By Will Clinging

Over the years I have seen hundreds of mismatched horse and rider combinations. This unfortunate situation eventually leads to a very hard decision to replace the horse with one more suitable.

What makes a suitable horse and rider combination? This is a personal question that needs to be addressed on an individual basis. Too often I have worked with people who think they have found the perfect horse, the “horse of their dreams,” which is a problem in itself because a horse should not be acquired as an emotional decision. The horse is the right size, shape, and colour, but maybe it lacks some training. Sometimes there are coaches and trainers involved in these decisions, which sometimes presents another problem. Many trainers believe they can make a horse and rider combination work. A few trainers will purchase horses for clients despite knowing that the horse is not a good match. Some of these horses are misrepresented by the seller. Many bad decisions have been made with the best of intentions based on advice given, usually with the client’s best interest at heart.

Ultimately, the owner is responsible for spending money on a horse that is not working out. Before the horse is purchased too much faith is put in the advice of professionals, and not enough research and methodical thinking is done by the buyer. For those considering the acquisition of a new horse, you should make a list of what you need from your horse and what you are honestly capable of handling. Do not decide to buy a horse that you know is inappropriate because you will have the help of a trainer. I can count scores of clients who were abandoned by their trainers once their horses proved to be more of a handful than anticipated.

If you are a beginner rider, you need a schoolmaster or an old, plug-along trail horse. If you rode a lot 20 years ago and you have lost your confidence, now that you are back in the horse world, you do not need a young green horse or a big moving, talented show horse. You need the horse that you can ride now, not one you could ride when you were younger and braver. I know more than a few very experienced and talented riders who are not comfortable riding and schooling unstarted or very green horses, so don’t be embarrassed because you are not a “good enough” rider. Green and complicated horses should only be worked by riders who are experienced at riding unpredictable and challenging mounts.

Buy the horse you can ride now, not one you could have ridden 20 years ago, or one you hope to ride after more training. Photo: Robin Duncan Photography

Unless you have someone else to do the riding for you — possibly for years — it is foolish to buy a horse that you are not experienced enough to ride. I am not talking about sitting on the horse when all is quiet and you are not asking for much, after it has already been worked by someone else. I am talking about being able to take your horse by yourself and ride it without the help of someone more experienced. The risk of something going wrong is very, very real on a mismatched horse, and it is exponentially more dangerous if you are not aware or capable of handling the situation when things start to go wrong. Almost every day I see people who are in over their heads with the horse they own.

If you are having trouble with your horse, I am sure you realize how difficult it is to find help. This kind of situation can cost more than you may think, not in terms of paying another trainer to help, but in terms of confidence, satisfaction, enjoyment, and in maintaining some value in your horse if you try to resell him.

Once you have decided to change your dream horse, your dream can become jaded. In today’s horse selling economy, you may end up having to give the horse away, so the financial loss can be significant too.

I realize this article sounds like a rant, and maybe it is. As a professional I make my living working for people who find themselves mismatched and out of their comfort zone. I cannot always improve the situation dramatically enough to save the relationship. I see the frustration and the fear firsthand. I get to know the clients and their horses, and see how far apart their respective needs are. This is not an enjoyable part of the job. I am there to help the horse first, but I cannot do that effectively if the owner is not capable of continuing what I have started.

The horse world is wrought with emotion and ego. The romantic vision many people have of horse ownership and training soon goes out the window when things don’t go as planned. Paying someone else to perpetually work a horse that you are scared to ride gets expensive. Don’t feel that you have given up on the horse you love if you decide to trade it for another more appropriate mount. Both you and your horse may well be happier in different relationships. Take the time to find the horse that meets your criteria today so you can haul him home and enjoy riding tomorrow. Do not buy a horse because he has the potential to be what you need unless you know that you may be about to open Pandora’s Box.

Main Photo: f you are considering acquiring a new horse, be honest with yourself about what you need and can handle. Avoid the consequences of an emotional decision by making a list of the qualities and training your new horse should have, and be prepared to invest time and effort in finding the right riding partner. Credit: Robin Duncan Photography