Questions & Answers with Richard Winters

Dear Mr. Winters,
I recently ended up with a new horse. He is a 4 year old palomino and has been very mistreated. I have been spending as much time as I can with him - talking to him and petting him. He comes at command. He also will let me on his back with a saddle. He doesn't want to turn. I can get him to go forward and backwards but he keeps wanting to go his own way. He fights me and I am not used to riding. Am I doing something wrong? I feel he thinks he should keep going to a corner of the fence where I saddle him. Is this what you call barn sour? Thanks, I just saw your program on dish network and love it!
A new horse owner,
Joyce Welch


Dear Joyce,
Although I’m always happy to share practical training tips, I need to take a different approach to this particular situation. If you were my sister, or a close friend, and we were visiting over a cup of coffee, this would be the candid conversation that I would have with you.

Your question has raised some issues of concern for me. You mentioned that you have a new horse. My first question would be, “Is this your first horse?” If so, finding the right horse for your experience level and goals is critical to your success. If this horse is only four years old, it is possible that he is green and lacks advanced training and experience. If I were helping you shop for a horse I’d be considering horses with more age and thus more experience. I know that this is not always true. However, in general, it will be the older horses that will be most appropriate for the less experienced riders.

You also mentioned that the horse has been mistreated. This might be true. Perhaps you know the specific details of abuse. However, I have spoken with many owners who observe a behavior and then “fill in the blanks” in regard to their horse’s past. It is important to be careful not to draw subjective conclusions - if we do not have all of the facts.

With that being said - you are certainly dealing with an unacceptable situation. It appears your horse is a combination of too green and spoiled (disrespectful). This disrespect comes from a lack of experience and leadership. Not just from you. No doubt this started with previous handlers of the horse. This is exemplified by him taking you back over to the fence. You’re right. This is a barn sour behavior.

Joyce, it’s time for some professional help. I would recommend that you not ride this horse again until a qualified horseman or woman can ride and evaluate this horse for you. Perhaps it will be determined that the horse would work out with some further training. Or possibly you will need to take lessons on the horse to work on your communication and leadership skills. You also need to be open to the possibility that (in the professional’s opinion) this horse is not suited for you.

I want you to be successful in your horsemanship endeavors. Without some qualified hands-on-guidance, I’m afraid you’ll become disappointed, discouraged, and maybe even get hurt.