When you find out the trusted professional you've used for ages...

[Holly Hocks]

I think if you're happy with what someone has done, then keep on using them. On the other hand I've had some people recommended to me, who I've then used and found them to be (in my view), totally incompetent and not done the job I've paid them to do. So it works both ways. I've used a saddler who I was told not to use and found them to be fantastic and used another who was highly recommended who I would prefer not to use again. I've used an EDT who came highly recommended but was actually more preoccupied with showing me his Natural Horsemanship techniques and telling me that I should ride in a rope halter. I didn't pay him to show me his NH techniques - I paid him to do the horse's teeth (horse was good to do - didnt' need any NH) so I didn't use him again. I now use one that turns up, takes his time to do the teeth properly and doesn't just accept cash as a payment method. I recently used a McTimoney chiropractor who was recommended from someone else on the yard and found her to be great, so I've asked her to come again to my horse. I think like everything, it's trial and error and when you find someone you trust and does a good job, then you'll keep on using them and if you use someone you don't rate, then don't use them again.

 

[TPO]

I've found this more and more recently. It's not through listening to the opinions of others but through my own experiences. I've previously used farriers, therapists (physio & McT-C) & vets who I've been happy with and believed to have done a good job. Then usually it's all the small things coming to a head and I can't believe I've trusted/used them which leaves me questioning everything that's happened previously.

Like other posters I'm not a novice and I do my best to find out everything I can and to learn. Usually it's been through learning more that's led to me questioning things and finding out it's not right.

My current issue all goes back to trusting what a vet said to me however they'd gone and written something completely different on my vet record that I've only just found out. I continued to use that practice and although I was aware of her making a mistake at the time regarding one thing I thought I was being the bigger person by not reporting it as I'm aware vets are humans too and make mistakes. I'm paying for it now!

It's really hard but above all I would say trust your gut. I ignored mine and shooshed it by reasoning that these people are the "experts" who you pay a lot (and then some) to with years of experience.

 

[Marydoll]

Im another who prefers to educate myself and enter into discussion about what happens to my horses and who i allow to treat/work with them.
Im very lucky in that my vets discuss, and we debate treatment options etc where we both come to an agreement on treatment. ive not heard a bad word about them, but if i did, my experiences are good and thats good enough for me.
Any professional that im using for my animals needs to be able to give me good rationale behind what they are wanting to do, if they cant, i wont use them no matter who they are.
Im also fortunate that my trainers i use are great and i trust them 100%.
I have in the past tried well known and highly regarded ( by some ) trainers that i personally thought were egotistical and more out to look grand and important than actually teach anything, yet others think this person is great, mabe its horses for courses.

 

[thespanishmane]

This happens all the time. The new yard where i am at a lot of the people say bad things about the breeder of my horse. He breaks, schools and takes on problem horses. When i asked a bit it turns out that one person had seen or heard about him using a piece of blue plastic water piping when riding a big horse instead of a stick and they all decided he is cruel. To be honest, dont know what anyones views are on here, but I saw him do this once on a 17 hander who was going nuts in the road. Turns out he uses it as it does not hurt the horse but more makes a loud noise which he finds horses listen to more than using a riding whip.

Agree with the blue pipe! Makes a lovely noise but doesn't hurt. Can vouch for this as my my daughter tried it out on her brother some years ago!

 

[TarrSteps]

It can help to assess the source, too. Some people seem to be constantly taking issue, others have generally decent experiences with a few exceptions. Some of that, I suspect, comes down to expectations and personal views.

I do think it's important to use professionals you can talk to though. Looking after horses can be as much art as science sometimes and there can be many ways to do things 'right'. Having professionals who will explain their thinking and listen to your concerns goes a good way to building a professional relationship.

That said, other people just want someone to come in and do the job! No debate, no bother. Again, to each their own.

 

[Jools1234]

I think as long as your experience is positive, then whatever's being said is totally irrelevant.

DITTO

 

[JanetGeorge]

Agree with the blue pipe! Makes a lovely noise but doesn't hurt. Can vouch for this as my my daughter tried it out on her brother some years ago!

I'm a fan of Mr. Blue Pipe! VERY useful when leading bargy colts who go vertical for fun - gives them a nice shock without doing damage and can also be used to 'poke' a colt that tries to bite when you're leading him. And habitual rearers usually think again - it makes them think 'forward' rather than 'upward'!