Enough
Posts: 2954
Location: CTX | I hear ya! I am by now means a great barrel racer, but 30+ years of English taught me a thing or two...
I see it all around, most kids (and parents) want the quick fix, so mom and dad get a nice horse and they go to town, first couple of runs are nice, but then it starts to fall apart, because those nice horses can't run while they are being kicked forward, yanked in the mouth and have the kids flopping around like monkeys on their backs....
What also gets me big time is that I see them post runs on fb and everybody raves about it and tells the kids they are oh so talented and great riders... really.... what happened to being honest and telling the kids what they need to work on....
I keep telling myself "not my circus, not my monkeys" but I do cringe every time I see it happen... Some very nice horses are being blown up because of this....
Edited by cranky B4 10am 2016-05-31 5:27 PM
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Location: SE Louisiana | RodeoCowgirl4u - 2016-05-31 4:30 PM
IowaCanChaser - 2016-05-31 2:24 PM
I am a teenaged rider, but I was taught correctly and ride my horses to the best of my ability, I don't whip, and my runs are controlled and I let my horses work. From my experience as I run with these type of girls every rodeo, they cut corners, and honestly don't care. As long as they're fast, they don't care if they're jerking their horses face, spurring them bloody, and it looks like a train wreck. It makes me feel bad for the horses that have no idea what is going on as they're running to each barrel being spurred and whipped and then they get their face jerked around.
and every year these same girls end up having to get a new horse at the end of the season because there is "something wrong with them." My daughter is like you...and while it drives her NUTS that I wouldn't let her run full bore until she knew her basics, she is the better rider for it and can now buy the "ruined" horses dirt cheap and run them. *That* makes me proud. Not money and buckles and trophies...but that my daughter (even with our limited finances ) is becoming a "handy rider" and can problem solve a horse.
Just from observation.... I find that a lot of horses won't run 'full bore.' with a rider that can't deal with it... And it's not just kids!!! I've seen full grown adults that didn't know crap about riding a horse... Kicking, whipping and screaming for more speed and the horse was like.... (in your dreams)
This is one of the things that makes a good kid horse...  |
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 pressure dripper
Posts: 8699
Location: the end of the rainbow | It doesn't always go away once they grow up either. There is a local gal who is in her early 20s now. She's a heck of a jockey & can sit a fast horse. But her horsemanship skills in general are seriously lacking. She has set herself up as a trainer and people are now paying her to ruin their horses. I try not to be judgmental and I do like this girl personally but the whole situation and often watching her work horses or give some poor kid a lesson just makes me sad sometimes. |
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 Georgia Peach
Posts: 8338
Location: Georgia |
Oh gosh tell me about it. I think it all goes back to foundation, much like you guys were saying. Some people buy their kids fast horses and the kid just holds on. There is no real skill there and how would they possibly develop any skills that way? My mom bought me lessons for two years (I assume to judge if it was a horse crazy phase) and then she bought some trail horses. I soon after decided barrel racing was for me and she told me "If you want a barrel horse, you better make you one". So I did just that and I was thrilled to be doing so. My trail horses rocked it! Obviously I'm past the trail horse stage now but I truly do think those horses taught me more than any "made-barrel horse" would have. Point is, I just think those who have had to work for it are more motivated to become better. They actually want to learn and become more skilled riders. But we also need to remember that everybody has to start somewhere. I have watched some of my old barrel racing videos and they werent always so pretty... |
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Gettin Jiggy Wit It
Posts: 2734
| Do you want to know what I think is ridiculous is the 80,000 dollar trailers and 50,000 dollar trucks and then the people that own them don't spend the same money on riding lessons... oh their poor horses. I just don't understand...
Edited by WetSaddleBlankets 2016-05-31 8:43 PM
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Location: Somewhere around here | Runninbay - 2016-05-31 6:05 PM
Oh gosh tell me about it. I think it all goes back to foundation, much like you guys were saying. Some people buy their kids fast horses and the kid just holds on. There is no real skill there and how would they possibly develop any skills that way? My mom bought me lessons for two years (I assume to judge if it was a horse crazy phase) and then she bought some trail horses. I soon after decided barrel racing was for me and she told me "If you want a barrel horse, you better make you one". So I did just that and I was thrilled to be doing so. My trail horses rocked it! Obviously I'm past the trail horse stage now but I truly do think those horses taught me more than any "made-barrel horse" would have. Point is, I just think those who have had to work for it are more motivated to become better. They actually want to learn and become more skilled riders. But we also need to remember that everybody has to start somewhere. I have watched some of my old barrel racing videos and they werent always so pretty...
Completely agree with this! I had English riding lessons on and off for a few years before me parents surprised me with my first horse when I was 12 and a half. She has skinny, hyper, had a tumor on her tail, and the poor thing needed some sweet love. My parents (to this day) don't know much about horses and they'd probably never even glanced at her if they did know a thing or two BUT she was perfect for me. I had to learn everything with her and she became my first barrel horse. After a while I was even able to re-train some of the bad habits out of her; prancing every trail ride, high head all the time, wasn't collected, and so on. I only had her for 4.5 years but she was amazing and she passed away in our care. That old ugly horse that no one wanted made me the woman and horse rider and trainer that I am today.
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | The first time I attended a 4D race to watch -- I was horrified to see so many folks flop and jerk and slip and slide all over their horses. Many runs I thought "she is going to die". As in any sport, the better physical shape you are in and the more well trained you are the higher your success level. There are certainly some great riders out there, but many folks need to take a step back to basic riding lessons. |
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Expert
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Location: Somewhere around here | Delta Cowgirl - 2016-06-01 6:35 AM
The first time I attended a 4D race to watch -- I was horrified to see so many folks flop and jerk and slip and slide all over their horses. Many runs I thought "she is going to die". As in any sport, the better physical shape you are in and the more well trained you are the higher your success level. There are certainly some great riders out there, but many folks need to take a step back to basic riding lessons.
I attended a clinic, hosted by Mile Hi, where there were a couple of people teaching it and one of the clinicians, I believe it was Kelly Conrado, told all of us to kick out our stirrups and walk and trot small circles. I don't really remember how I did but I recall seeing some more "experienced" riders flopping around like a sack of potatoes. Kelly mentioned that he made all of his kids practice riding without stirrups every week, and I believe you can really see that pay off in his girls running. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 823
Location: East Texas | Most of ya'll are hating on kids riding, but the older riders are just as bad or worse. |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | CrossDRanch - 2016-06-01 8:08 AM Most of ya'll are hating on kids riding, but the older riders are just as bad or worse.
agreed |
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Regular
Posts: 85
| Some kids these days are only worried about winning, but it takes a competitive edge to want to get better. Maybe parents get a little ahead of themselves sometimes but they are excited for their kids and want them to be successful. Maybe we should be a little easier on them and just offer the help we can because they are the future of the industry. There are things I would have done differently if I knew then what I know now but every experience taught me something that contributed to the horseman I strive to be today.
I wasn't raised on 1D barrel horses, but I did have a seasoned mare when I was about 10 that taught me more than I would have learned "training my own" at that time. After that I had a young horse that I had to pattern myself, luckily he turned out to be a natural and carried me through high school and college. My niche now seems to be horses with a big motor that you have to "ride quiet and trust". I moved on to cutting horses when I was older and I think that was the best thing I could have done horsemanship-wise, but again I was blessed to be able to ride horses that knew their job. Where I'm going with this is sometimes you can benefit more from a horse that is dead broke, or runs the pattern the same every time because you learn the FEEL of what is right. A trainer cannot teach feel, it is up to the rider to take the time to learn it. Being back on barrel horses now feels completely different than it did the 18 years I competed before.
Edited by Lph88311 2016-06-01 9:08 AM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 628
Location: Missouri | I've gotten to the point when I go to barrel I avoid other riders like the plague. I try not to judge people on riding ability because it will just make you angry. I warm up away from the warm up arenas, avoid heavy traffic areas, and only go up to the arena for my run. It's painful to watch someone who can't ride. I've been saying for years, every other discipline I have ever ridden has had a trainer, it seems barrel racing is the only event where you don't go for lessons 2-3 times a week and have a trainer who teaches you basic horsemanship. Why is this? I actually had a barrel trainer. I went for lessons 2 times a week along with going to my cutting horse trainer and jumping trainer. It's upsetting to see so many people who can't ride. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
| I agree with you but its not just teenagers. Ive seen several adults ride the same way. I think getting basic lessons before racing is a great idea plus getting tune ups once a year isn't a bad idea either. Ive helped a few girls at races and had their parents thanking me afterwards. If someone ever approached me at a race and gave me a few pointers, I wouldn't be nasty. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 575
| RodeoCowgirl4u - 2016-05-31 4:30 PM
IowaCanChaser - 2016-05-31 2:24 PM
I am a teenaged rider, but I was taught correctly and ride my horses to the best of my ability, I don't whip, and my runs are controlled and I let my horses work. From my experience as I run with these type of girls every rodeo, they cut corners, and honestly don't care. As long as they're fast, they don't care if they're jerking their horses face, spurring them bloody, and it looks like a train wreck. It makes me feel bad for the horses that have no idea what is going on as they're running to each barrel being spurred and whipped and then they get their face jerked around.
and every year these same girls end up having to get a new horse at the end of the season because there is "something wrong with them." My daughter is like you...and while it drives her NUTS that I wouldn't let her run full bore until she knew her basics, she is the better rider for it and can now buy the "ruined" horses dirt cheap and run them. *That* makes me proud. Not money and buckles and trophies...but that my daughter (even with our limited finances ) is becoming a "handy rider" and can problem solve a horse.
I'm watching this happen now with a local girl. She had a NICE mare, who now looks "blown up", and the girl bought another NICE young prospect. The "blown up" mare is with a more quiet rider while she's for sale (and rapidly getting back to being the cool horse she was), and the young mare is getting jerked around in exhibitions as a 4 yr old. She went from cruising a nice pattern when purchased, to not being able to even get around her second barrel without being yanked on so hard she's starting to stop and rear up. At what point do you realize, "I've gone through x-amount of horses and they all have the same problems... maybe it's me?"  |
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 Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | cecollins0811 - 2016-06-01 5:44 AM
Delta Cowgirl - 2016-06-01 6:35 AM
The first time I attended a 4D race to watch -- I was horrified to see so many folks flop and jerk and slip and slide all over their horses. Many runs I thought "she is going to die". As in any sport, the better physical shape you are in and the more well trained you are the higher your success level. There are certainly some great riders out there, but many folks need to take a step back to basic riding lessons.
I attended a clinic, hosted by Mile Hi, where there were a couple of people teaching it and one of the clinicians, I believe it was Kelly Conrado, told all of us to kick out our stirrups and walk and trot small circles. I don't really remember how I did but I recall seeing some more "experienced" riders flopping around like a sack of potatoes. Kelly mentioned that he made all of his kids practice riding without stirrups every week, and I believe you can really see that pay off in his girls running.
I ride bareback sometimes to practice the same thing. Sometimes I'll kick out of the stirrups too. |
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Ms. Elvis
Posts: 9606
Location: Running barrels or watching nascar | mlh0972 - 2016-06-01 7:51 AM
I've gotten to the point when I go to barrel I avoid other riders like the plague. I try not to judge people on riding ability because it will just make you angry. I warm up away from the warm up arenas, avoid heavy traffic areas, and only go up to the arena for my run. It's painful to watch someone who can't ride. I've been saying for years, every other discipline I have ever ridden has had a trainer, it seems barrel racing is the only event where you don't go for lessons 2-3 times a week and have a trainer who teaches you basic horsemanship. Why is this? I actually had a barrel trainer. I went for lessons 2 times a week along with going to my cutting horse trainer and jumping trainer. It's upsetting to see so many people who can't ride.
I try to do the same. I can't stand people lately |
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| I recently took my daughter to a Team Josey clinic and they did a short session on basic horsemanship and it was amazing how little people knew, both young and old.
As far as the youngsters go, I know parents want their kid to be out there WINNING but this is actually the time that they should be out there LEARNING. Once they learn those wins will come. I truly believe that if you teach a kid to train their own horses they will always ride a good one. Money may run out but the knowledge they acquire, they will always have.
Edited by LAC 2016-06-01 1:23 PM
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Regular
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| mlh0972 - 2016-06-01 7:51 AM
I've gotten to the point when I go to barrel I avoid other riders like the plague. I try not to judge people on riding ability because it will just make you angry. I warm up away from the warm up arenas, avoid heavy traffic areas, and only go up to the arena for my run. It's painful to watch someone who can't ride. I've been saying for years, every other discipline I have ever ridden has had a trainer, it seems barrel racing is the only event where you don't go for lessons 2-3 times a week and have a trainer who teaches you basic horsemanship. Why is this? I actually had a barrel trainer. I went for lessons 2 times a week along with going to my cutting horse trainer and jumping trainer. It's upsetting to see so many people who can't ride.
I completely agree with you! The warm up arena is more nerve racking sometimes then your actual run! People are so rude and it is scary when you are trying to avoid them because you are nervous that they are going to run into your horse or fall off in front of you! I try not to watch people around me till after my run and I try to pick a warm up area that has the least riders.
I grew up doing all around events so I had multiple lessons each week, there was a time where I was taking both western showing mixed with reining, dressage and speed event lessons and we would have drill team practices all winter on the weekends! Barrel racing and poles were just a fun getaway for me from showing when I was younger, now it is what I compete in. However I still train my barrel horses with a lot of reining and some dressage foundation. I definitely mix up their training between disciplines and I find going to clinics by all around horseman or reiners/dressage trainers really helps. I was lucky to have a great 4H leader who really encouraged me to be an all around rider when I was a kid. I really disliked the english lessons and showmanship practices but it really helped me in the long run.
I will say it is kinda hard to get out of the proper show mode when you are trying to get competitive at barrels though! I'm getting better now but I really had to teach myself to loosen up and lean forward in between barrels. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 634
| WetSaddleBlankets - 2016-05-31 8:40 PM
Do you want to know what I think is ridiculous is the 80,000 dollar trailers and 50,000 dollar trucks and then the people that own them don't spend the same money on riding lessons... oh their poor horses. I just don't understand...
Some people need to buy a $1,000 horse and have $19,000 of riding/ horsemanship lessons as opposed to buying a $20,000 horse they can't control or ride. This happens a lot in my area. Next you end up with a gate sour, ruined horse that hates running barrels because it has a flopping, whipping, kicking person on its back in the arena. I wouldn't want to go in either. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 509
| I took along one of my hunt seat friends one night to a local punkin roller show she right off the bat started bashing the locals finally after listening all evening my suggestion was turn your head you don't have to watch, me personally i focus on my horsemanship and being in This over a lifetime i don't pay much attention who knows what others story is maybe there learning maybe they aren't as gifted as others. I figure to each is there own I'm constantly learning it's just my personality to be better than i was the last ride. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| I can agree. There are things I did when I was junior high/high school that make me cringe when I look back. I honestly didnt know better and didnt have anyone to teach me better. Now I am surrounded by great horse people so its hard not to be a sponge and soak it all up. This site has helped me a lot with many issues. Trainingbarrelhorses.com has been good too. The internet has been a game changer lol. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | When I first started barrel racing (eh about 8 years ago?) I was a teenager, and watching the videos now absolutely make me cringe. I was very very much a beginner and man did it show. Thankfully, I was able to get some lessons from and ride with a knowledgeable, experienced person in my area (who's turned out to be a great friend over the years) and I had a very patient, forgiving horse. And I was willing to work at it.... A lot. I was willing to take constructive criticism and actually DO something with it.
I feel like the younger generation (not all, just a broad statement here) doesn't really want to work out the kinks with a horse, or better themselves, when things get better. Many, not all, just want to wash their hands of it and get a new one. Again, I acknowledge that not EVERY younger rider is this way, but I have seen it a lot over the years. A couple bad runs, and they hate the horse, want to get rid of it and find something else. Nevermind looking into health issues, rider issues, and the list goes on. |
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Horsemanship...RANT