by Catherine Madera
“Your horse is a little bit spoiled.”
I didn’t want to believe the clinician, but his observation was confirmed when he jumped on my horse and immediately got him to perform without complaints (I hate that!). I went home later inspired and ready to make some changes.
As much as I enjoy the challenge of training a horse myself, the insight of a good trainer is invaluable. They can see things you may not be able to see (such as a spoiled horse). When choosing a trainer and/or horse training facility I look for a few things: professionalism, humility, a commitment to improve their own horsemanship, high standards of care and herdsmanship, and an ability to communicate well with me. I have found it difficult to find trainers who are equally good with horses and people, but they are out there and worth the investment.
This month’s issue focuses on boarding and training. While training centers on the small relationship circle of you, your horse, and a hired professional, boarding moves into a much larger circle of community. These two areas of equine management have enormous potential to help or hinder your horsemanship, especially if you are a novice. We hope you’re inspired by what we’ve brought you this month: A state-of-the-art “green” Warmblood breeding and training facility in Washington, how to have a successful training experience by instructor Kim Roe, part two of liability and horse ownership as it relates to boarding by insurance agent JoAnn Maynard, and much more. Email me with feedback on these topics at: [email protected].
Ride on!
Published September 2011 Issue
Catherine Madera served as editor of the Northwest Horse Source for five years. She has written for numerous regional and national publications and is a contributing writer for Guideposts Magazine and the author of four equine-related books. She has two grown children and lives with her husband and three horses in Northwest Washington.
