The survey asked: When you suspect that rider error or other issues related to the rider are causing the horse to stumble (especially in cases when either has suggested your footcare was the cause), how do you communicate this to the trainer and/or rider?

“By asking them questions. Such as, what are you doing when he stumbles? How is his saddle fitting? What else has changed in his life? How long has he been stumbling? At what gait is he stumbling at? Perhaps the horse isn't even stumbling. Ask the client to describe the problem in detail. Try and get them to think things through on their own by planting information in the form of questions.”
— Richard Bumpus, Preston, Idaho

“I’m rather fortunate with my clientele. It’s rare that my work has ‘blame’ placed on it. More often I’m asked if there’s anything I can do to help. Stumbling/tripping are one of the more scary hate faults to riders. I’ve found most are receptive to communication. My first couple of questions are:

1. Does the problem occur at only one gate?
2. Is it predominantly on right/left lead?
3. Does your horse tend to pull himself/herself around on their front end?

These questions most often lead to the understanding that more effort should be given by all involved parties to try to get more/better hind end engagement. It can be a challenge to communicate without insult that a horse who stumbles/trips requires an active partner on its back and not just the…