2/17/14 Book: Schooling Young Horses

In his book Schooling Young Horses, Werner Storl, voices some opinions which I share - and since he's in print, I'm quoting him!

Before that though, I need to credit my Riding Coach. Werner's first paragraph echoes something I was told the very first time I rode in school in the 'Riding Team' tryouts - like, the very first time, before even getting on the horse.

When you're on a horse, you're either training it or untraining it.

~ Vera Ellis, riding coach SIU-C

an excellent horsewoman!

And now words of wisdom from Werner Storl:

How to find the right horse

When buying a horse, don't forget that no matter how good and well-trained the horse, if it is ridden by a weak rider, it won't be a good horse for long. The best advice is to look for a mediocre used horse and invest the rest of your available funds in good lessons rather than buying an expensive horse and neglecting instruction.

Remember: A good rider gets better performance from an average horse than a poor rider gets from a great horse.

Because we can't expect a lot of experience from a rider just out of group lessons, it is extremely important to ask a trustworthy teacher to help choose your first horse. It is here that the possibilities for further growth as an equestrian begin.

Choosing and buying a young horse

If you are buying a young horse with the intention of schooling it yourself, you should have at least mastered elementary dressage. Even then, you should have an experienced rider supervise training.

To be transparent, this isn't how it all began for me.

Someone sold my Aunt a horse and said it was well-trained. I think it was pretty. Actually - really pretty! And he might even have been well trained. But no-one in the family had a clue. Back in those days, and all too often now, people think they can buy a saddle and a horse and that's all the more instruction you need.

I've heard too many horror stories that began "She loved horses, so we bought her one for her birthday, but then it ran her into the <fence, tree, road, ditch, branch - pick something!> and now she's scared to death and we thought a few riding lessons might help." (!)

The horse we got threw everyone in the family (except me, of course!) and then got declared a rogue. He was declared off limits to me. Then some yahoo came out to 'train' him and I politely excused my self from the ensuing mêlée. That was actually an illustration of how to terrorize and destroy a horse, but back then (and unfortunately still today) self-proclaimed trainers stride in to save the day and basically manhandle the horse until someone goes down - either the horse or them.

Please, please, please (please) avoid this.

Here's my advice:

lease before you buy! With a partial lease, you are riding the horse 'half the time.' Also, you're not entirely on the hook for vet bills and other miscellaneous expenses. Most importantly, if, God forbid, you find out this was a horrible mistake, you can end your lease and walk away. You are not on the hook for the welfare of an animal you don't want to deal with.

Before you lease, you might want to consider working up to riding, specifically taking lessons, two to three times a week. (ask for a package deal, obviously!) This way, you are getting an idea of how much time and money commitment are needed. Even though this amount seems extravagant, it will be nothing compared to owning the horse. You will be 'on the hook' to show up for your lessons and it will give you an idea of what it's like to have a non-negotiable schedule that you have to keep day in, day out when you begin to lease and then later own a horse.

When you're ready for your own horse, find a trusted consultant to evaluate the horse you are looking at!

I am available for this. I can let your know what's going on with the horse and how well of a match the two of you are - how your personalities will get along. I can be reached via messaging or phone.

All the best,

Lynn

512.869.7903

In 1989 -

About the Author -

Werner Storl was educated and trained both as a riding teacher and a chemist and has divided his life between the two careers. Since 1960, he has devoted much of his time to riding, specializing in the education of young horses. At the age of 69, he exercises horses almost every day.

Storl is a founding member of the German Board for Quadrille Riding and a member of the Special Committee for Quadrille Riding of the German Equestrian Federation.

He is the author of Riding to Music.