Change can be difficult, but it can also lead to great things. Most exhibitors go through multiple horses throughout their show career. We recently spoke with trainers, Terry Cross, Bruce Vickery and Anthony Montes to hear their thoughts on determining when it is the right time for a new horse.
Bruce Vickery and Anthony Montes of Vickery Performance Horses in Pilot Point, Texas strive for their riders to have a good connection with their horse. They also understand that sometimes the pair doesn’t fit.
“Anytime we get a horse and rider in our program, we hope that it’s a great combination,” Vickery said. “Sometimes it just isn’t. That doesn’t mean that the horse is a bad horse or that the rider is incapable, it can just be the wrong combination.”
“An example would be if the horse needs a soft touch, and the rider is too aggressive or if the rider is too soft and the horse needs more of a firm hand,” Montes said.
Listening to your horse is crucial according to Terry Cross of Dry River Ranch in Weatherford, Texas. You can learn a lot about your connection by their attitude.
“One of the things I am looking for to determine fit is a horse that is unhappy,” Cross said (pictured right). “Sounds simple, but if the horse is unhappy, it usually means a breakdown in communication. In most situations, an unhappy horse cannot do what we are asking them or is not confident in what you are asking.”
People have different personalities just like horses. Montes and Vickery think that at times, the personalities between a horse and rider don’t mix, which signals the time for change. Cross agrees with this and recommends asking a professional for help.
“Some horse and rider relationships are like oil and water,” Montes said. “It would be no different than you in relationships. Certain riders get along with certain trainers. Some relationships just don’t work. Sometimes the rider and horse can “meet in the middle, ” and these concessions can make the team work. However, if it doesn’t work, it just doesn’t. Then, it is time to make a change. I feel like every horse and rider combination needs a chance to come together, but if the combination has made attempt after attempt to become a team, and it isn’t working, a change must be made.
“When a horse and rider combination isn’t working, it is time for a change,” Vickery said. “At this point, it is time to sell the horse in hopes that he or she can go to a rider who will get along and then, we look for the right fit for our rider. It is incredibly important to match the horse and rider personalities. There is no reason why a non-pro should have to be with a horse that they don’t like or get along with.”
“When I usually think of a horse being a wrong fit, that is when the horse’s mental or physical capacity does not fit the rider’s mental/physical capacity,” Cross said. “I have seen this from both perspectives. Sometimes, a rider has mental baggage that does not allow them to grow with their horse. Often, this is traced back to fear. This is often one of the hardest situations to remedy. I have also seen riders who are far too aggressive for their horses. These horses are just too sensitive, and the rider struggles with the communication it takes to lead these animals. Finally, the easiest to remedy is the horse that doesn’t possess the physical attributes to be competitive if this is the desire of the rider. I would always suggest getting professional guidance when faced with these issues.”
Many people deal with the struggle of outgrowing their horse, whether it is because of size, age or talent capabilities. Cross recommends taking time to decide if you are ready for a new horse.
“When it comes to outgrowing a horse, that usually implies the horse is not talented enough to do well competitively,” Cross said. “This can be difficult because we usually have become very attached by this time. I think when it comes to visiting about a new horse, you have to sit down and visit about goals and where you would like to be competitively in the future. The length of time that you try to make a fit varies on which of these issues is in play. I think we can grow as horsemen. The time you have to commit comes into play as well. You are sure to be more successful in most circumstances when/if you are able to spend more time with your horse.”
Saying goodbye to your horse is one of the hardest things to do. They become your other half and your teammate. Patience is critical when selling the old and bringing in the new.
“When it comes to the transition of selling your old horse, honesty is most important,” Cross said. “Represent your old horse’s attributes and the struggles you have had. It is important for the horse not to fall into hands that will not work for it. As far as buying a new horse, utilize a professional who is aware of your strengths and weakness. This will help in the transition to making you a team. Most importantly, be patient. You don’t want to rush into the wrong horse.”
About the Author: GoHorseShow writer, Courtney Hall is a graduate student at Missouri State University. She is obtaining a Master’s Degree in Agriculture with research in Agricultural Communications. She started showing the APHA & AQHA all around circuit as a youth and continues today as an amateur.
