What would you do if a professional you have used for decades and are fond of behaved as follows. This is someone normally kind with a nice quiet way with horses.
Walks onto yard, opens stable of new youngster. Starts to treat him but the minute he misbehaves, takes him to the furthest corner of the stable, where he presumes you cannot see, and wallops him three times with the lead rope.
This is a sensitive young horse who is reactive so the appointment spirals downwards.
When nearly finished it becomes impossible so I say we can leave it there. He asks if he can fall out with the horse and I say no.
He says he has to finish so shouts and hits the horse until he submits.
I am now wondering whether to book the follow up appointment. As I say, this is uncharacteristic behaviour but not acceptable on my yard.