Arrogance is a known failure mode of young people, priveliged people, and smart people.

While you can grow out of it with time and experience, not everyone has the chance or knows enough to take it.

Also, this reminded me of the old Fae legends - specifically the (Irish?) Undead Horseman who rides a black steed to chase down unruly youths, and carries a whip made from a spine/vertebrae, so's he can Scare 'em Straight. (I think he can be repelled with gold or a closed gate, but I'm not sure. Likely salt, iron,or crosses would work given the locale.)