[BootsOn]

I read every book I could get my hands on about horses. Then I took a few lessons, and started riding... However a western trainer was at the barn for a while and I watched her ride every time I could - that is where I became interested in western riding, and where I learned most if not all of what I know about it.

I definitely do not claim to know much or anything about training - but I have done a lot of work with Miracle and that is where I learned it!

[kmolen2]

Thanks for posting, everyone. Keep the stories coming! I love hearing what all your experiences have been! It gives me some faith that even though I didn't grow up neck deep in horses, I still have a shot at learning something as I age.

[Vengeance]

I grew up around horses, but didn't get into riding like I do now until I was about 11 or 12... I grew up reading horse books, not 'training and behavior books', but regular horse stories... I have also collected equine magazines and read and reread them quite often and when I got my computer, I looked up things a lot and joined forums and stuff... I've never had a lesson and never even spoken to a real professional 'trainer'...

When it comes to riding and training,in my experience... it was all, and still is, trial and error.

[Capilet]

I started taking lessons at 7, and have ridden since. In the beginning I took lessons, and did 4H as an older teen.

I have since taken as many lessons, watched as many trainers and ridden as many horses as possible. I have also ridden different disciplines and tried to learn the most possible from each situation. Exercise riding for people was a great way of gaining more experience as well.

At this point, even with more than twenty years in the saddle, my horses and fellow equestrians teach me new things almost daily. I will never cease to be a knowledge sponge.