So You Think You Bought the Wrong Horse?

Do some research on local options. Talk to trainers, talk to people that have used them, and see the facility. That will help you decide if sending your horse to a trainer would be a good option for you.

Consider the Cost

Once you have found a trainer you are comfortable with, one that will work with the horse and then with you and the horse together, consider the cost. Ask about how long the trainer thinks he or she would need to work with the horse. If it's a trainer that's new to you, be honest about your abilities and apprehension about whether or not the horse is appropriate for you. Maybe take a lesson with them on a safe horse so they can assess your riding skills.

After the trainer sees you ride and assesses your horse's problem, they will most likely be able to give you a good idea about if, after a reasonable amount of training, the horse will be a good match for you. Don't be offended if the trainer says it's a rider problem, not a horse problem.

It is quite often a miscommunication between the two and tension in the rider that creates situations that foster bad behavior in some horses. There is no reason to be offended; not every horse and rider are a good match. There are some horses out there that only have the temperament to be ridden by a professional or experienced rider. A lot of times, these horses are the superstar athletes that thrive with the right rider who has the skills to handle them.

Cost

Horses are expensive to keep, and it can quickly become an issue if you find out the horse you picked isn't quite the right match for you.

Decide on a Time Frame

Once you have spoken with the trainer in-depth, you know their philosophy, have seen their facility, and know what you are getting for your money, you need to come up with a time frame. In other words, how long will you keep the horse in training, waiting to see if it will work for you?

A lot of that depends on your finances, how long you have had the horse, and how attached you are to it. I think it would be reasonable that 60–90 days would be a fair time frame to know whether or not things are going to work out. Some more minor behaviors may take a lot less time, just depends on the horse and the situation.

You Will Have Baggage With the Horse

If you sent the horse to the trainer thinking that he wasn't appropriate for you because he acted dangerously and scared you, you will have baggage you are carrying when you try to ride them again.