Today, I’d like to reflect a bit of the difference between a “broke’ horse, and a “trained” horse.” Often , the terms are used interchangeable, to denote a horse that can be ridden. There IS a difference, and it is often huge. The broke horse (usually) CAN be ridden, sometimes successfully. It moves (sometimes willingly, sometimes not) with a rider, but usually does no more than it wants . It has to be “muscled” or made to do things. It is a begrudging partner, not a willing one.
The trained horse works at the direction of its rider. It responds to commands often so subtle only the rider and the horse know they have been given. It responds to leg, rein and voice enthusiastically and often joyfully. Little effort is needed to get this horse, this “trained” horse to do what is requested. It is a willing partner.
So, the next time someone shows you a horse, and says “Sure, that one is broke.” You can now say….. “Yes, but is it trained?”
The trained horse works at the direction of its rider. It responds to commands often so subtle only the rider and the horse know they have been given. It responds to leg, rein and voice enthusiastically and often joyfully. Little effort is needed to get this horse, this “trained” horse to do what is requested. It is a willing partner.
So, the next time someone shows you a horse, and says “Sure, that one is broke.” You can now say….. “Yes, but is it trained?”
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