New Zealand’s Teenaged Horse Whisperer Shares Secrets

For reasons that can’t be explained, some horses just can’t stand their trainers.

“He’s a good example over there,” says Jed Southcombe, gesturing at a grumpy stallion hidden in the shadows of another stable. “He doesn’t like anyone at all. He puts his ears back and his look says, `Piss off, leave me alone’.”

The 16-year-old Feilding High School pupil knows his horses. Making soothing clicking noises, Jed coaxes a strapping 3-year-old thoroughbred back into his stable with ease. The horse nuzzles him affectionately, but the young rider doesn’t fold, saying he has become used to a “tough love” approach even with his favourites.