Article Index

Unconscious Abuse

Repeat

Rest and Digest

Sometimes Wrong is Right

Passenger or Driver

Sky Rocket

Wheel Alignment

Have You Ever Been Fired?

Straighten Up and Fly Right

Hi Ho Silver

Two Heads

Pedal to the Metal

The Whole Enchilada

Boulder Jumping

Have You Ever Been Fired?

"You're Fired" are two words no one wants to hear, especially when you thought you were doing a great job!

For several years, one of my clients, Robynn Gabel and I have been working on rehabilitating one of her horses named Sherman. Sherman had captured Robynn’s heart the first time she saw him peeking around the side of his mom. She brought him home when he was weaned with visions of him replacing her more reliable mount, Elvis. She was looking forward to riding Sherman. Unfortunately some of Sherman’s basic training didn't go well and became the reason Robynn and I have been focusing on rebuilding his confidence and trust.

In the year 2008 I thought Sherman was coming together nicely. He was staying calmer at the shows. He wasn't whinnying as often for his stable mate Elvis. He was concentrating better for me and he was beginning to initiate contact with passer-by's. I thought I was doing a great job and feeling very pleased with Sherman’s progress. I was really having fun riding him. Trainers a word of advice—Don’t let your clients see you are having fun with one of their horses!

During the second day of a horse show in late June, I received my notice. "You're Fired!" by Robynn. I thought to myself, “This couldn't be a ‘real firing’ or could it?” Well, I think, it was more of a demotion than a true firing. Elvis had come up lame and Robynn wanted to keep riding so I was demoted to “groom” in the blink of an eye. Trainers, you must learn to shift gears quickly and go with the flow.

Being the groom and stall cleaner wasn't all that bad. After all I got to watch Robynn and Sherman perform all afternoon. This moment actually was the dream come true for Robynn and myself. Robynn rode with a big Wyoming smile on her face the whole time. You would have thought she was winning every class instead of placing. She had only dreamed about this day but never expected it to happen at this show.

My job with Sherman was finished. I must confess...... I do miss riding him because he is finally in a good personal space where I could have some fun with him.

At Robynn's final show for her season she rode Elvis as her Open Horse and Sherman as her Amateur Horse. She did an awesome job switching back and forth between the two horses and rode each one with confidence.

What happened to me? Well I am searching for a new horse to ride. Until I find one I have "real job security" because I know Robynn won't dare fire me again because then she would have to do it ALL! In the meantime I am PROUD to be known as the groom and stall cleaner for ELVIS and SHERMAN!