Equestrian pet peeves. We’ve all got some so why don’t we ever talk about them? Today I’m going to be sharing my personal equestrian pet peeves and do my best to explain why they bug me so much. Please enjoy and let me know some of yours in the comments!
I didn’t have many good photos for this post so please enjoy some adorable pictures of Stormy instead.
Patting horses aggressively
You should always reward and pet your horse when they have done well. But when your definition of petting your horse is patting or slapping them so hard that they flinch, maybe tone it down a bit. I have seen so many professionals essentially hit their horses to “praise them”. Maybe just go for a vigorous rub and avoid the loud SLAP. I feel like your horse may appreciate it a bit more.
Always talking the value of things
We all know that things in the horse world can be pretty pricey. Saddles can cost thousands of dollars and designer saddle pads can near one hundred dollars. That being said, you bragging to me about how much you paid for your new breeches is never going to impress me. I am one who hunts for deals on equestrian items since I am going to be wearing them to…a literal barn.
The amount of money you spend on your equipment is not indicative of your riding ability or your horsemanship skills. All the expensive clothing and tack in the world will not improve your riding. Bragging about these things just shows me that you have some expendable income and/or maybe should be shopping for better deals.
Not cleaning up after their horse
This pet peeve I feel like I don’t need to explain all that much. Cleaning up after yourself is a skill you should’ve learned when you were a toddler. You know, clean up, clean up, everybody do their share? I have no time for people who leave the barn a mess. It isn’t rocket science. Pick out your horse’s feet? Sweep up the area. The farrier came out? Clean up the clippings. Your horse pooped in the aisle? PICK IT UP.
It’s as easy as that. This also goes for people who don’t clean up the arena when they are done using it. People that leave equipment, manure, whips, etc. laying out after they leave make my blood boil just a little. All you need to do is put stuff back where you found it. Remember, other people would like to use that equipment. We’re all in this together so please do your part. 😊
Jumping without having a solid foundation
I’ve seen so many riders jumping horses before they (the rider) are ready. Jumping horses is inherently dangerous and a lack of a solid education in the foundations of riding can lead to injury for the horse and rider. So many riders are unable to follow their horse’s movement over the jump and end up popping them in the mouth or landing hard on their back after the jump. I cringe every time I see it.
Not only is this clearly uncomfortable for the horse but it can also lead to behavioral issues. Horses that switch their tails constantly and buck after jumps are screaming at you for help. They are screaming “I’m uncomfortable! Please fix what you’re doing!”. I truly believe that no one should jump without qualified proper training/instruction.
“Starfishing” in barrel racing
I don’t even want to get started with all the problems I have with barrel racing so I’ll just focus on this one. I have always been very annoyed when I see barrel racers “starfish”. If you don’t know what ‘starfishing’ is, it is basically when the rider spreads their legs as far away from the horse as they can to be able to kick even harder. This is often done when the horse is already running about as fast as they can/are willing to.
The horse learns nothing other than “okay I’m going to run and my rider is going to kick the crap out of me no matter how fast I go. Sweet.” What does that accomplish? Absolutely nothing. Please stop.
Rough hands
Saying horses’ mouths are sensitive has always baffled me. Of course they are. Wouldn’t you say that your mouth is sensitive? I don’t think that you would appreciate having a piece of metal in your mouth while someone consistently pulls back hard on it. I have seen firsthand what rough hands and even the “softest” bits can do to a horse’s mouth in a short period of time. The sores/cuts are nothing to scoff at.
I wish more people understood the importance of moving with their horse’s head instead of fighting back against it. Horses naturally move their head back and forth when they move. The basics of having soft hands begin with following that movement as well as understanding the large amount of leverage you have on the horse’s mouth. So, please, be gentle on your horse’s mouth.
Giving beginners spurs
Spurs can be a great tool when used properly. Do you know who typically doesn’t know how to use them properly? Beginners. So why do so many trainers give them spurs? Is it a lack of ability to teach the rider properly? Is it laziness? I’ll never know. Just like you wouldn’t put a beginner on a green horse, don’t put advanced equipment on a beginner.
Trainers who don’t understand/respect rider fear
Accidents are bound to happen in the equine world. Many of these accidents can seriously affect a person’s confidence on and around horses. Instructors/trainers that don’t respect your fear are some of the worst in my book.
They should be able to help you through your fear and have techniques that help you regain confidence in yourself and the horse. Rushing the rider or putting them in uncomfortable situations too soon is only going to decrease their confidence even more and may drive them away from the sport altogether.
Promoting not wearing helmets
This one is probably my ultimate equestrian pet peeve. Now, I’m not going to try and force any adult to wear a helmet (it is a choice). I will say though, shame on those who choose not to that shame the ones who do. I personally like my brain where it is and would like it to stay there.
Wearing a helmet does not mean that you are afraid or are not experienced enough. It means that you recognize how dangerous this sport is and want to protect yourself. There is nothing wrong with that.
At any riding level, your horse can make a mistake. They can trip, spook, fall, etc. There is no shame in protecting yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
However, I do draw the line with children riders. I 100% believe that all children should wear helmets when they ride. As a parent, you must make that choice for them as they are not old enough to understand the consequences/risk. Once they are old enough, if they decide to not continue to wear one, so be it. That is their choice. I believe it is the wrong one, but, hey, it’s their brain.
Thank you so much for reading out my equestrian pet peeves. I am working on not being too negative in my day to day life but just needed to share these.
Let me know if any of the information in this post surprised you! What are some of your equestrian pet peeves? I’d love to hear from you.
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