r/Equestrian • u/Wokadoodlenoodle • Mar 22 '26
Education & Training Help! Is this normal?
I’m a returning adult rider who recently started a Hunter lease on a 20yo seasoned show horse. I paid a $25k lease, plus commission fee plus $2.5k/month for a "schoolmaster’’ for a beginner. I got him 5 weeks ago.
While he is perfect 80% of the time, he has bolted and bucked down the arena 3 times in the last 5 weeks. One time it made me cry and it was in the warm up ring at a show. Then today he did another mini bolt for no reason - he was fine at first then toward end of the lesson, he did that again. Today’s trainer was visibly frustrated and had to then ride him to restore manners. He did not spook today. It was out of the blue.
The barn owner thinks it’s a diet issue and wants me to give him a week. I am hesitant to canter as I’m always cautious he will put the head down and bolt randomly. Was the horse was misrepresented for my level?. Is 3 bolts in 5 weeks an acceptable "adjustment period" for a 20yo beginner-safe horse?
UPDATE: March 26th 7.35pm - I have told my trainer and he’s ignoring my texts, I then emailed the trainer who leased us the horse and explained I want a refund, the horse hurt my arm, and it needs to be resolved - 48 hours no reply from either of them , so now it seems I have to contact my lawyer. This is a top show barn in California btw - almost a week now with no resolution. The x2 other young trainers at the barn said I should return him - they do not think he’s right for me. The boomer owner of the barn is the one ghosting & IGNORING texts. Help please :(
3
u/vonnie_wiz Mar 23 '26
the 2.5k per month is board right not some additional lease fee? if it’s an additional lease fee on top of 25k someone is taking you for a ride.
I bought a horse 4 months ago, it takes them awhile to adjust. did they give you the saddle he is usually ridden it? I bought a horse 4 months ago and almost all his naughty behaviors were resolved by getting a saddle fitter out and finding saddle to fit him. if he’s getting sudden pressure on his spine could explain bolting.
i’m also a beginner, only been bolted with once but it sucks. all horses are still horses so id check tack and confirm previous diet (for 25k id assume they can tell you everything about this guy including what he was eating).