I have ridden outside horses from time to time over the years. I’ve helped people source horses. I don’t really trust the whole story so I listen with half an ear but I’m really just soaking up whatever is in front of me. For example, a friend had placed a horse with a summer camp we both knew and trusted. After 2 summers, they reported she nipped a few campers while getting tacked up. They wanted her gone. I get her, I put her on the washrack, I put a saddle on her- and she was fine until I started to girth her up. If I did it kindly and thoughtfully, she was fine. Side eye, sure, but fine. If I did it like a busy summer camper eager to ride? She tried to nip me. Done. She was fine, just tired of being jerked on.
I just want to handle the animal in front of me, the truth will show itself.
