So, I'll try to make a long story short. I got my mare when she was 3. I was 13 at the time (I'm 21 now and she's 11), and now that I look back on it, it was a bad idea -- too young of a horse and too young a rider, but can't do anything about that now. What is boils down to is I'm not comfortable riding my mare anymore because she spooks often, needs a lot of work on ground, etc. I can't afford to take her to college with me, so she's been home, and I try to work with her ground manners whenever I'm home, and those are improving. But I feel I really need the help of a trainer so that I can regain my confidence and also get her trained. I'm not looking to train for competition, just for a well rounded, reliable trail horse. I'm having difficulty finding trainers in the area I live however. All of the ones here seem to be training for jumping, dressage, western pleasure, etc. Do any of you know any trainers would be able to work with me on the above specifications that are in Fortville/Fishers/Noblesville, IN area? Thanks.
Have you checked any of the big name trainers web sites? I know Parelli, and John Lyons have listings of certified trainers on their sites.
You might also ask horse people in your are. Farriers and Vets are great sources of information.
Good luck in your search.
Heres the page for trainers certified with John Lyons- http://www.johnlyons.com/trainers/index.php
Aww your story makes me so sad, but I can sympathize, my horse was born when I was 16 and 3 at 19. I was barely ready for that kind of challenge but she turned out really well. It was really hard work and a big learning experience for me, and we had a few battles along the way. Had I been 13 my horse probably wouldn't be nearly the horse she is today, a well behave beginner to intermidiate horse with some advanced training but limited by ability not temperment. Anyways, I'm really glad you posted this though because many people need to realize that young horses and young/green riders don't mix well. Kids tell their parents they will do all the work and will be able to have the horse for life by starting at that age and the parents just don't know any better. I hope you find someone to help but thanks for admitting your mistake so others don't have to make it too.
I can totally sympathize with your situation. I bought a 3 y/o green appy gelding when I was 11 and boy did we have some challenges but honestly he tought me a lot and we ended up working out well together and winning at shows with help of a trainer for only half of our time together. I ended up selling him when I was 16 or 17 can't remember and he was a nice horse that i trained myself...no regrets..I sold him because I bought a 6 mo old APHA filly so I was basically going through the whole process again. I still have my mare she is now 10 and have done 95% of her training and she is still in training (off 5 years being a pasture puff) so now Im working with a green 10 y/o horse LOL she is great though and wouldn't change anything! Good luck finding a trainer!
I agree about asking your vet/farrier as they are a great source of info. Have you spoken to the trainers you mention in your post or is that just what you have heard about what they teach? Even if they don't fill the need you have, they may very well be able to direct you to someone who would.
We are down on the river in IN, btw, nice to see a "neighbor" on here, lol.
Ooohhh! You mean the one with the massively long title? Gaining Respect and Control On the Ground and Under Saddle for English and Western Riders (breathing really hard now, even typing that is hard work, lol), or something like that? I love that book! It really helped me with my (older) nervous horse, and has plenty of info and exercises for dealing with my green-broke pony. Highly recommended!
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