As a young equestrian in an ever-evolving age of knowledge, I work with multiple trainers at all different levels to grow my own personal knowledge in the industry. I have learned from some of the best in the business and also some small town homegrowns. They all have something new to offer. But, when you are taught something by anyone, there is always room for something to go wrong.
You see nowadays, with the assistance of social media’s watchful eye, people bounce from one barn or trainer to another all the time. It has happened since the very beginning and will probably continue for more time to come. People have many reasons for moving barns or trainers; the facilities may be too far for a regular commute, the board may become too expensive, etc. But, there are also more reasons that aren’t talked about.
Drama amongst barn members is big, along with arguments with trainers over many numbers of things. The barn “family” as it is called is a rider’s support system. And when drama starts among members… all hell can break loose. Without a solid support system, riders lose touch with the fun that riding horses brings, making it no longer an activity that they want to partake in. Trainers are a large part of the support system and could easily be considered the core. They are the make-or-break of a rider’s confidence. It’s one thing to be verbal with harsh criticisms, but sometimes it is what trainers don’t say that hurts the worst. Personally, I’ve gotten to be on the receiving end of both and it isn’t pretty. I was very close to taking a ‘leave of absence’ from riding because I was so unhappy. But that wasn’t the end and normally it isn’t.
Our industry is flooded with the money seekers, the ones that are just in it to make a buck off of whoever they can. Crazy charges for simple tasks or holding back riders until they buy a big, fancy horse, the list goes on and on. Don’t get me wrong, professionals charge what they feel their time & knowledge is worth and that is entirely up to them. But, taking advantage of people is not okay. All too often, you see families leave barns or stop involvement in horses altogether because it grows to be too expensive.
Sometimes, even if riders love the barn, people, and horses, it just isn’t feasible to continue training under certain people. The equestrian industry is based on a platform of judgement, and that judgement has ruined riding for so many people. But, riders doing what is right for themselves isn’t wrong. Knowing when it all becomes too much is important. I hope by talking about this and bringing the not-so-fun subject to light, the judgment that surrounds moving barns or trainers, etc becomes less of a taboo affair.
I hope y’all enjoyed this article! I know it was kind of a downer but I promise there are lots more fun and exciting articles coming your way 😉
Until Next Time Preps,
Sydney & the Ponies
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