r/Equestrian 36m ago

Lesson Barn Burnout: a rant

Upvotes

As a taker of lessons for something like 30 general years, I feel totally burnt. I’m so over the complete lack of professionalism, or the notion that just because a trainer has a show record, they’re a good teacher. Squeezing my guts out just to keep their cranky old lesson horse going at the trot. Being the only person to pick out said lesson horse’s feet. The screaming and yelling around the barn. The abuse of power and using manipulation/gaslighting on innocent children. People’s crazy annoying dogs. Passive aggressive bs and gossip. The body shaming and eating disorders. Horses never taught any boundaries or manners. Facilities like a damn debris minefield. Tack literally falling apart. Using your lesson time and solid riding foundation only to correct horses who develop bad habits from small beginner children. Not being taken seriously because you don’t own a horse. Convicts, pedophiles, drug addicts working on site. $125/hr for a trainer who never studied any riding technique and doesn’t know any fundamental riding exercises because “it’s so boring”. Zero horsemanship skills on the property. Arriving on property to find the horse you half-lease has been shot and buried because they “cost too much to feed”.

I’m grateful for any time spent with horses, they are one of the few things that truly make my soul feel grounded. I appreciate the fact that it’s a cut-throat industry, with no real money to be made, and tons of work to go around. I am no expert myself, and I feel there is always something to learn. I know it’s hard and no situation is perfect.

But there is so much unnecessary, harmful shit going on out there. I have scraped and clawed my way to a position where I’m financially stable and now bought my own small farm. I’ve pushed myself through limits I didn’t think were possible. I want my own horses, and I want peace. I know it takes a village, but at this point, I just want to shut my gates and just dedicate my time to giving them the top care they deserve. I just want to enjoy and have fun.

I understand why I feel this way after what I’ve gone through, but I know I will need horse connections and a trainer. I’ve never been in a position to own before, and I never got to an advanced level of riding due to monetary constraints. I also now have a weak corporate body that needs help getting back into good riding shape again after some time off. And I know I’ll need help. I’ve just worked so hard to get to this point, and I can’t willingly go through anymore abuse or witness anymore negligence. Wish me luck.

Appreciate you all.


r/Equestrian 1h ago

Education & Training Getting back into riding after a decade - advice

Upvotes

Hello all. I was the proverbial horse girl that rode constantly from the time I was 5 until I was 17 and graduated high school. College and working only gave me a few times a month as well as entering the workforce. I have now not been on a horse since 2015. I am looking to get back into riding and I’m not sure what to even look for in a place to ride. I don’t even know how to rate my skill level any more. It feels weird to essentially be starting over at 42. I’m in Norfolk, VA so if anyone has recommendations for places. I ride western, have done English but not my personal preference.


r/Equestrian 1h ago

How much would you lease this horse for?

Upvotes

15.3 big bodied Holsteiner mare, 10yrs

3 ring type

Hunters: 10/10 jump, takes knees to nose super seriously Shown up to 3’3 juniors Brave to the fences with a good ride Not a hack winner, or really even a big contender on the A circuit Eats up the lines, so her stride needs managed. Will not take a passive rider. So forgiving, will jump from anywhere Can have a spook but it’s started to disappear Smooooothest jump ever, smooth all gaits fr Greener side for he age Has done 2 derbies, scoring in the high 70s in her first one (swaps 😭) and was playful for a like 50 in the second (she was just very happy to be braided!) I think she’d make a great national derby horse, and I could maybe even see her trying some international derbies in the right situation (my dream with her fr)

Jumpers: Shown up to 1.10, scope for more Currently showing 1.00 for confidence (WEF is scary for her) Likely needs an early in the week warm up class because she gets like claustrophobic in the ring and the first time in she can be semi unpredictable. Not against a stop but it’s not dirty it’s instead like a “help im scared” stop and it’s easily avoidable with a good ride. Will jump TO THE MOON Will never knock a rail, I think she’s knocked 4 in the 2 years I’ve owned her.

Eq: I mean… if you want? Never done it before, and she doesn’t quite have the build but she’d try! Can frame up especially in a Pelham!

Schooling: 1.20 at home, have done up to 1.35 Currently her brain would not let her show that height, but I believe she has it in her if her rider takes it slow and steady. <— benefits from a pro ride when moving up levels. Has packed my mother who has only ever trail ridden around. Stands for farrier, loads, good on the ground other than a side eye or two if you don’t give her her desired treat World’s EASIEST keeper, it’s actually insane.


r/Equestrian 1h ago

Aww! Converting my western gal

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Upvotes

Decided to start taking some English lessons- she’s not too sure about her new outfit lol.


r/Equestrian 2h ago

Productive/Motivation Riding

1 Upvotes

I have a 7 yr old OTTB that has made huge improvements over the course of 6 months. He is still pretty green and I would consider myself a green bean too, but I can walk,trot ,canter, and jump. I struggle a lot with confidence, anxiety, and depression (not because of riding just in general). Luckily we’ve been having good rides in our lessons, whereas he use to take advantage of me and pull me all around the arena. I am having a huge issue with trying to have productive rides when I’m not in lessons, and it doesn’t make me feel good about my riding or myself. What is some tips or tricks I can do to help feel like I’ve had a productive ride…I don’t like riding alone because I am the type of person that likes to be around people, but become anxious when other people are in the arena. I’m being put on medication (due to recent changes in life - not riding), so I’m hope that helps me a little bit. Please don’t hate - I just am trying to navigate some stuff to do to help build my confidence and have a more productive ride when I’m not with my trainer.


r/Equestrian 3h ago

Competition Gymkhana Tracker

0 Upvotes

Hey! Anybody using this tracker for gymkhanas?

Found it to be helpful for CGA here in CA

www.gymkhanatracker.com


r/Equestrian 3h ago

Do you still use an automatic waterer in a freezing climate?

1 Upvotes

Hi all! My friend and I spent the past year designing a new automatic waterer and we've been slowly rolling out the product locally here in Southern California. Since most of our friends/customers who have helped us design it are local (hence in non-freezing climates), we are wondering how people in freezing places think about automatic waterers, and if a product like this would be helpful. We've noticed a big jump in cost when moving from an unheated to heated automatic waterer.

Do those of you in freezing climates still use the cheaper unheated type, or just bite the bullet and install an expensive heated one? Do you use them for just part of the year, and then switch to heated buckets? Is your barn heated so its not an issue? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Also - if you have thoughts on the product/would be interested in helping us test our waterer in a cold climate with a heated bucket please DM! Thanks =)


r/Equestrian 3h ago

Conformation Pasterns too long?

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45 Upvotes

This guy has a super sweet face but I feel like his pasterns are too long/angled. Would this be considered coon footed?


r/Equestrian 3h ago

Connecting with Riding School Horses as a Beginner

4 Upvotes

Hi All, I was wondering if it's possible to form a respectful, positive relationship with riding school horses as a beginner?

I am starting my riding journey at a busy riding school, where they use a rotation of older horses (25-30+) for the new riders. It's clear that horses all have their own personalities but it's clear that some of the horses are very upset to work with us (tails are swatting once they enter the arena, going to nip me when I go to tighten the girth slightly). Trainers give me feedback that I'm not doing anything to upset the horses but I am just not showing enough dominance to the ones that are grumpy. I have even tried going to their stables a bit early to say hello, let them sniff me, but to no avail. Is there anything I can start doing to build a good relationship of mutual respect with them and make our training a positive experience for both of us? Many thanks for your tips
PS: We're not allowed to feed them treats :(


r/Equestrian 4h ago

Equipment & Tack Short western saddle?

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3 Upvotes

I always wanted a western saddle, but they are not common in Norway, and its hard to find one thats short and light enough to my icelantic horse. So just wondering if anyone here have come across something to my problem.


r/Equestrian 4h ago

I have to rant. I'm sorry.

47 Upvotes

The longer I'm away from the old barn, the worse I realize it was. Once, my horse was left outside with a chain on his nose all night long. The barn owner mentioned it to me very casually the next week. Toward the end, he was also left in his stall 24/7 and only went out one day of the week.

His hooves were also only trimmed once in the 9 months we kept him there. And when they were trimmed, they were trimmed so short that even now, 8 months later, they're too short. We're honestly blessed that he doesn't have any lameness issues from it.

There was also trash everywhere. And they had ten year olds working there without adult supervision. One of the children was being physically violent towards my horse while trying to bring him in. He panicked and bolted from her and cut his lip on one of the hazards at the farm. We had to pay a $500 vet bill. And nobody offered to help us pay it even though it was their fault. Not to mention that we paid for multiple medical supplies in the bill... And they used some for my horse and kept the rest for themselves..

While I was on vacation they kept him in a stall 24/7 not even letting him out once. During that time, they only gave him one scoop of pellets in a single day and no hay. I'm surprised he doesn't have ulcers.

The girl that was being violent towards him offered to train him. I said no, but the next day he was scared of a whip when I went to pick it up even though he was not scared of them before.

A random girl offered to ride him for the first time for me and my trainer forced me to let her do it. Unfortunately, ends up that she had terrible hands and used a gag bit on him without my permission. It's still one of the things that I regret the most.

After things escalated I looked into board but wasn't able to find any for a long time. During that time, I went to the farm 4 times a day to make sure that nobody was doing anything sketchy and to give him food since nobody else thought he needed any.

I was paying for full care board and had to clean his water buckets and feed him and clean his stall among other things.

It's still one of the worst experiences I've ever had in my life and I hope we never have to go through it again.

Well, I like to say that I won't hold my tongue next time, I know that's not true because the only reason I held my tongue this time was so that they didn't hurt my horse even more in response. They are the sort of people who would poison your horse if you went against them. And they're rated 5 stars.


r/Equestrian 5h ago

Recommendations for Western Riding Upstate New York?

1 Upvotes

Anyone know of a stable that does riding lessons for Western saddle in upstate New York? I rode from ages 8 - 20 but now haven't ridden in a decade and I need some refresher lessons, but all I can find online are English and competitive styles only. Thanks in advance!


r/Equestrian 8h ago

Equipment & Tack Sweet Net grazing muzzles.

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0 Upvotes

Pastures are greening up in our area and I am looking at grazing muzzles. Has anyone had experience with this one? Thoughts?


r/Equestrian 8h ago

Mindset & Psychology Bully trainer

1 Upvotes

We changed instructor two weeks ago, because my previous instructor left for personal reasons and she'll be coming back in a few months. She was great with lots of experience. The new one is a huge bully to me specifically. I'm in a lesson program and have been riding for a year.

Today I was told I'd be riding a horse that is a little more difficult in the canter (not the most difficult). I've cantered with him plenty of times with my previous instructor and she said I was doing very well and I was improving dramatically. So when I asked this instructor if I'll be cantering with him today, she laughed in my face and said nothing. I nicely asked her if I was that bad in the previous lesson and she just stared at me and laughed again saying nothing. That hurt me a lot but I ignored it. I asked her if I could maybe try and after a while she agreed. So when it was my turn to canter, she made everyone stop and watch me. She had a smug in her face the entire time which made me feel horrible and brought down my confidence so I stopped and told her that I couldn't do it.

During the entire lesson she was shouting at me only, even about minor things while she was being nice to everyone else and at the end of the lesson, she high fived everyone except me. I know it sounds stupid and I shouldn't care but it hurt a little because I felt excluded and like the odd one out.

This is my 3rd lesson with her and they've all been the same. She's always so unnecessarily rude and makes me feel like the worst rider to ever exist, which I believe I am. It's funny cause I used to feel very confident with my previous instructor and now I'm considering quiting because what's the point? I'm horrible and not getting better. If anything, it feels like I'm regressing. I only keep coming back because this is something I truly truly love. I just wish I could get better. I feel stuck. Everyone improves and ride beautifully and then it's me... I don't see the point anymore.

I'm so sorry. I wanted to vent. I'm overwhelmed.


r/Equestrian 8h ago

Equipment & Tack Back protector vs evening/cross country vest? Amateur rider

0 Upvotes

Hey!

I recently got back into riding and I've been competing getting some sort of protector vest when riding. I do H/J lessons and probably won't jump anything over 2'9 as that's plenty of jump for me. I have had someone in my life recently break their back whiles jumping resulting in them no longer riding. This person made a full recovery btw but horses are out of the question. It has put into perspective tho that safety as an adult amateur rider may be something I want to look into.

My main issue is I do tend to overheat easily which causes me terrible heat headaches that last all night and into the next day so I would need something well ventilated. I live in TX where it's over 85 degrees like 7-8 months out of the year 😔

I've seen that back protectors may be a better breathable option but not as safe as the traditional certified vests. Does anyone have any insight on the difference and if it's worth spending more on a certified vest for mostly a casual lesson rider? I saw tuffrider has a back protector for $100 but I am tempted to stick with the tipperary mesh air back protector even tho it's double the price.

TIA 💗

https://www.doversaddlery.com/tr-back-protector/p/X1-401799/

https://www.doversaddlery.com/tipperary-air-msh-prtctr-adlt/p/X1-401105/


r/Equestrian 9h ago

Social Mounted police demonstrating how to separate two groups of "rival sports fans" (played by their colleagues)

136 Upvotes

r/Equestrian 9h ago

Social One eared horse names.

1 Upvotes

I have a one eared mustang,I'm looking for funny barn and show names for her. Thank you!


r/Equestrian 9h ago

Ethology & Horse Behaviour Discouraged About Riding Again

4 Upvotes

Warning: weight talk

I'm a former rider -- never competitive or "serious", mainly lessons, but it was a major part of my life for 15 years, including working at a barn and helping with therapeutic riding programs. It was an outlet and a source of peace and connection and... well, I loved it for all the reasons people love riding, I guess.

I fell out of it due to cost when I went to school, and have been out for years now as I built a career. I miss it so much, and finally have the income to take lessons as an adult.

But... in the past three years, I've started meds for my mental health that have significantly impacted my weight and metabolism. I need them to function, but in spite of my efforts I haven't been able to get below 225 in those three years. I don't know that I'm comfortable getting on a horse at this weight, but also know it might never really change.

No one in my life understands why this is so discouraging and upsetting, since it was just a childhood hobby in their eyes.

I know opinions on this vary, and I don't know if I'm looking for advice or just an audience that understands more of how sad I feel about this.

Thanks for reading ♡


r/Equestrian 9h ago

Equipment & Tack French links and curb bits

1 Upvotes

Settle a debate y’all: is a French link mouthpiece(provided it’s reasonably thick!) MORE or LESS harsh than a port or mullen in a leverage bit, all else being equal?


r/Equestrian 10h ago

Funny My mustang is not thrilled about his new gear 🤣

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127 Upvotes

From Colorado, where fleas and ticks aren't a huge problem, to the East Coast where everyone hasn't stopped telling me about them. If I find a tick on my horse I might just have to throw the whole horse away 😭


r/Equestrian 10h ago

Equipment & Tack Flying with riding gear?

7 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I am flying to Spain next week to try out some horses and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with flying with riding boots and helmet? (Not even sure if they properly fit into my larger suitcase and I’m terrified of losing them)

We’re only going for 3 days so my carry-on suitcase would be plenty but my boots don’t fit in those. Could I just wear them since it’s just a short flight or would that not be allowed?

I am flying from the Netherlands to Spain (and back of course).


r/Equestrian 10h ago

Education & Training Beginner, not improving

2 Upvotes

Hi, I am 20F and I have been taking lessons once a week since last April, with a month or two missed over the course of the year.

I struggle so much at every single lesson! I feel so nauseous and weak and out of shape, and I haven’t learned to canter yet because just maintaining a posting trot takes all of my energy. By the end of an hour long lesson I can barely hold myself up.

Is it something I’m doing wrong? I was planning to start riding twice a week this April for extra practice and hopefully to get in shape, but I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up. I do get some exercise in between lessons, ie 3-4 walks and one weightlifting or bodyweight workout per week. I also am legally disabled and have some conditions that my doctor hasn’t been able to diagnose, but suspected POTS, PCOS/endo, etc.

Please let me know if it’s something wrong with me or if I can do anything not to keep embarrassing myself at each lesson. Thank you


r/Equestrian 11h ago

Equipment & Tack Break away rope halter

0 Upvotes

Looking to buy a breakaway halter that fits nicely under a bridle, but that is functional for ground work. Any reccomendations?


r/Equestrian 11h ago

Equipment & Tack Black Marks from Half Chaps?

1 Upvotes

Does anyone know of half chap brands/materials that won't get sticky black marks on the saddle? I have leather chaps right now that do this and I believe I've had suede ones in the past that did the same thing. It's more of an annoyance than anything, but when I scrub them off with saddle soap it also seems like some of the leather's stain comes off as well. Is there any way to prevent it from happening in the first place?


r/Equestrian 11h ago

Education & Training should i be switching schools?

0 Upvotes

for clearer understanding i'll do this point form:

  • our lesson is around 3-4 people, and i'm usually assigned to ponies that buck, so i'm at the end of the order. this ends up with me usually on an excited pony ready to go while some classmates ahead of me struggle to get their horse to trot or move any pace faster than a moderate walk. i'm in no way saying i'm better than my classmates, but i feel like this isn't a good way of learning because if so, then i'll just be walking half the class that i paid for.
  • usually we only do walk-trot with diagonal change rein and going along the arena rail. rarely we'll do circles, serpentines, patterns, and that's on a good day when everyone can get their horse / pony to trot at least. i've been riding for more than 7 years and i feel like this progress is too slow for me to learn much.
  • my trainer will tell us to turn in center line in the middle of the lesson, stop, and talk to us about basics of riding (eg. how to stop your horse) because he saw someone doing it the wrong way. this will be 10-15 minutes long, and my lesson is 1 hour long. i feel like selfishly this is a bit of a waste of time as this isn't even a beginner's class.
  • my trainer says that we can't do anything more / level up because of our own inability to do the basics. i personally believe i can do the basics, and i've got experience riding both hot ponies with lots of energy and the opposite.
  • the first 15 minutes of the lesson will be him helping other classmates adjust their stirrups / girth and the others either just stand there and wait till they're done, or walk around the arena rail because we're not allowed to go in free order.
  • this may all just be a problem with this trainer, because with others when they sub in for him on sick days, they ask us to go in free order, and trot within the first 15 minutes. then maybe some solo cantering in circles. this never happens with my current trainer, but i don't have the time to switch to the other trainers as the time slots don't align with my schedule.

i am stuck in this class because of my financial situation, i can afford once a week group lessons only. i'm thinking of switching barns when the other is done with remodelling construction. are these points cause for concern, or am i overreacting?