06/09/2026
I modify behavior, not personality or breeding.
I say this a LOT, especially when I evaluate potential “problem” horse clients— but what do I mean when I say this?
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of unwanted behaviors that owners love to project onto their horses as “he’s just like that”. No truly unsafe behavior from our 1000lb partners should be excused as a “personality trait” (not including reactions to underlying pain, which is a whole other can of worms). In addition to that exception, every c**t should get the same best possible and steady foundation to set them up for their future career, no matter their breeding or personality. However, I evaluate a lot more “problem” horses than I actually end up taking in— not because I hate money, not because they’re “too hard” for me, but because I think honesty, safety, and fairness to the horse and the job we expect them to do should be put above all else.
If you bring me a gentle, easy-going gelding with a rocking horse lope, sure, I can pattern him on the barrels for you, and he’ll be darn good at it— but I am going to tell you from the get-go that I cannot make him a fast, determined competitor. If you bring me a hot and spooky running bred mare, I can absolutely make her safe and desensitized enough to take out on the trails— but I am going to tell you from the get-go that I can’t promise she’ll be the one you can pull out once a month and throw your kid on behind you to take to Reimers. Of course, I’m going to keep saying this, there are exceptions to everything— I’m writing this while pushing a cow on an Andalusian.
I am not in the business of flooding and/or dulling a horse for the sake of getting the job done. There are many who are, and I think that’s fair in certain situations, but luckily as a customer/owner, you have an abundance of trainers to choose from! A lot of us that have worked with/owned/been around an extreme variety of horses know and understand this, and I think it’s really important to pass that down to new owners as well— which is a huge percentage of my client base in this area! For the sake of the sport, the community, and the animals we ask to do some pretty insane things, we HAVE to keep our expectations realistic with both our trainers, and the horses we choose to do life with. You probably wouldn’t ask tiny and lanky me to go power lifting with you, just like I wouldn’t ask a 300lb person to run a marathon with me! You want to do things with someone/something whose behaviors and lifestyle have been modified into WANTING to do those things with you, not someone/something that’s been forced to grin and bear it until they clock out or blow up. This is how we create resentment and tension in any relationship, and often, unsafe horses (that end up coming to me or your local “problem” trainer later down the line!)
As far as safety and my training, no, I do not agree that your barrel bred horse should be allowed to blow up and rear and be unable to ride in a field alone just because they’re fast and good at their job. Nor do I think your lazy trail gelding should not be able to lope on a trail if needed/wanted. Nor do I think your 2yo stud should be allowed to relentlessly charge and try to end my bloodline just because he’ll throw pretty babies and could eventually be safe. These are all things that can and need to be addressed, and of course there are exceptions to everything— it’s simply up to you to find a professional who you trust is going to give you not only the truth, but train your horse (and you!) in a way that will benefit you both for the rest of your lives.
With that being said, I am booked until August, but happy to take a waitlist. Pat your horses, keep your heels down, and let me know if you have any questions/clarification! I’m a chatter.
