On Finding a Trainer

There are those who go it alone and do well. There are those that go it alone and royally blow it. There are those with a trainer that gets them to World level. There are those with trainers that don't know jack. It's up to you to decide what route you are going to take with your horse. Are you skilled enough to produce an end product in 90 days or less that is ready to go into the pen and ride out with a ribbon? Are you competitive and dedicated enough to do it on your own? Or, are you willing to let another person coach you and your horse to accomplish your goals? Unless you yourself are a trainer with the belt buckle to prove it, chances are you should look into a trainer to help you advance your horse and your own riding to a level that is competitive and you're happy with it. At least invest in lessons either on a school horse or your own noble steed so you can troubleshoot any problems or bad habits you've picked up over the years.

Finding a trainer is a lot like finding a prospect. You need to find someone who you mesh with and can see yourself working with for the next several months (at least!). Sit down and figure it up. Get your handy dandy notebook ready and ask yourself:

• How much do I want to pay for lessons/training?
• How far am I willing to travel?
• Will I be leaving with my horse with my trainer?
• How experienced should my trainer be? At what level should they be competitive?
• Do they have experience in my event?

Too many times, people only pay attention to how much they are going to pay and how far they have to travel. You know what you end up with? Your kid taking Western Pleasure lessons from a barrel racer whose best advice is to ride every time in draw reins and go to a harder bit.

When you are considering a trainer, ask them if you can sit in on a lesson and watch. Most trainers and instructors are happy to let you. If a trainer says "No" thank them for their time and move on.

Now, some people want trainers that sugar coat things. And that's great. Some people want trainers that get them in the ribbons. That's great too. The most important thing is to be happy with the results.

For example, a cutting trainer yells at his youth riders when they mess up. He pushes them to the limit. Kids leave lessons crying. But, they win and that makes up for it, so they go back.

Another trainer's kids rarely break the top 3 of an average sized class. The trainer teaches with kindness and rarely corrects the kids. The kids come back because they are having fun.

To each their own, whatever makes you happy. Now, there are trainers that are kind and produce winners, and kudos to you if you find one that works for you! Keep going back and improving your own skills.

Remember, you want to do whatever it takes to make your horse more valuable and wanted by somebody else. That may include sending him to a trainer to get him going to the best of his abilities. Nobody wants an unbroke 12 year old. Nobody wants to buy a horse off of a video where his rider is flopping like a fish out of water. Get you and your horse some o' that thar fancy learnin' and you'll be just fine.