25/05/2025
How do I know how much time each horse needs?
The answer lies in experience. I've been doing this since I was 12. The first week a horse gets here is the planning phase for me. I assess them and where they are at, begin to condition their body, see how they respond and react, how they retain information, how they move and how they are built, and what the owners goals are. Then from there I make the plan. I will always advocate for the horse and what is best for the horse: Some horses come on very quickly, and some just plain ole need more time to step into their greatness. Some, we just aren't going to get along with, and some haven't been physically sound. I'm pretty honest and I will tell you what I think in the week. There hasn't been very many horses since I was 12 that I don't get along with, but there has been some. I will know if your horse is not sound. I prefer not to be one of those trainers who rides a horse they don't jive with or who aren't sound enough just to fill their pocket as this does the horse no good. Fortunately, this isn't the norm.
I do alot of different types of work for people, however in general, if you are confused on how long you should budget to send your horse out for, in general I would always budget for at least 3 months. Goals could be accomplished quicker and then you save a bit of funds, but incase they aren't you are prepared to give your horse the best start and foundation it can have; whether that is an under saddle start, a rehabilitative work back into it, or a start to a discipline specific sport. Starts for discipline specialties such as for barrel racing for example often need much, much more than a month, so it is best to make sure you are prepared to budget this. I know alot of trainers who will keep horses for longer for this. I have never seen a horse do well when it is rushed beyond it's personal timeline. Ever. I have instead seen it backfire alot.
Horses of all kinds these days are bred to be more athletic, faster, and the best they can be at what they were bred for. I find this often lends to needing more time to fully enhance the beauty of their movement and ability. Even the trainers with the best of seats, timing, and feel still need the time to enhance, physically condition, and bring these features fully forward. If not, you could risk permanent injury to your horse from not being able to educate the body well enough, let alone prepare them mentally for their future in which they will need to be confident to fully embrace their abilities. Not to mention, a big thing is that a prospect tends to cost a little more now these days than what they used to; every discipline is at the top of its game now. Don't waste it on a start that doesn't stay the course of their needs and what you want for their future.
The age old saying still rings true: "A good foundation is expensive, but a cheap one is going to cost you even more." It is timeless.
I challenge you this season to set your horses up for success.
Happy Riding! 🍃
