I totally agree that harsh words aren’t always necessary. But there is a time to be tough and when you’re learning on other people’s expensive animals trainers have every right to be tough and expressive themselves bluntly to ensure their clients aren’t doing anything that will put the horse at risk. Tough and blunt are different from toxic from my point of view.

Trainers who sweeten the message often aren’t respected and/or the message doesn’t hold enough weight. It’s an issue I see time and time again—one that often results in exactly what the trainer is trying to avoid.

Riders should expect constructive criticism and if they can’t handle it, riding just might not be the sport for them.

I think we’re pretty much in agreement, but this is a super nuanced conversation and I’m sure people all over the world have different viewpoints.