Thank you for the opinion but...

Just a mini rant this is bothering me, plus it's "that time" of the month so I'm extra on nerve right now. Please excuse my spit throwing I had to get it off my chest.


I mentioned to one of my old trainers today (she's retired now) that eventually I'd like to send Legacy to a trainer that teaches trick training. I do the gypsy shows in the summer and I'm a trained trick rider (however I could use some conditioning myself). I'd love to have my new mare know the advanced tricks such as rearing high and low and eventually put her in the shows. I fully believe when trained correctly it could be a beautiful controlled work of equestrian art. That is why I want to find a trainer to train her that I can also learn from. Now remember this is IN THE FUTURE not tomorrows project for the day.

I posted on my facebook that next fall, depending on funds for this sort of thing I'd like to find a trainer for the more advanced tricks I do not know how to teach. My current trainer and a few others say it'll be an amazing add to her resume. Another friend asks what these "advanced" tricks are. I mention rear and she freaks saying it could kill someone, it's a bad trick, it teaches bad habits, what if someone else riding her gave the wrong command....

I completely understand the ups and downs of teaching this sort of trick as well as others which is why I AM NOT TEACHING IT. It needs to be done correctly and I am only trained to ride a rear...not teach it correctly that is why I am looking for a trainer. Second NO ONE rides my horses unless I am there and anyone riding knows what commands they know and what reactions they should expect when giving those commands. If she were ever to go into the hands of another owner they would be shown what she knows and how to do it. I'm sorry but I've heard the argument before and although I respect the opinion this argument has been thrown at me time and time again and it's a losing battle. I'm tired of it!

Instead of explaining that whole long thing on FB I shortly explained she will be in Gypsy shows and her role will be a trick horse this is something out of the many that she will be eventually learning.

Ok I think I'm done. Gaw I love this woman to death she has been there for me through so much but sometimes she can be very matter of fact, stubborn...not sure what the word is. She can't be wrong basically. She's assuming I'm doing this just because and that's what irks me. I pointed out the Lipizzaner Stallions and she said "but they're trained". EXACTLY!!!! My horse will be TRAINED.

I'm going to work on breathing. After this hell week is over I'll look back and laugh at this. I hope.

Oh, Drafts. Take some deep breathes, in through your nose and out through your mouth. I usually discourage teaching horses to rear because it is usually foolish teenagers who have seen The Black Stallion and thought it looked cool so they want to teach their horse to do it. That's when it's dangerous. However, you are in a completely different class than those types of people. You are educated and know the risks and how to properly handle/ride a horse with that type of training. I think it's a wonderful idea and, IMHO, Legacy will make a dreadfully stunning trick horse .

I agree with smrobs - I say do what you want to do, and don't bother trying to explain the unexplainable to others who do not understand.

You are an adult, you are experienced and knowledgeable, and this is your field of expertise. This is what you do :)

It is what it is :)

I agree with smrobs too.
It would be understandable if it was just some kid teaching their horse to do it because they think it looks cool. But its completely different if you're getting your horse professionally trained to do it for an actual purpose. Why does it matter to her what you teach your horse anyway?

I agree with the PPs. To heck with that lady!!!

The lady is a friend of the OP. She might have expressed herself incorrectly, but her heart was in the right place. Never blame someone for showing concern.

I say go for it. Since you know the risks and everything, and you are going to be carefull and stuff, why not?

Enjoy her, and have fun :)

Apologies, I didn't mean it to come across like that. I should have been more eloquent.

I have always loved seeing the horses do tricks; and I completely agree with smrobs!!! I've dreamed of being able to do it myself...but never in a million years would I even attempt it. I haven't been trained in riding, or exposed to that type of horse.

You, on the other hand, are going about it the sensible way. You have learned to ride the tricks, AND you're looking for a trainer that trains them. I say go for it!!!! As far as your friend, she's probably concerned because she loves you and doesn't want to see you get hurt in any way. I understand your point of view...but also hers. If I approached any of my friends or family with this idea, I'm sure their reactions would be just as bad (if not worse) than the reaction that she gave you.

Good luck in finding a trainer to work with your baby. She WILL look absolutely stunning!!!

Thank you for the replies!
I've been browsing online to see what I can find and darn it those trick trainers are hiding!!!!

As for my friend she is looking out for me and I totally understand that. From what I gather I think she's worried about the what if's more than me however. Her response was based on what if I sell her, what if she doesn't listen, what if I put another rider on.... I understand that point of view as well which is looking out for others. She and I have both seen a horse previously trained the wrong way and flipped a new owner because they cued for something they didn't know the horse was trained to do. However if anything were to happen to where I wouldn't have this mare I'd be sure to either write it in the "If something happens to me this horse goes to..." papers or show the new owners what she knew how to do and how to cue for it.

I think she'll be beautiful at everything she learns. Of course we'll be starting little and working our way up. She's learning hug and smile, almost has those down. Next is shake and I'm tempted to have her learn to hold my whip and then give it to me by touching her nose to my boot but that could also come with baby nips so I'll hold off on that for now. There's a huge list...the trick right now is finding someone to train what I'm not experienced in.