Hi, i was wondering if you...

Question
Hi, i was wondering if you could answer this for me. I just recently got a horse for my birthday, he's a 3 year old chesnut arabian gelding. He has no expireince but the Lady who owns the stable give me free lessons and training. She hits my horse, for example, she wacked him with reins on his nose so hard that i almost jumped.Then she yelled at me because i didnt stop him from bumping his head in my stomach, which i didnt mind.Should i say something to her, or is that what your supposed to do?
Thank You

Answer
Dear Theresa:
One of the things you don't tell me is how old you are and how much experience you have had. I don't like to make judgements about other equine professionals when I have only heard one side of the story - but I will respond given that I have limited information to go on.
1. Three is very young- especially for an Arabian as they mature both physically and mentally more slowly than do other breeds. I don't even begin my horses under saddle until they are three.
2. Always question what you receive for "free." Unless this woman is a relative or close family friend - just because she owns a stable doesn't make her either a coach or a trainer. I do not know of any qualified coaches or trainers who give away their services for free.
3. Unless the horse has done something dangerous (an intentional agressive bite - and even so within very strict guidelines and never with a foreign object) I do not ever recommend striking a horse anywhere on the head. This can result in a headshy horse, a horse that rears, or injury to the animal's head.
4. You say that she yelled at you- again, unless a student is in danger and I need to get that person's attention immediately - I do not think that yelling at a student is ever justified. She is correct however, that you should not let your horse rub on you or "bump his head into your stomach." A horse is a BIG animal and it needs to learn that humans need to have their space respected. This means that YOU can go to your horse and offer scratches and pats but your horse must not approach you. This can lead your horse into engaging in "horseplay" where he begins to treat you like another member of the herd - a situation that can result in you getting injured and your horse becoming spoiled.
5. You sound dissatisfied - there are many coaches and trainers - seek out someone else in your area. If you think she will hold this against you- I'm sure there are other boarding facilties as well.
Best of luck,
Shelley Evans