While I don’t think it is typical per se, I think it’s more common that people realize. I saw it with alarming frequency when I moved west out of “eventing country” for many years. Big fish in small ponds type trainers and riders who compete at the prelim and up levels without having much other exposure to the sport…
That’s always been the case though. I’m not THAT old but even I can remember riders coming back east getting their eyes opened. I think less frequent than before as there is so much more information more readily available. There are also some very good programs in most parts of the country now. But there always have been and likely always will be people that are not well educated and/or not Good horsemen.
