When You Keep the Problem Horse: Pros and Cons

Some equestrians have to face a great decision: should they keep the “problem horse” or part ways? While some might be in over their head, others might stand to gain… so in this post, we’re going to discuss When You Keep the Problem Horse: the Pros and Cons.

Before we dive into it, I would like to share some of my personal experiences and history!

Back on February 1st, 2019…

I brought home my second horse – and first thoroughbred – Theo. Being very active on social media at the time, my followers definitely had something to say on the matter: “He’s too much for you… why didn’t you just buy an old schoolmaster… you’re just replacing your first horse”

And while the comments didn’t phase me too much, I had a couple of people in my life speak up about it as well – one lady (who I really looked up to) even stopped talking to me over the purchase.

I should preface this by saying that I did fall off of Theo while trying him out and ended up at the ER with a broken shoulder… and still bought him two months later. Andddd I would also like to add that, hey, I know what you’re thinking: “all of these people speaking up definitely means there was a good reason.”

Five years later,

I can confidently say I was prepared way back then. However, with all of these people speaking so negatively on the situation… I started to gain severe anxiety when handling Theo. Not that I couldn’t manage – I did fine when I was alone – but as soon as the farrier or vet came, or even someone was just standing there watching me, I would freeze up.

Being so worried that they were judging me, I would begin to literally freeze and not be able to control him if he was getting in my space or acting up. All of these years have passed and I still occasionally get a wave of this same anxiety.

But now, at 21 years old, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on these past few years and have weighed both the pros and the cons. Ultimately, I wouldn’t change a thing (besides the occasional mistake), but have put together the things learned and thus, have a nice list for you. Here are the Pros and Cons of Keeping the Problem Horse!

The Pros

Many equestrians are keyboard warriors who get so caught up on the mechanics of horse-ownership: “This is the path you must take.” And while it’s so, incredibly important that equestrians stay safe and only take what they can handle… sometimes it’s possible to push and test those limits.

There are many pros to working with a difficult horse. In fact one of my favorite quotes by Lendon Gray says: “It is the most difficult horses that have the most to give you.”

Gaining confidence in your abilities

When you always handle a dead-broke horse, then are suddenly tasked with holding a high-strung thoroughbred for the farrier, this could be an overwhelming experience. However, if you’re always holding the high-strung horses, then the dead-broke, bombproof horses will be a walk in the park.

Though just an example, this could apply to every area of equestrianism… riding, trailering, etc. etc.

When you keep the horse that has a problem, the only way to fix that problem is to find a solution. Gaining confidence in your abilities as an equestrian is crucial, and it could be expedited with the right horse.

Check out: How to Stay Safe When You’re Alone at the Barn

Becoming a well-rounded horse owner

Much like gaining confidence, problem horses present, well… problems that you wouldn’t be exposed to elsewhere. There are never-ending possibilities to how your horses could injure themselves, odd behaviors that arise, and spooks over plastic bags and shadows.

When you experience these things for the first time, it can seem like you’re way in over your head and that you have no idea what you’re doing – understandably so. One day, however, those feelings will stop… exchanged for the been there, done that.

My horse, Theo, has enlightened me on many common elements of horse ownership (the good and bad), so now I can offer my advice and experiences with people who are dealing with these situations for the first time. I would count that as a blessing.

Being proud of accomplishments

Those who always win and have never dealt with hardship will never understand the feeling of finally making it… finally accomplishing that one thing you’ve been striving for.

But when you push through the adversity, when you’ve said your prayers, you can be proud of the accomplishments. After all, horses never intend to cause grief, they just need someone who believes in them; there is no better feeling than to prevail in this.

The Cons

Now, while it’s amazing to push through your fears and stand strong… sometimes it is okay to let the horse go. This is a list of pros and cons, so if you’re looking for a sign, this could be it. Open up your heart to the potential of making the right decision for you and your horse!

Progress is slow

When you keep the problem horse, slow progress is always going to be in the cards for you. You’re not going to get those transitions in one setting and they’re not going to stand nicely for the farrier in one visit.

While this doesn’t have to be a con for some, others won’t strive in such an environment – it often leads to discouragement. On the other hand, if you have the patience and determination for this, you can easily refer back to the accomplishments section for some motivation!

Potential mental blocks

Personally, mental blocks were the hardest for me to overcome. As mentioned in the beginning, I broke my shoulder the first time I rode Theo, and then 9 months later… I got bucked off and stepped on. I didn’t canter him again for a year while trying to get over my mental block.

Looking back, I would’ve recommended that I sell him. Younger me was so determined though and very proud of her for pushing through and overcoming those worries.

But in all seriousness, having a debilitating fear that prevents you from becoming great is not something to mess around with. Some riders come out braver than they’ve ever been after conquering fear, while others might be stuck in that mindset for years if not taken out of that environment.

You have to choose if you want to stay in this pattern, or if you want to do something about it; whether that’s facing the mental block head on, or letting the root of the problem go.

Check out: Reasons You’re Stuck in a Mental Block as an Equestrian

It actually wasn’t meant to be

Maybe it’s just not meant to be. And that’s okay.

You are allowed to love the horse and still recognize that you two are getting in each other’s way of success. It doesn’t mean that you have failed or that you’re a bad rider… the opposite in fact. You are brave enough to admit you need to take a different path.

Choose the horse that’s going to both challenge you and help you gain confidence… not deplete your courage and rid you of joy.

In the end…

Do take the advice of the horse experts who love and support you. But don’t lose your determination to stand strong against adversity.

I would also like to add that this is not a list encouraging you to keep a dangerous horse, and likewise, not discouraging you from helping a horse in need.

As I have kept my problem horse, there are days when I wish I had given up years ago… but there are days when I appreciate everything I have learned. Open your heart up to both possibilities.

All the best,
Laura Elsie Grace

Check out: Handling a Fresh Horse: The Ultimate Guide

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