Does your barn test you before you ride? Ive recently found out that majority of the boarding barns in the area give their boarders a test before they allow them to trail ride on their own. The one that has the most thorough test is a trail riding barn, from what I have been told, there are several things you have to do to pass, such as walk, trot, and canter without stirrups, emergency dismount, one rein stop in both directions, mounting and dismounting from both sides of your horse, going through water, over tarps, and opening gates while on your horse.
What are your thoughts on this? From what I was also told was that this barn that does this test has a lot of English theories on riding, but they train Western. Currently the barn I am at, the BO is wanting to do a test for boarders as well, his idea is a bit more simple though, all he wants to see is if they can ride their horse on our trails. Thoughts? TIA!
No offense but "they can ride their horse on our trails" WTF??
Never heard of it and would likely never stay anywhere with that requirement. It's absolutely no one's business how someone else chooses to ride their horse.
Now I can understand WHY the barn would do that and I'm sure there are other factors as well, but it's definitely overstepping their bounds imo. Now if they were riding the barns horse that would be different (is that the case at the trail riding barn?)
That's why you have insurance, and as far as wanting the best for people, it's still none of your business.
Accidents can happen to the best riders, heck it's often the good riders who choose difficult horses who get hurt. Maybe they should set a training level for the horses and a temperament test in addition? That's often more important...
Oh and for all the times I've come off none of them have been in the middle of nowhere... Anyways, people don't want to come off and if it's a worry they will be that much more focused on riding properly so less likely. People are cautious.
I can see barn rules of "carry your phone" or whatever but someone telling me what I can and can't do with my own horse in a situation that effects no one else.... If the person can go anywhere else (a public park for ex) with no restrictions why would you place restrictions on what they are paying you for? If they don't pass are they just not allowed to take their own horse out?
Idk, if it's common in your area may be worth considering but I'm not liking the concept in general lol. Heck, I can think of a lot of excellent trail riders who might not pass a couple of those. I was literally trail riding on my own at 12 when we got the first horse. When they came home the next year and we had real trails I'd be gone for hours.
No offense but "they can ride their horse on our trails" WTF??
Never heard of it and would likely never stay anywhere with that requirement. It's absolutely no one's business how someone else chooses to ride their horse.
Now I can understand WHY the barn would do that and I'm sure there are other factors as well, but it's definitely overstepping their bounds imo. Now if they were riding the barns horse that would be different.
That's why you have insurance, and as far as wanting the best for people, it's still none of your business.
Accidents can happen to the best riders, heck it's often the good riders who choose difficult horses who get hurt. Maybe they should set a training level for the horses and a temperament test in addition? That's often more important...
Oh and for all the times I've come off none of them have been in the middle of nowhere... Anyways, people don't want to come off and if it's a worry they will be that much more focused on riding properly so less likely. People are cautious.
I can see barn rules of "carry your phone" or whatever but someone telling me what I can and can't do with my own horse in a situation that effects no one else.... If the person can go anywhere else (a public park for ex) with no restrictions why would you place restrictions on what they are paying you for? If they don't pass are they just not allowed to take their own horse out?
Idk, if it's common in your area may be worth considering but I'm not liking the concept in general lol. Heck, I can think of a lot of excellent trail riders who might not pass a couple of those.
I had never heard of it before to be honest, and thought it was quite insane myself! From my understanding, my BO is wanting to do it due to our recent boarders that come out boarding, go and ride the trails, and find the trails too challenging and then complaining about them and leaving telling people that the trails are too difficult.
As for the other place, I have heard the test to ride by yourself is quite extensive. There are many restrictions to the farm my friend is at as well. Personally, like you said, I dont like the concept either, what so ever!
I clicked on the thread title expecting it to be like a standard of horse care thing at DIY or part care barns. Not a riding thing.
I think the riding test is taking it a bit far. By all means test potential boarders on their views and whether or not they're going to be a drama-free client. By all means ask for financial references and/or do a credit check so you know if they'll pay. But if they're riding THEIR horse, it's their responsibility what happens on the trails, because by definition of being trails the barn cannot guarantee a perfectly safe manicured ride with no sticks or branches or spooky things. (Maybe have that in the boarding contract though so you have a disclaimer and hopefully will be protected if someone tries to sue)
I clicked on the thread title expecting it to be like a standard of horse care thing at DIY or part care barns. Not a riding thing.
I think the riding test is taking it a bit far. By all means test potential boarders on their views and whether or not they're going to be a drama-free client. By all means ask for financial references and/or do a credit check so you know if they'll pay. But if they're riding THEIR horse, it's their responsibility what happens on the trails, because by definition of being trails the barn cannot guarantee a perfectly safe manicured ride with no sticks or branches or spooky things. (Maybe have that in the boarding contract though so you have a disclaimer and hopefully will be protected if someone tries to sue)
It sounds like a Parelli type barn gone overboard.
What if you had an untrained horse?
I & my horses can do those things but I still wouldn't board there. A boarding barn is supposed to take care of your horse, not micromanage the owner.
LOL! From what I was told about their trails is that they are flat, short, and not very exciting. But thats a great question, Gaited horses are very popular here as well, so I was kind of curious as to how they would accommodate to the Gaited Community in that respect as well!
I do not require it and never in my life would I board somewhere that did. Never even heard of it. Beyond the waiver, what you do is your business - Until you cause a problem that could damage others, I do not need to be involved.
Never heard of giving potential boarders any sort of riding test. It amazes me that anyone would consent to such a thing. Most stables seem to appreciate the absentee non-riding owners as they don't cost them as much.
What should be policy in every boarding facility is a NO DRAMA clause :twisted:
Croatia has a law that you have to pass a state test for a riders license to be allowed to ride in public spaces. It even includes jumping. I don't think it's enforced though. But a private barn doing it... maybe there is an insurance reason behind it?
lol.. Is the trail on private property ? that would be the only reason i would think they would do this. Seems rather neurotic and bit over controlling.
I would never board at a place that required a riding test for trails, ever. It's the principle of it. You pay to keep a horse at a facility not to be dictated to what you can and can't do with your own horse. Yes, that barn that you talk of would definitely not be a good fit for me. There would have to be a huge incentive for me to agree with this idea, but it would take a lot. If people are that interested in specific types of trails, then they should check it out before hand or at least ask about it. What I wouldn't give for a hill here and there.
I guess I'm glad that I don't live in Croatia. What about people that don't jump at all or people who own horses that can't jump but still want to ride some trails?
@AnitaAnne Why would a non riding absentee boarder cost a boarding barn less? Unless you have a whole barn full of horses with owners like that and you didn't provide anything for riding, I don't get how it would be less costly to have an absentee owner.
@AnitaAnne Why would a non riding absentee boarder cost a boarding barn less? Unless you have a whole barn full of horses with owners like that and you didn't provide anything for riding, I don't get how it would be less costly to have an absentee owner.
Several ways they are cheaper. Absentee owners aren't using the facilities. No washing horses (lower water bill), no tack (less storage needed), no riding (smaller arenas, less upkeep), etc. They just aren't around to use stuff.
Horses that aren't worked don't eat as much either. Plus if the stable charges for things like holding the horse when the farrier is there, or blanketing the horse, etc. Any kind of add-on fees for services.
Finally, absentee owners are drama-free :icon_rolleyes:
Sounds a bit silly to me as well. Maybe though, their insurance company gives them a break on their rates for doing that. Not unlike some car insurance companies will do, if you take a "defensive driving" course and pass a test.
I knew a few places in the UK that refused to take owners that knew nothing about how to care for a horse or people that couldn't ride safely off the property. They didn't have tests of any sort but wanted references up front.
It seems petty but I think they just got sick to death of having to spend their own time helping DIY (self board) owners do basic stuff becasue they felt sorry for the horses and getting called out to rescue total newbie riders who were in trouble all the time because they were out of their depth and didn't know how to control their horses
I'm confused about the line of thinking, here.
How does administering a test alert riders anymore than actually alerting them would? xD
For what it's worth, I've never heard of this before. I'm wondering what the test even entails? Does the BO really take time out of their schedule to audit a trail ride for ever potential boarder? Or?
Very strange!
I'm confused about the line of thinking, here.
How does administering a test alert riders anymore than actually alerting them would? xD
For what it's worth, I've never heard of this before. I'm wondering what the test even entails? Does the BO really take time out of their schedule to audit a trail ride for ever potential boarder? Or?
Very strange!
I would imagine that they just don't want the hassle of babysitting beginners and listening to boarders whine about their trails being 'too hard for them'!!!
Totally crazy. I have never heard of any such thing out west. And we have mountains. Just how bad are the trails back east? I can't imagine them more rugged than out west. Of course most of the places people trail ride out west are public lands, like state parks and national forests. The trails aren't owned by the barn you board at.
We have some pretty tricky trails. Most of which never bothered me until I got a green horse. Now I might be careful on which trails I take him on, but if I am out of my comfort zone I just don't take that particular trail. No harm, no foul. It would give us something to work towards.
I wouldn't board at a place that is serious about a person passing this test. That comes across as very "snooty." I wouldn't choose to canter without stirrups. If that makes me a bad rider, so be it. I think it's just smart. I've also never learned the emergency dismount. I generally try to stay on my horse no matter what. I've only intentionally bailed once, and that was a horse that was rearing. So those are my thoughts on it.
Now what I WOULD support, if the barn owner is concerned about skill level, is they could do some free "training days" where boarders could expose their horse to tarps, learn the emergency dismount if they want to, practice riding without stirrups, etc. That would be pretty cool and encourage people to learn what they consider safe skills. But to require me to pass some sort of test to board there? That's too snooty for me!
Thanks to everyone that replied! When I found out about this other barn doing these tests, I myself thought it was quite insane! And had never heard of such a thing.
My personal BO is just wanting to make potential boarders aware of our trails before they decide they want to come here, it doesnt have to do with level of riding ability, just more of a way to let people see them.
As for our trails, LOL, there is ONE hill that is steep, thats it. So not quite sure what the past boarders problem has been with it, but everyone has their own opinion, and know their abilities, I guess it was out of their comfort zone? Not quite sure
Common misconception that gaited horses are only for flat trails. Mine all go on pack trips in the mountains and are a super ride!
While I guess any property/Barn Owner is free to make whatever rules they want for their property and if you want to board there you follow them...that does seem very over the top to me haha. "oh yes -and you need to pass an extensive test on your skills before you can ride here" ...am I getting a drivers licence? lol
I have acres of private trails that our boarders have access to ride on. There are rules (no chasing cows, close gates behind you properly, no ATVs blah blah) we have some really difficult trails through ravines and easier ones so you can choose your level. I don't do a test before they ride out alone -but I require a very solid waiver to be filled out because I do not want to be held liable if their horse stumbles, freaks out over cows or dumps them and we live in a society that's pretty quick to pass blame but trails are ride at your own risk. Really all riding is ride at your own risk. I am of course happy to give any boarder a tour when they arrive or the first time they want to go out on the trails and I don't want to see anyone hurt and might make a suggestion to not ride alone or take lessons...but they are free to explore on their own if they so choose. That is a large part of what they are paying to have access to. Do they charge a reduced board if they are withholding access to certain facilities? Is the BO a certified instructor?
I'll go against the grain and say it may not be the worst of ideas.
1. it may be an insurance issue where the company covering some of the barns says "hey if someone is riding on their own we want to know the horse and rider are both competent"
2. the way you worded it isn't "you can't board here without passing this test" just a "you can't ride alone on the trails without me feeling confident that you can take care of yourself"
the first one may be more of an extreme test as going over a tarp and mounting from the right side of a horse really aren't going to save your butt out on the trails alone, but i'm guessing the BO just got that from some sort of trail clinic and said "there is my standard"
so all in all, I think your BO's idea of a test just to show you & your horse around and see how you handle yourself and your horse is a good thing, then the BO gets an idea of you can handle your horse and are relaxed vs you're a nervous wreck accident waiting to happen... ummm i don't think this barn is the barn for you sorry
I'll go against the grain and say it may not be the worst of ideas.
1. it may be an insurance issue where the company covering some of the barns says "hey if someone is riding on their own we want to know the horse and rider are both competent"
2. the way you worded it isn't "you can't board here without passing this test" just a "you can't ride alone on the trails without me feeling confident that you can take care of yourself"
the first one may be more of an extreme test as going over a tarp and mounting from the right side of a horse really aren't going to save your butt out on the trails alone, but i'm guessing the BO just got that from some sort of trail clinic and said "there is my standard"
so all in all, I think your BO's idea of a test just to show you & your horse around and see how you handle yourself and your horse is a good thing, then the BO gets an idea of you can handle your horse and are relaxed vs you're a nervous wreck accident waiting to happen... ummm i don't think this barn is the barn for you sorry
This has already been responded to and while I also agree there is some merit behind the idea it's absolutely absurd that someone buys a horse for thousands of dollars, pays thousands more over the course of the year (or even month sometimes), then someone that they are paying to provide a service tells them they can't have access to not only to part of what they are paying for but in essence their own property?! All without the person being at fault for absolutely anything and doing everything properly.
Not gonna fly. Honestly I likely wouldn't even consider such a place to board even if the test was completely minimal and easy simply due to the principal of it.
"My boarder, they just board their little mini here, actually rides there. From what I've been told is if you want to ride THEIR horses on THEIR trails you have to take their test. You have to prove you can safely ride and control their horses at all gaits. Now I don't know if its true that they actually test the BOARDERS on their OWN horses."
THIS was sort of my hunch all along (though the OP said several farms have this policy) and I think it completely makes sense and is the proper thing to do. VERY different situation.
Just riding out on the trails is one this, insurance wise -well Ive worked with insurance for my own boarding and they really just want liability forms signed to release that. Technically that 'test' puts liability back on you (assuming that they are giving the tests) and so if they say that you are in their opinion a good rider and can go on the trails alone...say your horse can spooks, dump you, and now if they wanted to they could say that it was your fault for evaluating them as competent.
I get the idea, that it is helping to eliminate safety issues...but the fact is that a great rider can be taking out a green horse alone for their first time while a green rider could be riding an old hand at trails and be safer.
Anyways, I see the idea and in a perfect world I would like to know every rider that goes out on the trails is safe, competent and will not get dumped...but the fact is that as a rider you need to be aware and responsible for your limitations also...its an odd thing to do a test, I see the benefits...but it would put too much liability on me if I did that, and I don't think I would want to board somewhere that did. Personally anyways.
Just riding out on the trails is one this, insurance wise -well Ive worked with insurance for my own boarding and they really just want liability forms signed to release that. Technically that 'test' puts liability back on you (assuming that they are giving the tests) and so if they say that you are in their opinion a good rider and can go on the trails alone...say your horse can spooks, dump you, and now if they wanted to they could say that it was your fault for evaluating them as competent. .
This is a very good point. A rider could sue that barn for declaring them "competent" if there is an injury that could be considered to be caused by the trail conditions.
By what degree does the BO consider themselves competent to judge competency?
Reminds me of the time McDonald's got sued because their coffee was hot...
Do they struggle to find people to board there or are they usually full and have a waiting list?
Thats the true test of whether or not their system works for them
LOL thats a good question, there have been 2 boarders from my barn that have gone over there for different reasons. They seem to like it from what Ive heard, but I havent talked to them since they have been there for more than a few days now.
Ha I know a little bit about the Barn OP is actually referring to! They are just 3 miles from me, I actually buy my hay from the farm next door to them!
My boarder, they just board their little mini here, actually rides there. From what I've been told is if you want to ride THEIR horses on THEIR trails you have to take their test. You have to prove you can safely ride and control their horses at all gaits. Now I don't know if its true that they actually test the BOARDERS on their OWN horses. I can understand it if people are trying to ride the barns horses though. They do a lot of lessons and group trail rides and some people decide they want to start trailing on their own so they really want to make sure they're ready for it before they let them.
I've always heard they have a decent waiting list to board there. A forum member here actually boards her horse there.
If that is the case, it's totally different. It wouldn't be any different than if I was asked by somebody to ride my horse. My answer would be "it depends, can you ride? Let me see." I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt on my horse and I wouldn't want my horse misused either.
well riding their horses would make more sense.. having that test to board there sounded loopy as all get out, still more than I would be willing to prove to go on a trail ride, my barn just makes you ask ahead of time and requires a member of barn staff go with you
A test so you can pay the place money and keep your horse there and ride. Here's a test for you - see how long you stay in business giving paying customers tests.
I don't really have a problem with a facility having riding standards for using their trails.
The question for me is what is behind it. There are a few ways this could be mildly nefarious. Is the real point to trap boarders into taking lessons so they can pass the test? Is this a power trip from the barn managers? Are there some riding nazi's lurking around ready to leave a passive aggressive note on your stall for not having your heels pressed down at all times?
Or, is it something boring like insurance.
If that is your only option for boarding, that sucks.
There are a few riding groups that require a test like the one described, but there's no way I'd agree to it from a boarding facility.
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