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Little rant

3K views 36 replies 26 participants last post by  BarrelracingArabian 
#1 ·
So I am fully aware this may seem bratty or whatever I don't care haha

So I've had a rough time the entire time I've been in the horse world. Always had project bratty horses never had it easy ever. On Instagram today and found this girl who's parents bought her not one but two highly expensive (30 and 40 thousand dollars) horses. I've been very frustrated not being able to get the horse I want which is 1750 I don't need a 10,000 dollar horse sure it's be nice to work on myself since I've never had one very well trained horse ever but I know I can't afford that. It's just really frustrating seeing these girls handed these 1D horses when I'm struggling to find a prospect in my price range :(.

Yup I sound whiney but when you've had lousy trainers, green, badly trained horses your entire 19 yrs it gets discouraging. My trainer now lends me her horses but it's not the same I love her for it and am thankful I just want my own well trained horse I can atleast win occasionally on just to give me that push to keep going. I am getting discouraged olive riding and barrel racing it's my true passion but I hate always having the projects and having to fix other peoples screw ups, every time it seemed like I found a good one it was ripped from my hands or as soon as I felt like I was getting somewhere which is why I won't lease anymore unless I'm leasing a fully trained barrel horse I'm tired of putting time in to have it shoved in my face.
 
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#3 ·
While I get what you are saying, money will only get you so far, any riding event depends on two elements the horse and rider, if I had the money I could go buy the best trained reiner out there, but unless I can ride to some extent then we wouldn't win anything.

On the other hand my best ribbon ever was a pink ribbon, that said thanks for turning up and having a go, and not jumping out of the ring. That was on my $200 you or the meat man mare. I was so proud of her, and me that day, it's a feeling that those girls who get handed push button horses will never ever ever feel.
 
#5 ·
To a point yes but when that's all you've had and you've never been able to work with a horse long enough to get there it's so frustrating. I worked my butt of on an Arab gelding who's head was so fried from racing/endurance/gymkhana he couldn't even be trusted in anything but a giant shanked bit I was so proud getting him going nicely in a snaffle and getting hi point in bi rangle but he was then ripped from my hands by the bo.

My trainer set me up with what seemed to be a great deal on a gelding who ended up having leg problems and I sold as a trail horse it's just frustrating. I'd love to have that one well trained horse to help better my riding I know I have tons of things I need to work on.
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#22 ·
I'd love to have that one well trained horse to help better my riding I know I have tons of things I need to work on.
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This thought I 100% and totally get, but you know that is what lesson horses, I mean GOOD lesson horses are for.

For so long I have ridden horses that need work, and I am tired of constantly working on them and me at the same time, spending a day at the clinic riding a well trained 'push button' horse was great, I LOVED spending the day just working on fixing me. I was also very excited to take that back to riding Gibbs, and we have improved a lot together from that day.

So if possible I highly highly recommend taking the odd lesson on a 'push button' horse, but you really don't need to ride one the whole time to work on you.:wink:
 
#6 ·
Well...you could look at it this way. At least you've had the chance to own and help train horses at all. Coming from a mid-lower income family, I consider myself SO lucky to have ever even gotten to pet a horse let alone do what I've done with them. My parents couldn't afford even riding lessons for me, or summer camps, or anything similar. There was no way they'd be able to buy me or help me sustain a horse.

But luckily I met people who gave me a chance, and ended up learning to ride and handle horses. The farm where I volunteered eventually turned into...well...a dangerous dump with far too many animals, and all of the horses I EVER got to even touch were dysfunctional, lame, crazy, sick, or horribly trained...whereas I had friends with dressage horses, traveling to clinics, taking bi-weekly lessons, etc. I rarely got to ride and worked 10-11 hours for every 1 that I got to spend leisurely with the horses. And when I did spend time with the unruly ones, then finally got them to a point when they were trustworthy, they were taken away from me and ruined again or claimed as someone else's time and time again.

But it was worth it. Why? It taught me a HECK of a lot more about animal care, maturity, standing up for myself, perseverance, and plain old nitty-gritty work than those friends of mine will ever know. I never got the chance to show or ride really nicely trained horses, and I may never. But I learned valuable lessons...and you can't put a price on that.
 
#10 ·
And some people have both. Doesn't mean we get to vilify them for having it easier financially.

I've never had the money to buy a made horse. Every horse I've ever owned has been a project, and I've had horses for 35 years. Last horse I brought home was a 5 y/o OTTB, who only knew how to run to the left. 5 years later, and he's now a pretty darned nice trail/hunter pace mount.

Be proud of what you've accomplished, and stop worrying about what others do or don't have. That way lies frustration and bitterness. Everyone has problems and sorrows.
 
#9 ·
I understand what you're saying! When I was at riding school (MANY years ago! :lol: ) by the time I got to the upper levels of the kids riding there I got given the challenging horses... mostly because I could handle them, and there were others there who wouldn't have been able to. Looking back I do appreciate that a) I was trusted with them and b) I gained experience from them, but I didnt' feel like that at the time. I used to look at the girls with their well-trained privately owned ponies, or even the other riding school mounts that were calm and well educated, and feel kind of bitter. I felt like if I was on a mount like that then I could actually spend my time improving my own riding technique rather than just spending it managing a volatile or difficult horses behaviour.

Now I"m not so sure... I realise that I probably learned a lot more than I thought I was learning, even if it wasn't what I *wanted* to learn!

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I understand and commiserate. I hope you get the horse that you long for in your life before too long! :)
 
#12 · (Edited)
My knickers aren't twisted, just stating facts. You're new here and I've been away awhile. You'll figure out I don't argue emotion, only logic.

You stated something flatly, and I corrected you. The simple truth, as already pointed out by Golden, is that regardless of how much a horse might cost or how much of a schoolmaster they might be, if their rider doesn't have the talent or training to make them work at their best, the horse simply won't perform and win.

Sure, if you let yourself you can get frustrated over having to start with a green horse while other riders have the best right away, but without talent those riders will fail. Falling back on the old jealous line, 'Money bought the ribbons' is simply not true, and beneath a person who knows how to appreciate their own good fortune.

Most riders don't have money to burn, and earn what they get. Still doesn't mean the select few who are financially blessed are lacking in talent and abilities.
 
#14 ·
I concur with you speed racer to a degree.
When it comes to most disciplines you'll find money and talent.
This rant didn't strike me as having anything to do with wealthy people competing in events. Essentially wealthy girls competing on proficient horses that don't have the talent to ride a sitting trot let alone a horse of this caliber competing with girls whom have been barrel racing their whole lives. Fundamentally speaking if you ride it you feed it. I'm not one to be jealous and I'm not a hater. I just know where the original poster is coming from as well.
 
#15 ·
On Instagram today and found this girl who's parents bought her not one but two highly expensive (30 and 40 thousand dollars) horses.

Here's another couple of thoughts for you.

Do you know this girl personally? In other words, you KNOW it's true that her parents bought her the expensive horses?

I used to ride at a barn and there was a guy there who was good looking, came from a well to do family, rode very well and really had no reason to tell whoppers and he did it all the time. For the entire time I knew him he "was going to get" the amazing warmblood, it was in transit to him as we spoke. Then it would fail a PPE, the seller backed out, the horse got injured, etc etc etc. He never got a warmblood and come to find out, he was NEVER going to get a warmblood because his parents weren't stupid. I learned that when his lips were moving he was lying.

And the final thought you don't want to hear right now and that's ok. Later on, when you ride like a total cossack from riding all the tough ones that you don't own, and you've made them be good, solid citizens, you'll find just the right horse for you. And you will have all the skills you need to turn out and awesome personal riding horse in your chosen discipline and you won't have to feel the least bit upset by anyone else's horse.

I know you're just grousing and blowing steam, but Speed Racer is right, dwell on what others have that you don't leads you right down the road to bitterness and unhappiness. Teach yourself to be happy where you are with what you have and you will be way ahead of most other folks you meet.

Sermon over! :lol:
 
#16 ·
I have seen some outstanding colts for well below 10K. I have also seen good horseflesh w no pedigree for less, still. I'd rather get a colt that was solid for my intended "purpose" and train it myself, than work with "someone else's screw ups".
 
#18 ·
Yup stated on her post her parents bought them for her. However I know I am lucky to have horses in my life but being that I want to compete so badly it sucks seeing girls handed 2 ready to compete horses when I'm struggling to get one to even start on the pattern.

I am in no way hating in her but frustrated with my own position. I've been trying to get competitive for the last 4 years and been shut down every time. 1 horse coliced and had to pts (rip soldier), one I worked for 2 1/2 yrs to get him going nicely from a high headed but case only for my trainer and the Bo to get into a fight and I got threatened by the Bo so I left another I put 3 months work on only to have the owner turn around and sell her out from under me ( I was leasing her) and the list goes on. It's just discouraging is all.
 
#19 ·
When I was 11, my parents bought me a $100.00 unbroken quarter horse ridgeling. I was ecstatic. I taught him to jump and started going to shows. Gradually I realized I was competing against all these throughbreds (back in my day, those were the top hunter/jumpers - warmbloods of today were virtually unknown lol). Anyway, as much as I loved my horse, I started feeling a little ashamed of him and intimidated. In spite of that, he took me to national ranking in BOTH hunters and jumpers, and beat those thoroughbreds regularly. Looking back, I realize how much better he could have been if I had had more faith in him. All of the parents who bought those gorgeous thoroughbreds were always asking my dad "where did you find a horse tjat can jump like that?". I guess what I'm saying is there ARE "diamonds in the rough" that can be had for a lower price. The first trick is finding it, the second is having faith in it and not be intimidated by the money horses.
 
#20 ·
Again I am aware and I do not want the most pricey horse out there all I've had are projects even the two I ride for my trainer were rescues . Sugar was found literally skin and bones the owner was only feeding him once a week , classy was found in a junkyard and both bucked like hell. Both are now great kids horses and classy is a nice barrel horse. Sugar is still quirky but both turned out to be amazing horses.

I'm not sure where it came off that I don't think a cheap find can become a good horse but that's not my thoughts at all. I'm simply stating that it sucks to see girls handed high end horses when I'm struggling to find a nice lower priced horse. That is all there is no hate towards the girl in particular, it's cool she has parents to support her like that but I just want something I can run barrels on and have fun again.
 
#21 ·
I, too, went through a spell where I was so envious of people who could either afford or were given horses with brains and conformation. Meanwhile, I'm out back trying to turn sow's ears into silk purses.

However, it eventually became that I am still riding and still actively in the business at least in part because of those years.

I still ride a variety, but get more good rides than when I was a kid or in my 20s.

I've come to accept that things aren't fair. I'll never have beautiful photos on my walls of wins on beautiful and well behaved horses (mine always got sold as soon as they stopped being vicious or healed), but I have memories that others don't. When I get to the nursing home, I'm going to tell every story as many times as I can!
 
#24 ·
Again I'm not "hating" on her I just wish I had the opportunity to have one nice horse. Sure it's fun to ride a wide variety but when most of your life riding you are frustrated it's discouraging.

Speed racers response doesn't bother me I see the point of view and appreciate it. You should also.

The other problem with lessons is where I am now nobody has well trained lesson horse it's sad but even the place I used to ride at I wouldn't recommend for learning much more then how to handle a horse in pain because 90% of the horses out there had back, leg or feet problems due to the lady being in over her head and not knowing much of anything.the "trainer" isn't much better she at one point stood behind my known to kick lease horse whacked her with leather split reins and got double barreled straight in the chest. Another time a lesson students horse fell and ended up in between to tie post and mounting block and she just stop there staring at me as I rushed over and talked the lesson girl through getting him unstuck, all they had to do was put a halter on him and give a tiny tug and he was up. There are many stories like that and being how she bragged about being some big show trainer she didn't know squat.

Well ok now I feel snotty haha I just needed to vent I am in the process of looking at horses and will eventually find one to suit me I'm just in a rough spot with how the last few years have gone. It'll pass and I'll be back to riding soon.
 
#25 ·
To bad you don't live closer, we have one selling for cheap right now.

Anyway I get where your coming from. Although I was always in the middle, I had nice horses but they weren't the nicest. I've only had prospects my whole life, trained by my mom. Always on an unseasoned horse. Personally I loved it. But one of my best times was when my mom was able to get me this old gelding. Completely automatic, all you had to do was push him. I ran the local 1D on him. I only ran him for a year though, I got bored and we sold him. I bought a 2 year old after him, I had a finished mare she just wasn't as nice. But I was able to work on me that whole time. My cousins were always handed 100% finished and seasoned horses, I used to be jealous. But now were both on the same financially level I can buy nice prospects and bring them along myself, she can't. I know how to ride colts and it gives me more opportunities. That's my way of looking at it. Just don't worry about it and as for a horse don't settle for anything.
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#26 ·
I've definitely been envious of people who got these gorgeous animals just handed to them. I remember being on a few horse communities in the Livejournal days and there would be girls who were in their teens posting pictures of horses who cost more than my car, usually taken with $2k+ cameras.

It's easy to hate on people who have things you don't, but try to recognize it for what it really is - jealousy. Nobody likes having to bust their hump for years to get the same result as other people get instantly and without having to work for it. There are detriments and benefits to both situations.

On the positives, you've learned how to work hard for what you want. You've learned patience, to be flexible, and to work with what you have. These are GREAT skills to have that will serve you well as you get older. You are very young yet, and you'll no doubt have many opportunities to have nicer horses with better training as you get more settled in life. As well, you're developing the skills to handle issues as they arise, and you can deal with a wider variety of horses.

Good luck on your search!
 
#28 ·
I can totally see where you are coming from. Ever since I've been in the horse world I've always had the raggedy lesson/lease horses; the unpapered grade horses (who were nice and some of my best but would never get me any where competitively) and my fair share of people who got whatever they wanted and were never satisfied. I work with a top notch trainer who has the 30,000 - 65,000 horses come through her barn, we've had clients buy them and sell them and meanwhile we both are stuck with the 'lesser' prospects. In fact it's only recently that I've gotten the opportunity to own my first 'nice' (meaning pedigreed, papered and top notch conformation) colt. (Then again I think all of my horses are beautiful and great and better than any other horses ;-).

Any how, my trainer told me this: "Those people may have the expensive, papered and 'great' horses but we have the horses who teach us how to ride." She had a point. One of her 'meat horses' (not the expensive 'great horse variety') went to worlds last year and won his class. My point is that sometimes the best horses are right in front of you. In the end those 'raggedy' horses will teach you more than any of those other horses will; they'll teach you how to sit a buck, rear and roll back in the middle of your park class or the horse attempting airs above grounds in a reining class.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: It's the rider that makes the horse. Keep your chin up and don't hold it against them! (They can't help it our $500 horses are better! :lol: jk)
 
#29 ·
Barrel I understand where you're coming from.

I grew up in a super wealthy town. My parents were friends with people that bought their kids 20/50K horses, sent them to uber fancy clinics, some even went on to train with Parelli and Anderson... In the yearbooks they were always posing with their fancy well turned out horses in super fancy western clothes and blinged out tack or jumping super georgeous imported WB's over impossibly high fences.

I got a meat man special $505 dollar "green broke" 18 month old grade mare. I had to work to buy anything for her and I think I wore the same boots for 10 years. I was also given unbroke or crazy horses that nobody wanted for free.
My parents were too busy to take me anywhere so I "only got" to live out in the woods breaking her, trail riding and pretending I was at shows...
I wish I had had the opportunities to do what the other girls did, could I have been something?
They could have done more, much more, but I respect that it was THEIR money and time.
So I turned out a good rider anyways that could handle anything, but the other girls did too with all their training...

I've always had cheap horses since my first one, oh my gosh how I miss that horse, but what did I do when I had the opportunity to go buy EXACTLY what I wanted?
I passed up my DREAM horse and bought a $350 train wreck... Ha ha!

So hang in there, "one of these days" you'll have the opportunity to go get exactly what you want. I think that drive and our "poverty" teaches us valuable lessons and makes us tough cookies.
Good luck and keep it up! You ARE doing a service to the animals you're patching up and that's something to be proud of!
There is never too late in the horse world, that's what makes it so awesome. :)
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#30 ·
My first horse was a 17 yr old mustang who hated everyone but me haha my aunt have him to me for my 7 the birthday the next was a green broke 3 yr old mustang who threw my little butt more times then I could count we traded him for a 20 yr old palomino mare who brought my confidence back while also being a challenge.
 
#31 ·
When I was grooming Saddlebreds, I saw teenage Equitation riders come in from their class, grab their full length mink coats and toss them on ground because they didn't place well. They had 100K horses and up, at 10 through 18.

Didn't resent them a bit, thought they were twits. AND when their trainer got there, or got wind of their shenanigans, knew they were going to get ripped for their attitudes too, she didn't play that at all. And would put them and horses out of barn if it didn't stop.

Always amazed me how people could let kids act like that.


Anyway, as to you. Quit feeling sorry for things you can't fix, at your age, you can progress I am thinking, go to work for succesful trainer in discipline you are interested in, and work up to having a nice horse of your own down the road.

IF you are determined enough, and take advantage of opportunities that you will find, or make? You can be able to purchase a nice horse for yourself one day, either through your name or your expertise in identifying a young prospect that has "it" in him or her.
 
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