Finding the Right Trainer for You and Your Horse
When you select a professional trainer, you are choosing a business partner. To produce satisfactory results, it’s essential to find the right match for both you and your horse.
Search Criteria
Defining your training goals is the first step to target your search. First, list all the reasons why you want help from a professional trainer, and whether your goals are short-term, long-term or both.
Common training goals include:
Search Criteria
Defining your training goals is the first step to target your search. First, list all the reasons why you want help from a professional trainer, and whether your goals are short-term, long-term or both.
Common training goals include:
- Starting a young horse under saddle
- Solving a particular issue for horse and/or rider
- Preparing a horse for competition or sale
- Building and/or maintaining training and conditioning
- Coaching a horse and rider team for competition
- Improving a rider’s horsemanship skills
- Learning a new skill or discipline
Geography
Although location should be a factor in selecting a trainer, the best trainer may not be the one located closest to your home. In particular, if you are looking for a trainer with fairly unique skills, for example, competing at a certain upper level, you may find that you have to travel a fair distance. However, the trainer should not be so far away that you cannot travel there often enough to accomplish your goals.
Cost
Training and full board generally range from $400 to $2500 per month, depending upon geographic area, breed, discipline, and the trainer’s prominence in his/her field.
Be certain to choose a trainer whose rates are well within your means, keeping in mind that there will likely be additional costs, such as worming, vaccinations, shoeing and competition fees. Your horse may also have to stay longer than you had anticipated, and you don’t want the training cost to be such a financial hardship that you cannot afford to maintain your horse’s training or afford to compete with your horse after the training is complete.
Finding Your Trainer
Here in the United States, nearly anyone can call themselves a professional horse trainer, regardless of qualifications (or lack thereof). Unlike in many European countries, for American horse trainers, there is no mandatory licensing procedure, certification process or even regulation. With just a few exceptions, breed and discipline associations exercise very little oversight over their professional members. Often, a professional membership card in a breed or discipline association means only that the cardholder does not qualify to compete as an amateur (i.e., that they receive compensation in connection with showing, training or giving lessons). The United States Dressage Federation and the United States Eventing Association are notable exceptions, as instructor certification in these associations is both meaningful and relatively difficult to attain. A few other organizations purport to offer “certification,” but too often, such designations represent little more than the purchase of a certificate, providing no actual measure of a trainer’s skills and experience. Some well-known clinicians offer affiliate programs, but such endorsements do not necessarily mean that the affiliated trainer has completed any extensive education with the clinician or even met the clinician in person. Even university equestrian science degree programs vary widely in their curriculum. Consequently, there is no one reliable measurement of a trainer’s skills and experience, and carefully screening potential candidates is essential.
Finding the right trainer is much like finding the right horse. The most talented trainers often do not have to advertise, and therefore word of mouth is frequently the best source of leads. When you are ready to begin your search, start discussing your training goals with your horse industry contacts and ask for referrals. Visit the equine chat board(s) dedicated to your geographic region, breed or discipline. Search the archives to see if others have posted recommendations for the type of trainer you seek, and if not, post your own thread requesting information. Check to see if your breed or discipline association maintains a directory of professionals. During this process, you will probably find that certain names crop up several different times.
If your training goals include competition, you should attend events as a spectator and pay close attention to what you see in the show pen, in the barns and in the warm-up areas. Note the horses and competitors performing well, and which trainers are working with them. Observe the trainers’ personal style and demeanor (and those of their clients) to evaluate how they might match up with you and your horse. If you see a trainer engaging in what you consider to be abusive or otherwise unprofessional behavior, discreetly inquire to find out who that trainer is so you can cross them off your list. Upon identifying a trainer you like, locate his or her stall area and obtain contact information for them. While you may be able to meet a trainer who interests you, keep in mind that trainers will be focused on the event at hand and therefore it may be best to call them after the event is over.
Narrowing the Field
Although many reputable trainers do not have websites, if a trainer on your list does have a website, it can yield a wealth of information about their clientele, competition record and even their business practices. For example, you can review the photos on the website to determine whether the horses and riders appear to be at the same competitive level as you and your horse (or at the competitive level where you aspire to be). Some trainers even post price lists and have downloadable contracts available on their website.
Next, call the trainers on your short list. Because trainers are frequently outside working horses during the day, evening is typically the best time to call, and you may initially get voicemail. When you leave a message, be sure to clearly explain who you are and why you are calling. If a personal contact recommended the trainer, be sure to mention that in your message. The more detailed and clear your message is, the more likely it is that you will receive a prompt return call, and don’t forget to leave your phone number. For example, “I’m Tammy Smith from Tipp City, Ohio. I’m looking for a trainer to assist me in purchasing a Friesian for lower level dressage, and Jose Cortez recommended that I contact you. My phone number is 937-555-1212.”
Some of the trainers may not return your call in a reasonable amount of time, and you can cross those persons off your list. If a trainer won’t call you back promptly when you are still a prospective customer, imagine how unlikely it is that you’ll receive a prompt callback when you inquire about your horse in training. When the trainer calls back, be sure to have a list of questions at the ready. You may find Equine Legal Solutions’ What to Ask a Prospective Trainer questionnaire helpful.
The Site Visit
Once you have narrowed your list of candidates to a few trainers, make appointments with those trainers to visit their facilities. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time – do not expect to visit more than two facilities in one day. If possible, make arrangements to see the trainer (or, if the trainer’s assistant will be doing the primary work on your horse, ask to the see the assistant) work a horse the same age and training level as yours and/or observe a lesson given to a person of approximately the same competitive level as you. If the trainer doesn’t want to let you see him or her work a horse or teach a lesson, you should cross them off of your list, because a reputable trainer should be more than happy to show you how they work.
When you arrive at the barn, remember that trainers ride multiple horses every day and thus they are usually on a schedule, so try to be on time. Note how are you greeted at the barn – do you have to track down someone to find the trainer and introduce you, or is your arrival anticipated? Do you feel welcome, or are you an interruption to the trainer’s and/or barn staff’s day?
Walking through the barns, take a look at the horses. The stalls should be clean, bright and airy. Each horse should have clean water. The horses should have shiny hair coats and be well groomed and in good physical condition, wearing reasonably clean blankets. Their feet should also be in good condition. Do the horses appear curious and approach the stall fronts with ears forward, or do they hang at the back of the stall, lunge at the bars or flatten their ears at your approach? Barn aisles and work areas should be reasonably tidy and free of obstacles. Turnouts and pastures should be safely fenced and reasonably free of mud. Arenas and other facilities should be suitable for the type of training done at the facility. Take a peek in the tack room – is there any equipment that you would not to have used on your horse, such as particularly severe bits or hock hobbles?
When you observe the trainer working a horse, make a note of the equipment that he or she is using, and whether you feel comfortable with how they are using the equipment. At the start of the session, if the trainer doesn’t tell you, ask a few questions to determine when the horse came in for training, what his level of training was when he arrived, and what the trainer’s goals are for this particular horse. You can then better evaluate whether the horse’s performance that day fairly represents what you would expect under those circumstances.
If your goal is to find a trainer who will coach you and your horse, be sure to closely evaluate the trainer’s personal style in light of your personal preferences. For example, if it is important to you to receive a lot of feedback, you may prefer a trainer who is outgoing and talkative. If you are somewhat timid, you may prefer a trainer who is especially encouraging and approachable. If you need help getting motivated, you may prefer a trainer with a strong presence. After the lesson, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the client and ask them questions about their experiences in the trainer’s program.
References
Once you have narrowed the list of potential trainers to just a few names, it’s time to check that trainer’s references, at least informally. First, determine whether the trainer is currently in good standing with your breed or discipline association and whether the trainer has a disciplinary record. Be aware, though, that most breed and discipline associations will release only current (and not historical) information, so the fact that the trainer is currently in good standing doesn’t mean that they have always been in good standing. Next, talk to your contacts in the industry – tell them you are thinking about taking your horse to Trainer A and ask whether they have any feedback for you. Don’t forget to ask your vet and farrier – as equine professionals, they are often very familiar with all of the barns in the area and can provide valuable information for you. Do an Internet search on the trainer’s name and see what comes up.
Hiring a Trainer
Once you have a final candidate, it’s time to finalize your arrangements. If your horse will be staying at the trainer’s facility, be sure to schedule a time and date to drop him off and ask what items of tack and horse clothing he will need to bring with him. Be sure to label all of your horse’s items with his name and your name.
Your Contract with Your Trainer
Ask for, and read, a copy of the trainer’s contract, and if applicable, the boarding facility’s contract. If the contract doesn’t include all of the terms that you were expecting based upon your conversations with the trainer, ask to incorporate the missing items. If your trainer doesn’t have a contract, ask him or her for one that reflects the terms you have discussed. Without a contract memorializing your agreement, it may be unclear later what was actually agreed upon, and you will have great difficulty proving what your agreement was in the event of a dispute. For example, if you do not discuss show fees and agree in advance with your trainer, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you receive your first bill following a horse show. Equine Legal Solutions offers professional training contract packages.
Working Together with Your Trainer
At the outset of the relationship, be sure to understand exactly what is expected of you. For example, does the trainer anticipate that you will be at his facility once a week to take lessons on your horse in training? At the same time, be sure your trainer understands exactly what you expect of her, and encourage her to be frank with you if she feels your goals are not realistic or otherwise need adjustment.
Your trainer should send you a bill at the end of each month. Most trainers bill in advance, so if you receive a bill in April, it will generally include training and board for May, as well as miscellaneous expenses incurred in April. For expenses other than board and training, your bill should be itemized. If you are not sure about a bill, the time to ask is when you receive it, not months afterward.
Even if you aren’t expecting to take lessons while the horse is at the trainer’s facility, visiting at least once a month will give you a good idea of how your horse is progressing. Because your trainer has a busy schedule, you should call in advance before visiting to make sure the trainer will be there and available to talk to you. When possible, ask in advance to see the trainer work your horse during your visit.
You should encourage your trainer to be up front with you in his assessment of your horse’s ability and training progress. Keep in mind that every horse is an individual and you may need to adjust the length of time your horse spends with the trainer, or your competition goals, or both. If you are disappointed in your horse’s progress, don’t be afraid to ask your trainer why the horse isn’t progressing as quickly as you would like. While it may be a crushing blow to hear that your two-year-old isn’t going to be the superstar you had hoped, your trainer will be doing you a huge favor if she tells you that before you have spent thousands in training and show fees. And of course, if you are pleased with your horse’s progress, be sure to give praise where it is due!
Although location should be a factor in selecting a trainer, the best trainer may not be the one located closest to your home. In particular, if you are looking for a trainer with fairly unique skills, for example, competing at a certain upper level, you may find that you have to travel a fair distance. However, the trainer should not be so far away that you cannot travel there often enough to accomplish your goals.
Cost
Training and full board generally range from $400 to $2500 per month, depending upon geographic area, breed, discipline, and the trainer’s prominence in his/her field.
Be certain to choose a trainer whose rates are well within your means, keeping in mind that there will likely be additional costs, such as worming, vaccinations, shoeing and competition fees. Your horse may also have to stay longer than you had anticipated, and you don’t want the training cost to be such a financial hardship that you cannot afford to maintain your horse’s training or afford to compete with your horse after the training is complete.
Finding Your Trainer
Here in the United States, nearly anyone can call themselves a professional horse trainer, regardless of qualifications (or lack thereof). Unlike in many European countries, for American horse trainers, there is no mandatory licensing procedure, certification process or even regulation. With just a few exceptions, breed and discipline associations exercise very little oversight over their professional members. Often, a professional membership card in a breed or discipline association means only that the cardholder does not qualify to compete as an amateur (i.e., that they receive compensation in connection with showing, training or giving lessons). The United States Dressage Federation and the United States Eventing Association are notable exceptions, as instructor certification in these associations is both meaningful and relatively difficult to attain. A few other organizations purport to offer “certification,” but too often, such designations represent little more than the purchase of a certificate, providing no actual measure of a trainer’s skills and experience. Some well-known clinicians offer affiliate programs, but such endorsements do not necessarily mean that the affiliated trainer has completed any extensive education with the clinician or even met the clinician in person. Even university equestrian science degree programs vary widely in their curriculum. Consequently, there is no one reliable measurement of a trainer’s skills and experience, and carefully screening potential candidates is essential.
Finding the right trainer is much like finding the right horse. The most talented trainers often do not have to advertise, and therefore word of mouth is frequently the best source of leads. When you are ready to begin your search, start discussing your training goals with your horse industry contacts and ask for referrals. Visit the equine chat board(s) dedicated to your geographic region, breed or discipline. Search the archives to see if others have posted recommendations for the type of trainer you seek, and if not, post your own thread requesting information. Check to see if your breed or discipline association maintains a directory of professionals. During this process, you will probably find that certain names crop up several different times.
If your training goals include competition, you should attend events as a spectator and pay close attention to what you see in the show pen, in the barns and in the warm-up areas. Note the horses and competitors performing well, and which trainers are working with them. Observe the trainers’ personal style and demeanor (and those of their clients) to evaluate how they might match up with you and your horse. If you see a trainer engaging in what you consider to be abusive or otherwise unprofessional behavior, discreetly inquire to find out who that trainer is so you can cross them off your list. Upon identifying a trainer you like, locate his or her stall area and obtain contact information for them. While you may be able to meet a trainer who interests you, keep in mind that trainers will be focused on the event at hand and therefore it may be best to call them after the event is over.
Narrowing the Field
Although many reputable trainers do not have websites, if a trainer on your list does have a website, it can yield a wealth of information about their clientele, competition record and even their business practices. For example, you can review the photos on the website to determine whether the horses and riders appear to be at the same competitive level as you and your horse (or at the competitive level where you aspire to be). Some trainers even post price lists and have downloadable contracts available on their website.
Next, call the trainers on your short list. Because trainers are frequently outside working horses during the day, evening is typically the best time to call, and you may initially get voicemail. When you leave a message, be sure to clearly explain who you are and why you are calling. If a personal contact recommended the trainer, be sure to mention that in your message. The more detailed and clear your message is, the more likely it is that you will receive a prompt return call, and don’t forget to leave your phone number. For example, “I’m Tammy Smith from Tipp City, Ohio. I’m looking for a trainer to assist me in purchasing a Friesian for lower level dressage, and Jose Cortez recommended that I contact you. My phone number is 937-555-1212.”
Some of the trainers may not return your call in a reasonable amount of time, and you can cross those persons off your list. If a trainer won’t call you back promptly when you are still a prospective customer, imagine how unlikely it is that you’ll receive a prompt callback when you inquire about your horse in training. When the trainer calls back, be sure to have a list of questions at the ready. You may find Equine Legal Solutions’ What to Ask a Prospective Trainer questionnaire helpful.
The Site Visit
Once you have narrowed your list of candidates to a few trainers, make appointments with those trainers to visit their facilities. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time – do not expect to visit more than two facilities in one day. If possible, make arrangements to see the trainer (or, if the trainer’s assistant will be doing the primary work on your horse, ask to the see the assistant) work a horse the same age and training level as yours and/or observe a lesson given to a person of approximately the same competitive level as you. If the trainer doesn’t want to let you see him or her work a horse or teach a lesson, you should cross them off of your list, because a reputable trainer should be more than happy to show you how they work.
When you arrive at the barn, remember that trainers ride multiple horses every day and thus they are usually on a schedule, so try to be on time. Note how are you greeted at the barn – do you have to track down someone to find the trainer and introduce you, or is your arrival anticipated? Do you feel welcome, or are you an interruption to the trainer’s and/or barn staff’s day?
Walking through the barns, take a look at the horses. The stalls should be clean, bright and airy. Each horse should have clean water. The horses should have shiny hair coats and be well groomed and in good physical condition, wearing reasonably clean blankets. Their feet should also be in good condition. Do the horses appear curious and approach the stall fronts with ears forward, or do they hang at the back of the stall, lunge at the bars or flatten their ears at your approach? Barn aisles and work areas should be reasonably tidy and free of obstacles. Turnouts and pastures should be safely fenced and reasonably free of mud. Arenas and other facilities should be suitable for the type of training done at the facility. Take a peek in the tack room – is there any equipment that you would not to have used on your horse, such as particularly severe bits or hock hobbles?
When you observe the trainer working a horse, make a note of the equipment that he or she is using, and whether you feel comfortable with how they are using the equipment. At the start of the session, if the trainer doesn’t tell you, ask a few questions to determine when the horse came in for training, what his level of training was when he arrived, and what the trainer’s goals are for this particular horse. You can then better evaluate whether the horse’s performance that day fairly represents what you would expect under those circumstances.
If your goal is to find a trainer who will coach you and your horse, be sure to closely evaluate the trainer’s personal style in light of your personal preferences. For example, if it is important to you to receive a lot of feedback, you may prefer a trainer who is outgoing and talkative. If you are somewhat timid, you may prefer a trainer who is especially encouraging and approachable. If you need help getting motivated, you may prefer a trainer with a strong presence. After the lesson, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the client and ask them questions about their experiences in the trainer’s program.
References
Once you have narrowed the list of potential trainers to just a few names, it’s time to check that trainer’s references, at least informally. First, determine whether the trainer is currently in good standing with your breed or discipline association and whether the trainer has a disciplinary record. Be aware, though, that most breed and discipline associations will release only current (and not historical) information, so the fact that the trainer is currently in good standing doesn’t mean that they have always been in good standing. Next, talk to your contacts in the industry – tell them you are thinking about taking your horse to Trainer A and ask whether they have any feedback for you. Don’t forget to ask your vet and farrier – as equine professionals, they are often very familiar with all of the barns in the area and can provide valuable information for you. Do an Internet search on the trainer’s name and see what comes up.
Hiring a Trainer
Once you have a final candidate, it’s time to finalize your arrangements. If your horse will be staying at the trainer’s facility, be sure to schedule a time and date to drop him off and ask what items of tack and horse clothing he will need to bring with him. Be sure to label all of your horse’s items with his name and your name.
Your Contract with Your Trainer
Ask for, and read, a copy of the trainer’s contract, and if applicable, the boarding facility’s contract. If the contract doesn’t include all of the terms that you were expecting based upon your conversations with the trainer, ask to incorporate the missing items. If your trainer doesn’t have a contract, ask him or her for one that reflects the terms you have discussed. Without a contract memorializing your agreement, it may be unclear later what was actually agreed upon, and you will have great difficulty proving what your agreement was in the event of a dispute. For example, if you do not discuss show fees and agree in advance with your trainer, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you receive your first bill following a horse show. Equine Legal Solutions offers professional training contract packages.
Working Together with Your Trainer
At the outset of the relationship, be sure to understand exactly what is expected of you. For example, does the trainer anticipate that you will be at his facility once a week to take lessons on your horse in training? At the same time, be sure your trainer understands exactly what you expect of her, and encourage her to be frank with you if she feels your goals are not realistic or otherwise need adjustment.
Your trainer should send you a bill at the end of each month. Most trainers bill in advance, so if you receive a bill in April, it will generally include training and board for May, as well as miscellaneous expenses incurred in April. For expenses other than board and training, your bill should be itemized. If you are not sure about a bill, the time to ask is when you receive it, not months afterward.
Even if you aren’t expecting to take lessons while the horse is at the trainer’s facility, visiting at least once a month will give you a good idea of how your horse is progressing. Because your trainer has a busy schedule, you should call in advance before visiting to make sure the trainer will be there and available to talk to you. When possible, ask in advance to see the trainer work your horse during your visit.
You should encourage your trainer to be up front with you in his assessment of your horse’s ability and training progress. Keep in mind that every horse is an individual and you may need to adjust the length of time your horse spends with the trainer, or your competition goals, or both. If you are disappointed in your horse’s progress, don’t be afraid to ask your trainer why the horse isn’t progressing as quickly as you would like. While it may be a crushing blow to hear that your two-year-old isn’t going to be the superstar you had hoped, your trainer will be doing you a huge favor if she tells you that before you have spent thousands in training and show fees. And of course, if you are pleased with your horse’s progress, be sure to give praise where it is due!