06/17/2025
Let’s Talk About the Ugly Side of the Horse Industry.
I don’t care who gets uncomfortable reading this, it needs to be said.
The horse industry is broken in so many ways, and it’s not because of the horses. It’s because of the people.
Everywhere you look, it’s the same story:
• Sh*t-talking behind each other’s backs
• Lying straight to someone’s face
• Smiling at you in the arena while hoping you fail
• Gossiping more than helping
• Spreading rumors instead of facts
• Jealousy disguised as “just being honest”
• People waiting for you to slip up so they can feel better about their own insecurities
This industry should be built on passion, hard work, and a shared love for horses. Not on stepping on each other to climb higher.
The truth is, a lot of folks don’t want to see you succeed. They want to see you struggle, fall, lose clients, and fail. They pray for your burnout. They’d rather see you crash than clap when you do something great. And the most messed up part? Some of them are people you once helped or trusted.
We talk about the horses like they’re everything— and they ARE— but the way we treat each other? That’s where this whole thing gets rotten.
People out here will lie to sell a horse, trash talk a trainer to steal a client, or twist a story to make themselves look better. And let’s not even get into the ones who smile at you at the show, then run their mouth the moment you turn around.
Why? What’s the point?
This job is hard enough. Long hours. Physical work. Emotional stress. Financial risk. And on top of all that, you have to constantly watch your back. Not because of the horses, but because of the damn people.
Instead of supporting each other, we’re too busy judging and comparing. Instead of learning from each other, we’re tearing each other down. Instead of shutting up and doing the work, too many people are worried about who’s doing what and who’s getting what.
Enough already.
We should be lifting each other up, not dragging each other down. We should be rooting for others’ success, not secretly hoping they fail. We should be keeping our mouths shut about things that aren’t our business and focusing on what matters, the horses and doing right by them.
This isn’t high school. It’s not a reality show. It’s supposed to be a community.
So here’s a little advice:
• If you don’t like someone, be mature enough to move on quietly.
• If you have a problem, go directly to the source.
• If someone succeeds, give credit instead of criticism.
• And if you’re constantly watching and waiting for someone to mess up, maybe it’s time to ask yourself why you’re so damn bitter.
To the ones out here trying to stay honest, work hard, do right by horses and clients, and support others— keep going. You’re the rare ones, and we need more of you.
To the rest? Fix your s**t. You’re what’s wrong with this industry.
Sincerely, a small trainer
