I am looking for a trainer who specializes in problem horses with behavioral issues in Virginia (preferably southwest VA). Horse in question has horrible ground manners- rearing, kicking, biting, squealing, generally grumpy about having humans or other horses in her space. Extensive medical screening by multiple vets has been done to rule out pain. Looking for a natural horsemanship type trainer who can work with the horse for 30-60 days to establish some better habits.
You already have a horse engaging in “natural horse behavior” so going to a “natural horsemanship*” trainer might not be the best way to start.
You’re going to need somebody who will “gentle” the horse, impose effective discipline, and allow the horse to perform the work the owner envisions. Given the way you describe the horse that will be a significant task. Your time frame may be unrealistic, but maybe not. It will depend on the skill of what the trainer will REALLY have to deal with and the skill have to deal with it.
The closest person I know of to S.W. VA with that skill set would be David Gann in Kodak, TN, just east of Knoxville. He’s dealt with problem horses for us twice, with excellent results. Look for Lazy-D Ranch on FB.
Good luck as you go forward.
G.
*“Natural horsemanship” is an oxymoron, like “jumbo shrimp” or “reality TV.” It is utterly un-natural, from the horse’s point of view, to allow a member of the World’s Most Successful Predator Species to climb on it’s back.
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Thank you for the suggestion!
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Get some training along with the horse so you can keep those habits from coming back.
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Absolutely this. It is the same thing as sending a horse to a trainer, and then finding you have no understanding of how the training was achieved for u/s work.
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Try Amanda Brunson in Louisa Va. She deals with mustangs the most, but also other horses with issues. She’s on FB. IDK if I’m allowed to link to her on here, but can send you the link to her profile through messenger if you PM me.
Wanja Gerlach - Middleburg
You can try Joyce Wade, her specialty is mules but she also works horses. You can find her by searching Wade Farms
Ditto the advice that this horse’s handlers need as much training as he does. It’s good to have him re-started by a competent trainer, but unless his owners and handlers know what they’re doing, the horse will quickly revert to its old ways.
Red Revelle is a “cowboy” style trainer who does a good job with problem horses. He’s in Orange, VA and you can find him on FB.
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Thank you all for the suggestions and advice!
Look up Laura DeAngelo she owns Skye High Equestrian if you search fb. She includes one lesson a week with her training cost and is great. I’ve followed her for years, she broke my baby and she is a fair patient trainer who really establishes the basic. You horse will work hard but not be run into the ground to gain “compliance” like some of the other natural horsemanship trainers I’ve seen. She works them 5-6 days a week I had to actually tell her not to work my horse because it was too hot because she is very driven so you don’t have to worry about a trainer “saying” they’re working your horse but they really aren’t. If you have any specific questions feel free to pm me.
