Los Lobos

Thanks mate.  I have also toyed with the idea of sending her to someone who uses natural horsemanship type principles.  This horse has been trained by someone who is humane but essentially orthodox and though the trainer would take the horse back (is spelling currently) we have agreed that it's probably time to try a different approach. I know from doing the ground work with the horse that there is a stubborn, willful streak there.  And it may be that eventually we accept the racing game is not for this horse.  But the ability shown early - plus the fact sometimes this tough streak can actually be an advantage if you can "harness it" - makes me want to give the horse another chance.  And while breeding/type is not everything - both these factors are also relatively favorable in this case.

Jess before going along the path that this horse may not be suited to racing make sure you have exhausted all avenues. I can't express strongly enough that many horses given up on have come back after being trained with a different approach. The reason you should give Ian a try is that he is totally honest. In fact it has cost him as he can't bulls..t. I remember with Seconds Out the owner was told to shoot him and he has gone on to earn over $70,000.00 last season. So much is possible if you find someone like him that takes their time and lets the horse tell them when they are ready to move on. Look you might be sitting on a very good horse that just needs that different approach. In fact you have little to lose with Ian as he would tell you straight away if this horse is re-trainable. Believe me the previous owner of Seconds Out wishes now that he had kept the horse and got Ian to re-train it instead of giving up on him. Stubborn is good as a horse needs it to win races. A horse that's a push over never gives that little bit more that's needed to win races. Keep in touch  

Thanks LL.  It is really hard to know what is going to work with these quirky horses.  And while they may need a firm hand I won't tolerate anyone who will be cruel or lose their temper with them. Don't know Iain at all.  Is he based at the course or on his own property.  Who rides work for him? - I think the track-rider will have a lot to do with the success of teh exercise (or otherwise) also ...

Jess thanks for your reply. He works from his own property where he has built a real nice breaking in yard and day yards and takes his horses to the track each day. If you want kind you would certainly have it with him. He believes you have got to have total trust before you ask a horse to give. He re-broke Seconds Out as no one could stay on his back and was a horse with terrible trust issues. He has been known to train horses that other breakers gave up on and turn them into gentleman. He never hits a horse as he believes they are pleasers and if they are doing it wrong its because they don't understand what is being asked. He has broken in a couple for Olivia Duffy (Taranaki) and if you wanted I am sure she would tell you the same as me. His rider is very experienced and very chilled. She rode Sir Slick for many years and since she has ridden for him refuses to ride anything not broken in by him. He really is amazing what he can do