09/07/2024
The Reality of 30 Days of Training With Horses:
After 30 days of training: The horse is well-settled into a work routine that includes standing tied calmly, grooming, bathing/farrier, being saddled, loading and unloading, being bridled and being ridden at all three gaits (walk, trot and canter), BUT the horse is still VERY green, could be waspy/jumpy (not always if you have a very good minded horse that is naturally chill), and may still require manual steering (direct reining).
In our program we expose all our clients horse to everything we can and do what we can to set them up to be safe when they go home to be finished by their owners. But we also know and the owner should know that 30 days isn’t a LOT and they should remain consistent with their horse once it goes home. We also welcome the owners out anytime during training to be involved. We encourage it but understand not everybody has the time and that is a-okay ❤️ we provide plenty of updates for those who can’t come participate. A good trainer will keep you updated on EVERYTHING with your horse. Good or bad. We also provide help from afar if we can, say you get your horse home from our program and feel stuck…message us anytime! We will get on a video call and help you work through it!
A lot of people hire a trainer for 30 days with the expectation that when they pick their horse back up that they will have a one hand broke reiner that side passes, neck reins, spins a hole in the ground, is bomb proof, and won’t ever potentially act out. The reality is 30 days isn’t much, especially if you bring a horse in that has barely ever worn a saddle. We have to spend time on preparing them to carry a rider and we want EVERYONE safe….the horse and their rider/handler.
Now if you’re bringing in a super flighty, hard to catch horse with ill manners….those expectations definitely need to be set a bit lower. Because most of that 30 days will be spend on ground work and less with any kind of riding. With our program we never just “buck one out” and climb on. All our training is ethical and we never use harsh methods. And some horses no matter how hard you try, still are reactive even after 30 days, but that’s not from lack of daily work. Some horses are just a bit more challenging. Just like with people, each horse is different ☺️
Now I understand that 30 days is all people can afford sometimes and that is perfectly fine. Just know hiring your trainer for only 30 days you can’t expect a miracle. But your trainer will do their best ❤️
-Lazy M Equine Services 🐴
