Ashamed sometimes

eahotson

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Of the horse world.I know a woman who is novice, very, in riding and the horse world in general.She is also a bit nervous.She is the wrong side of 40 and and has had and still has some serious health issues.Very nice woman, genuine and thinks other people are.Someone has sold her an unbroken 2 year old, very sharp and sensitive well bred gelding as suitable for her. Its already hurt her quite seriously on the ground and now is old enough to back.Someone up there must be looking out for her a bit as its now lame, but when it becomes sound they will break it.I am frightened to death for her but there is absolutely nothing I can do or even say.She trusts these people and if I say anything it will make a bad situation worse so I am staying out of it.Leaves a bad taste though.
 
Could you ask her if she is intending to have this horse produced professionally and be an owner watching? if you "assume" that was the outcome, then you are a: not insulting those who sold her the horse and b: might make her think twice about her actually riding this horse
 
There's plenty you can say - say what you've told us. She doesn't have to listen but then at least you've done your best to make her question her "experts". Novices do trust people more experienced and she may not have a clue they aren't looking after her best interests. I would have a quiet word and then its up to her what she does with it. :)
 
Iee if I can find a way of putting it to her.Haven't got high hopes though.

Maybe write a letter or email?
That way you can say what you need too but dont have the worry of how she will react in front of you.
She may then ignore the letter and you!
or come to you and ask why and you can give her more advice.
 
Hi Shelley,

I think this woman should be glad that you care about her wellbeing. It is really hard to say something, and there is a risk that she may be mad and not want to talk to you again, even if you are very diplomatic about it. However, if something bad did happen you may also end up feeling terrible for not having said anything.

If you do try to talk to her, perhaps it is best not to mention her age, level of experience or health, but rather focus on the horse's behaviour. It is harder for many people to change their mind if they feel that they have lost face in any way.

Maybe ask first who will be breaking him. Then, if she says herself, tell her like it is - that you are very worried to hear that, and that you would not consider breaking him yourself let alone a horse which is not the most laid back type. Just because of the risk of injury.

If you know a trainer or someone at the yard who could also have a word with her and/or recommend a professional person, perhaps that could help too. Or even someone else at the yard who is very good but still used a professional to help break their youngster.
 
Does this lady have family responsibilities? Are you of a similar age? Could you go down the route of at our time of life, with our responsibilities, it isn't fair on our loved ones, causes too much inconvenience if injured. Sometimes we have to be not as adventurous as we would like. etc. etc.
 
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