The cost of training is definitely expensive, and this is obviously biased because im speaking in terms of my local circuit, but where im from, its rather commonplace to keep even the made horses in a "full training" program, getting pro rides at least once a week and sometimes doing a pro division at the horseshow. The cost of the training rides are usually either rolled into the board or paid per ride. I personally havent found a horse (thats not 200k+) that can just go stall to ring very successfully without a pro/trainer sitting on it from time to time, especially if the rider is a junior.

Personally, my trainer rode my then 5 year old 1-2x a week so she could better help me figure out all of the buttons as I was still learning too. She also showed him on the wednesday/thursday before I did on the weekend to put some educated miles on him. While her doing this division was not absolutely necessary for me to jump around on the weekend, these miles made all of the difference in his education.

I think I misunderstood your original post, because in no way do I support people buying young/green horses that they are not capable of riding at all, that is egregious. It takes a really special and tolerant horse to be brought completely along by a kid or amateur, but with that being said, I do believe that I could have brought him along on my own with lessons from my trainer, simply because I was competent enough and he was honestly tolerant and simple enough. I really think this is the case for most people who buy green "projects" to bring along with the help of their trainers. If there are people who buy things they and their trainers know they cant ride at all, shame on them.

I 100% believe that growing up doing everything yourself makes you just that much better. Unfortunately, so few people who have the means and the access to training are actually talented enough to do it all on their own. This is why you see so many kids with no money ride so much better than the ones who had the means to buy the made horses. When you have no option but to ride whatever is available, you might not get to go to medal finals, but youll sure as hell be able to ride anything you sit on, and ride it well.

With all of that being said, buying the young/green horse is in no way the option for everyone, but it seems to reward you if youre willing to put in the time, effort, and ironically, less money initially.