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Featured School Horse: Woody
Choosing a Horse Trainer
By Melissa Harms, B.S. Animal Science, Equine Emphasis
Majority of horse owners have a differing view of what a perfect horse trainer is or is not. Poll any number of owners and you will get nearly that many number of opinions. There are three key elements to consider when searching for horse training in any area or discipline.
- What are the needs of the horse? – For example, a young horse will need several months of training before it is ready for an owner to ride or show. An older horse may require only a tune-up or may also require longer sessions if adding training in additional disciplines. Important items for consideration here are if a trainer can meet the short or long term goals of the project.
- What are your needs as the owner? – Determine your goals for involvement as a horse owner. Some owners desire to be very involved in the training, showing or riding of their horse. Other owners have more of a hands-off approach to ownership and enjoy watching others work with their horse. In return some trainers enjoy working directly with client education and others prefer to deal only with the horses. Your involvement goals will play a role in trainer selection.
- What is the end goal of the training program / use of the horse? – Here is a tricky question and where it is important to be realistic. Some breeds, bloodlines and body types of horses are better suited toward one performance area vs. another performance area. It is important to choose disciplines that play to the strengths of your horse. A good trainer will help you find & strengthen the positive aspects your horse displays in order to help you toward your goal use for the horse. A good trainer should also be able to tell you if he / she believes’ a horse is suited for a particular discipline and why.
- Do your homework. – Research trainers well before your horse is ready to be started under saddle or several months before the next show season begins. The extra time you take to choose a good trainer will pay off for both you and your horse in the long run. Do your friends have recommendations? Does the trainer you are looking at have openings? Are they qualified to train horses through previous experience or education?
- Ask for references. – Check with current and previous clients and or show management from various places a trainer has exhibited. Is the trainer banned from a certain group? Why? If you get negative feedback regarding a trainer, ask the trainer directly for their version of the story. If the trainer is willing to discuss a negative comment, it will give an indication of how they handle conflict, which can be very insightful regarding your future dealings with that trainer.
- Check your budget. – Training costs money plain and simple. How much are you willing to spend? Do you have enough cash to finish the project you start? Have a candid discussion to see what potential costs might be incurred. Will the trainer’s services fit your budget?
- Gage your comfort level. – Ask to sit in on a lesson or attend a show the trainer is participating in. Do you enjoy how the trainer works with horses & clients? Do you understand when the trainer explains something to a student? Does the trainer work well one on one or with groups? Will the trainer consider an evaluation with the horse?
- Inspect the merchandise. – View colts the trainer has started or older horses the trainer has worked on. Are those horses comfortable / performers / do well for their owners? Does the trainer have video or photos to share?
- Tour the facilities. – How clean and organized is the barn / arena / office / tack room? If those areas are all dirty and chaotic, what does that say about the general training operation? What type of reception do you receive?
