Ed Halpern's observations on being a horse trainer
/Training thoroughbred horses is a wonderful occupation. Many who quit
training miss it for the remainder of their life. Why then is it that
the community of thoroughbred horse trainers seems so unhappy? Even the
most successful of trainers walks around in the morning head down.
During training hours, if you engage in conversation with a trainer, it
will most likely be a serious conversation. In trackside conversations,
trainers can be smiling and engaging, but there is usually a sense that
their minds are on other things. I also observe in many an anger that
lies just below the surface waiting to reveal itself at the slightest
provocation. Sure there is humorous repartee, but it is covered by the
shadow of failure. This is a subject I have wanted to look at for a long
time, but I have hesitated because it always sounds like whining.
Ed Halpern (26 June 2008 - Issue Number: 6)