12/08/2025
*Credits to whoever originally wrote this. Not sure who ya are but dang well said!!
Everyone can always use a lesson or two, or three or four.
30 Days Does Not Make a Well Broke Horse (Neither will 90, if you were wondering).
If we could only make this truth fully understood in the horse world, there would be so much time/money loss, anxiety, heartbreak and injury that could be avoided?
When you take an un-started (or worse, poorly started) horse to a trainer, thirty days is not enough for the vast majority of horses if you are expecting a calm, quiet horse that is light to ride, yet not overreactive to stimulus. Also, since you sought out a trainer, you’re probably not one. What your horse and trainer can do after 30, 60 or 90 days is probably not what you and your horse can do together when you bring him/her home.
A more realistic expectation of a 90 day horse is that they now have a solid foundation of the basics. What those basics actually are will vary with each horse, their temperament, and the amount (and quality) of handling they had previously received, but regardless, you will not have a finished horse. You do not “USUALLY” have a beginner safe horse, either. The expectation that you could is unfair to the horse and the industry, really. Additionally, he/she may not retain what he learns, unless you continue to work with the horse with a similar skill set and regularity. So if you aren’t continuing your own education, you’re possibly going to undo what the horse has actually learned.
The moral? Be fair to your horse and your trainer.
Give the horse what he needs to get a solid start. Good horses deserve good riders, so “train” yourself, so that you’re knowledgeable enough to work with your horse effectively.
Understand a well rounded, well trained horse often takes years to develop, and they are worth the investment
Good training isn’t quick. Good trainers aren’t cheap.
