It seems one of the hardest things to get across to people, is that the very second you put a halter/saddle/bridle on a horse it is THIER work time, and your enjoyment time. Sounds like you've already caught on to that:). There is nothing wrong with making a horse behave. I'm not saying that you shouldn't make the ride as enjoyable/comfortable, etc. for the horse, but their enjoyment and comfort does not come before the riders, or at the expense of the rider or riders around.If there is something they don't want to do, but the rider does, then it's tuff patooties for the horse, or if they have to ride next to a horse they don't like, tuff. But:),,,I'm rather fanatical on that issue, but it's because when I first started riding I made every mistake you can make, and wanted my horses to "like" everything:).
Becky
The horse isn't paying the $38 for me to ride it either. LOL!
But yeah, I'd guess my biggest pet peeve right now is riders that don't even ~attempt~ to control their horse. I think they believe they are on a theme park ride or sumthin'. :-/
Even my first time out, I tried to control my horse, albeit timidly. I was worried about the type of bit and how strong a hand was needed to get results.
Once Hair pointed out that the bits were the gentlest out there, I took a more aggressive stance with the reins.
The good/bad thing about these horses is that they have ridden the trail a gazillion times and are bored to tears. Which is great in one way since you don't worry about encoutering something the horse may find unfamiliar.
But the bad is that with boredom comes an increased propensity for mischief. Kinda like my girls. :-D
Mischief = accidents when riders on board.