So who is a Princess?

The discussion about horse lovers is becoming interesting. As I noted in response to Callie's comments, once horses become a commodity and riding a product, the people taking part don't seem quite so nice.

That prompted me to thinking about the Princesses who can make an outfitter's life so difficult. If only we could see them coming. So I've recorded some hints that might be useful to outfitters and others. Feel free to comment and to suggest further warning signs.

Criticising other riding holidays, and the people who run them is one of the best signs. If someone slates other outfitters without good reason, one is next in line as a target.

Complaining unreasonably about the booking agent is another good sign. If someone highlights minor "differences" between what they think the offer comprises and what they believe they have found - the mountains are more or less steep than the expected, the horses bigger or smaller, etc - then trouble may be expected. Princesses are known for paying insufficient attention to details such as the level of riding, what is included, what they need to bring, and transfers.

Not bringing key items from the equipment list, such as a raincoat, but expecting the outfitter to provide whatever is missing free of charge, is a bad sign.

Some Princesses contact the outfitter directly, after booking with an agent, with a list of extra requirements. Usually one is expected to fulfil that list of additional items at no extra charge.

The English are known to give themselves away by arriving under the influence of alcohol, or arriving craving a drink anyway. Some of them are so accustomed to drink that one can't immediately tell that they are drunk, however rudeness and of course the smell do come to one's notice. This problem manisfests itself too in turning up late for breakfast, groggy, though by then it's too late for the outfitter.

The driver making the airport transfer is a vital ally. He or she can report selfish behaviour, such as making repeated demands for photo stops or pauses at souvenir kiosks even when the transport is late and other guests are hot, hungry and thirsty.

Having a dysfunctional family is another warning sign. If a family functions badly together, one member at least may be a Princess. A recent Princess visitor had a son in a juvenile correction facility, and she certainly placed her needs above everyone else's.

Of course, once in a while, a client even announces that they are a Princess. Usually these difficult people are female (though not exclusively). Occasionally they recognise that they are difficult, even trying to make a virtue out of it!

And finally the Princess and her male equivalent ride selfishly, treat their horses roughly, barge into other riders' horses, and frequently damage tack. In this, they prove conclusively that they are not horse lovers.

Comments

[barngoddess]

omg, I would be soooo very tempted to put those kinds of people on the 'cranky' horses...heheh

[risingrainbow]

Oh, I'm with barngoddess. Princesses can sure make life tough, but my guess is their lives must not be that hot or they wouldn't be working so hard to get attention.

[transylvanianhorseman]

I try not to have cranky horses here, however these people won't get the rooms with balconies. Nor will I lend them gear. Risingrainbow is right, most of them are nobodies trying to be somebodies and going about it the wrong way. Sad, really.

[I Gallop On]

WHat an excellent article! I'll be keeping an eye out for those princesses. I'm not a wrangler, but we see the pros up in the Pecos where we ride, and I'm sure there's a princess or two in their ranks. ;-) I love your blog. Can't wait to read more. Found you via Bridlepath!

Pax. Kimberly

[Jenny]

Many princesses are known to reside in the US. Alot of them drive hulking SUVs. I think it may be a new term for people with horrible manners. Good post.