Frustrated kids at fancy hunter jumper barns-what happened to just having fun with your horse? oh it doesn't make money...ah yes

I must write this now! This is such a common story, at least here in SoCal. Kid loves horses, kid starts riding, kid goes into full training, kid loses love of horses... What the Fuh? If you don't understand something-follow the money and the ego trail. I just had a concerned father call me and say that his son has been in full training at a hunter jumper barn and they are basically abusive to them telling them their horse is not good enough and that they must buy a $30,000-$50,000 horse.

Be a kid forever-me n my friend bein kids:)

Riding should be fun for you and for the horse. Not just push push push. Win ribbons. Not just for something to brag about to the other parents. Like my kid is a bla bla bla! First and foremost is your kid actually happy with their horse experience. All the kids I've seen here in Malibu with overachieving parents who NEED there kids to be Jumping by month two of their riding whether it's safe for them or not, end up either having injured children or kids that never want to ride again after they were pushed so hard through their formative years. This is something meant to be enjoyed. A relationship between horse and human. Curb the social climbing egotistical chatter and let your kid grow and enjoy horses at his or her own pace.

You don't need a super expensive horse to go far-you have to take the time to really learn to ride. That just takes time and actually just being on the horse.

For instance look at this horse

http://www.horsestarshalloffame.org/inductees/82/snowman.aspx

He was $80

Learn to ride by riding-riding alot -riding bareback-riding different horses-training in the arena-enjoying exploring the trails-try different trainers(I hate the oh no I don't want to cheat on my trainer thing-don't let anyone limit you)-watch videos-use your own judgement-learn from your decisions

When you think your horse is maybe unhappy or lame and your trainer says no keep going you might ask if the trainer gets something out of ignoring that horse's pain. If your kid is unhappy you might ask yoursef what is more important; creating happy memories and experiences or collecting $3 ribbons that will collect dust later.