How do you talk about your horse?

[RedHorses]

@Lunabear1988

In another reminds me of someone I’ve came across. It’s a trainer that has a perfectly awesome amateur horse. I’ve ridden the horse as well. I’ve seen the horse out and about in different situations. He has just one of those awesome personalities. And they are always going on and on about how difficult this horse is! And that he’s a pro ride and very special and could really only get along with this one person. They even ranted once on Facebook that they are tired of people coming up to them and telling them how easy and wonderful their horse seems! That people don’t understand the journey or how hard he can be just because they never see it. Only does it when people aren’t around so they can’t understand. In reality I think this trainer feels very inadequate about herself and a little embarrassed that she’s not very confident on the hot horses anymore. Or something.

While your assessment may be correct, unless you have known the horse before this trainer got him this attitude is dismissive of the trainer’s skills. It sounds like you haven’t considered that it is the trainer’s work that has brought out the horse’s amateur friendly self. The trainer may now be exaggerating how difficult the horse is or once was (which isn’t really helpful either) so that people realize how much work she’s done.

That need to take credit comes from a place of insecurity, or perhaps offense or irritation that their work is being dismissed because the horse “has just one of those awesome personalities”.

I have a horse with one of those awesome personalities. I got him as foal and did all his training. I have said he’s the perfect horse for me in an “I’m so lucky to have this horse” kind way and someone pointed out that my training had a lot to do with that perfect fit. Awesome personality or not, if they’re not taught the skills of being a good horse partner then they won’t be that amateur friendly, amazing horse that everyone loves.

All anthropodenials aside, he also has a wicked sense of humour (among other emotions).

[Lunabear1988]

In most instances I would agree. If someone I met at the barn today said something similar I would totally take them at face value. And I agree that training is a big thing not to be discounted.

That said I rode the horse shortly after it was started as a 3-year-old… And then again as a coming five year old. Said trainer has admitted off-handedly that she does have some fear issues and at the time I remember her switching to this guy because another horse she had was quite challenging. I don’t blame her, Life is too short to ride horses with bad temperaments. But I do agree with your assessment that it’s absolutely an insecurity there which is very apparent. I actually think if she shed her insecurities she would do quite well. They are a good partnership and she clearly enjoys him.

I have a horse that for the most part has a great nature. He definitely is still in training and can certainly good the other direction but I do love his overall agreeable nature. No shame in my little QH. He’s fun!