When a Horse “Fails” at Montgomery Creek Ranch

At Montgomery Creek Ranch, humane horsemanship means more than just training horses—it’s about honoring the unique needs and personalities of each animal. Approximately half of the horses in our program don’t become rideable or fit for traditional training, but that doesn’t mean they are without value. Our ethical approach prioritizes the horse’s well-being and safety, ensuring they are treated with respect, regardless of the outcome.

Every Horse is Different

Not  all horsethrive in a structured training program, and that’s okay. We believe that, given enough time and the right methods, many horses could be tamed, but we don’t believe in forcing them into roles that don’t suit them. Some horses may have past trauma or inherent traits that make them unsafe to ride or work with, and our ethical framework allows us to respect that reality. Instead of pushing these horses beyond their limits, we recognize when a different path is needed—whether that’s serving as a companion animal or finding a less traditional role.

Ethical Training Methods

Our training program focuses on building trust with each horse through humane methods that align with their natural instincts. This approach minimizes stress and maximizes the chance of a positive outcome. However, when a horse doesn't respond well to training, we don't push them beyond what they can handle. For us, success isn’t about fitting every horse into a specific mold; it’s about ensuring their well-being and safety throughout the process.

Why MCR is a Good Place to Adopt 

At Montgomery Creek Ranch, every horse is carefully vetted before adoption, making MCR an excellent place for potential adopters. Our horses are treated with compassion and respect, and their training or lack of training is honestly communicated. Those that do not complete the training program are still well-cared for and evaluated thoroughly, ensuring that every horse has a place where they can thrive, whether as a riding horse, companion, or pasture buddy.

By adopting from MCR, you are adopting from a place that genuinely cares about the welfare of each horse. We work hard to match adopters with horses that meet their needs and abilities, and we are transparent about the training each horse has received. This ensures that when you adopt from us, you are getting a well-vetted horse who is suited to your lifestyle, whether they are rideable or not.

Meet Our Horses