Horse broken in at 5, training

Question
My neighbour got a horse broken in for me when he was 5(thoroughbred gelding). It is now a week after he has come back to her stables, and I have been riding him in a walk. He has been lunged in a round pen in walk and trot, I have taught him to respond to voice commands, walking over cushions, balls, plastic bags etc. I have been going at the pace that I feel he is comfortable at, yet still challanged. I was plannig to tor him yesterday, but the people who broke him in turned up and rode him. They put their tack on him straight away, didn't lunge him, took him into a paddock he'd never been in before, walked him about 5 steps, then asked him to trot. He got antsy, and refused.The girl who rode him hadn't beore, she was their friend. They took him out of my sight over a hill, then came back saying he has bucked her, and was not safe for me to ride. They rang my neighbour and told her he was unsound for me to ride, and dangerous.

I am 17 yr old girl, have known him for two years, halter broke him and know him well. I have been riding for three years, and I feel that this judgment is unfair, a snap decision based on one ride with totally new conditions.
How do I tell my neighbour this? I am correct in my thinking? She thinks I am right but is still doubtful. She didnt see it happen. Please help!

Thanks

Answer
Hi Cassandra!

It seems to me from what you told me, this TB does not belong to you but, is owned by your neighbor.  I cannot give training advice to non-owners of the horse in question.

However, I can say in the broadest of terms....any young green-broke horse must be properly prepared before mounting.  I would never just put on tack and go.  He must be longed correctly and until the "sillies" are all out of him.

Also, I must caution you that a horse can be very calm and pliable on the ground in all training matters but, become something completely different once mounted. He may or may not have done what they said.

The result of all this is that since you do not own the horse you have no say in this matter.  You may voice your opinion and of course use logic and reason on your side to prove your point.  Research on the Internet and books as well as another trainer's opinion can reinforce your case with the owner. That is all I can suggest.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange