How to Find the Right Trainer

Whether you're just getting started with horses or you've been around the horse world for some time finding the right trainer can be a daunting task that can lead to heartache and regret if approached without caution.

In an effort to sort through some of the confusion we've listed various considerations along with answers to some burning questions so relax, take a deep breath and let's get started;

The right trainer will... Keep you safe, boost your confidence, use proper terminology, use formal techniques (i.e. lunge line, private instruction, etc.), teach you horse care and expect for you to have an active role in preparing your horse for the lesson, use kind and gentle methods for both horse and student, have happy, well cared for horses, stay focused and teach in a way that just makes sense.

Where will I find such a trainer?

1. Ask everyone you know and certainly those whose horse and riding skills you wish to emulate, (don't worry about being an imposition with your queries; everyone loves to share their opinions).

2. Take your time and compare notes. Ask around the neighborhood, in feed stores and tack stores. Call your local equine veterinarians. They can be an excellent resource.

3. Even if you're a beginner get yourself to a show exhibiting the style of riding you wish to pursue and watch in the warm-up ring for how the trainers there relate to their students, the horses and the craziness of a show. When you see someone you like, approach them for more information. (Remember they may be super busy and their card is the most attention you should expect for the time being.) Later in the week give them a call and set up a time to go out and simply observe one of their lessons. (Any reputable trainer would love to have you audit a session.)

4. If you like what you see book an evaluation. Do not commit to anything until you've actually had a lesson with the trainer, then you can make a more educated choice. If a trainer pressures you in any way, walk away because in my opinion even if he knows what he's doing he has his priorities screwed up if he pressures you for anything!

5. Pay no attention to advertisements. Look, this is the way I see it... if he or she is a good trainer then they won't need to advertise. Even with a trainer that has relocated, a good trainer is seldom at a loss for clientele even in a new location because word often precedes them and they're booked up in no time.

The wrong trainer will... talk down to you making you feel small and insignificant, talk in such elaborate terminology that they get you totally confused and frustrated, loose their patience with you, talk big about themselves or do a lot of name dropping, let things distract them such as cell phones and other clients, sit on the rail barking out instruction, throw you in a group too large to get anything accomplished, have sour or ill cared for horses, use improperly fitted tack in ill repair, will pressure you to buy a package, isn't prompt or respectful of your time, doesn't give to you the attention you deserve or the worst, put you in dangerous situations.

Where do I find a bad trainer?

1. Most likely first from an add. A bad trainer cannot hold onto clients so they're constantly looking for new ones to fill their schedule. Rather than letting their reputation stand for their abilities they list their services in various horse periodicals.

2. At shows, where they're too busy smoozing with someone (usually with money) to notice a student needs help or is at the rail smoking nonstop looking upon the class like they know what is happening (when in fact they're clueless). Theirs are the students that often loose much to the trainer's ridicule and condemnation.

3. At the poorly maintained, run down facilities. Not that they can't be found anywhere even at new, well developed barns but chances are good that if it's a barn that is unkempt with little concern for the horses' safety and well being then it would only make sense that the trainer there shares such a mindset.

4. At the parties because rather than do the work they think the way to progress is to "network" and talk about themselves hoping someone will notice and take their word for things.

5. Hanging around anyone with money because they don't know it's really about other things such as horses being a vehicle with which to teach valuable life's lessons of unconditional love and belief in ones self and taking pride in accomplishment.

The bottom line is to be careful about choosing who you will entrust either your horse or yourself with. Be sure you know what it is you're looking for and what it is you want. Take the time; take all the time you need to decide. You have every right to ask questions and watch what's going on. I even have a friend who would spy on a potential trainer. She would watch undetected from a distance not only how he treated his horses and students but how he treated his help as well. I was so proud of her!

What ever you do don't go into a training situation blindfolded. It's wonderful to always think the best of someone but please note there is great abuse in the equestrian world perhaps even more bad trainers than good? I'm not sure but please be careful, choose wisely and if at any time you feel your trainer no longer serves you then do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. Just as you can't expect to stay with the same horse forever, (although if you're lucky it happens) you may come to a point where it's time to move onto another trainer as well. This is something you should face as a possibility from the beginning so you'll be better prepared if that is needed for you to progress.

Please don't underestimate the importance of having the right trainer! It's worth whatever effort you will go through. You won't be sorry you took the time! Good luck and happy hunting!

Millie Chalk (White Star Woman)

Professional horse trainer for 25yrs. and author of historical fiction. Part Cherokee Indian I'm passionate regarding the current struggle of all the first nations feeling most akin for several reasons to the Lakota.

To learn more about all things involving horses please check out my new website; http://backyardhorseman.com/