Building Each Other Up: Trainer-to-Trainer Ethics in the Walking Horse Industry

In the Tennessee Walking Horse community, we share more than competition—we share a passion for the horse, a dedication to excellence, and a responsibility to uphold the integrity of our profession. While it’s easy to focus on the horses in our care and the clients we serve, it’s equally important to remember the relationships we build with fellow trainers.

At the end of the day, our industry is stronger when we support each other. Working with other trainers in a spirit of respect and professionalism sets the standard for the next generation of horsemen and women.

Respect and Courtesy Above All

As one of our guiding principles reminds us: Respect your peers—honor their horses, their clients, and their reputation as you would your own.

Healthy competition is what drives us forward, but courtesy and respect must always remain at the heart of our profession. Whether in the warm-up ring, at the showgrounds, or back home in the barn, small acts of professionalism—like offering a kind word or lending a hand—speak volumes.

Building on Trust, Not Rivalry

A ribbon lasts one season, but reputation lasts a lifetime. That’s why we say: Build your stable on trust, not on taking from another’s.

Poaching clients, speaking negatively about another trainer, or undercutting others may bring short-term gain, but it damages the long-term fabric of our industry. Choosing trust and honesty always pays off—in stronger relationships, loyal clients, and a more unified community.

Lifting the Profession Together

Perhaps the most important reminder is this: Help lift the standard of the horse—and the profession—by how you treat fellow trainers.

When we encourage one another, share knowledge, and celebrate each other’s success, we set the tone for the entire industry. Each of us represents not just our own stable, but the Walking Horse as a breed and as a legacy.

Closing Thoughts

True professionalism is measured not only by how we ride, but by how we respect others in the ring and in the barn. By committing to trainer-to-trainer ethics, we’re not just shaping better shows—we’re shaping a healthier, stronger, and more positive Walking Horse community.

Together, let’s compete hard, cheer loudly, and always build each other up.

~Carrie Benedict