Are You Right for Your Horse?

Or should I say, is your horse right for you? I’m Al Ragusin, and in this article, I’m going to be sharing some truths about horse training that some trainers out there might not be telling you.

When I was asked to go on national television to share my horse training methods, I was apprehensive at first. I knew that in order to truly help people and their horses, I would have to be honest with them – and sometimes, the truth can be hard to swallow.

So, I did my research. I looked at other trainers on TV, and I saw a lot of what I expected to see. But there were a few trainers out there who seemed to be more interested in telling people what they wanted to hear than telling them the truth.

That’s not how I operate. I’ve been training horses for 47 years, and in that time, I’ve learned that sometimes, the truth is hard. But it’s always necessary. And that’s why I do what I do.

I’m not in it for the money – I’m in it for the horses. I’ve dedicated my life to studying these incredible animals, and I’ve learned so much from them. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being on top of a horse, moving in perfect harmony. But in order to get there, you need to understand your horse and how they see the world.

Which brings me to the topic of this article: are you right for your horse? It’s easy to fall in love with these magnificent animals – they’re so beautiful, so majestic. And it’s natural to want to spend as much time with them as possible.

But when it comes to riding them, things can get complicated. Horses are herd animals, and they have their own way of looking at the world. They don’t always understand what we want from them, and they can be easily spooked or upset.

I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen people who are so in love with their horses that they refuse to acknowledge that they might not be the best match. I’ve seen horses who are terrified of their riders, and riders who are terrified of their horses.

That’s why it’s so important to take a step back and evaluate whether you and your horse are a good match. Sometimes, you might need more experience before you can ride the horse you want to ride. Sometimes, your horse might need more training before they can be ridden safely.

The key is to be honest with yourself and your horse. Don’t force a relationship that isn’t working – it’s not fair to anyone involved. Instead, take the time to build trust and understanding, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

That’s what I’m here for. I’ve spent my entire life studying horses and learning how to communicate with them. And I’m not just here to tell you what you want to hear – I’m here to tell you the truth.

So, if you’re not sure whether you and your horse are a good match, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help, and I promise to always be honest with you, even if the truth is hard.


Horse Training

Picture of a horse training to collect properly.
Proper horse training