Picking the Right Trainer

As a rider that bounced from barn to barn- struggling to find a trainer that would help me accomplish my jumping goals- it took me years to finally discover the trainer that would support my jumping dreams.

I have had parents of young aspiring riders reach out to me asking about the trainers I know and barns I have ridden at- hoping that they could find a trainer for their little rider. Before beginning the search, it is so important to know your goals in whatever discipline you choose to pursue and be sure that your trainer will have the resources to fulfill those aspirations. These resources include a facility with the right equipment- jumps, dressage ring, barrels, etc. Beginner riders should look for trainers with “school” horses: horses owned or leased by the trainer for them to learn from. School horses are great for riders to develop saddle and horsemanship skills and practice on before committing to a lease or buy. However, some trainers do not have school horses to avoid the extra costs of caring for a practice horse rather than a show pony. These trainers expect parents and riders to invest in a horse to learn from as well as show on. For parents and/or riders that desire to have their own horse to learn from and that they alone can take care of, these trainers may work really well for them. Picking the right trainer is all about finding the person that will work well for you and your aspirations in your discipline.

While searching for trainers, personal achievements and achievements of their riders should be noted. These show the trainer’s level of experience and overall effectiveness as a teacher in their discipline. Trainer’s should also be long-time horse owners because as their job, trainers should lookout for your horse and make sure your horse is being cared for and healthy. Riders should be able to ask questions about their horse’s health and trainer’s should know when to call the vet. When boarding your horse with a facility and trainer, caring for your horse becomes a team effort which emphasizes the importance of working with a trainer that has high levels of experience.

Trainers also have different styles of training and different visions for their business. All trainers strive to find a way to teach their clients in a way that the clients will learn and grow. It is important as the client to know how you learn and communicate that with your trainer.

In addition, while riders may learn and grow immensely from their trainers, trainers might have different visions for their business. Some may only want to trailer and show at county shows while others only want to show at national shows. Some may only teach beginner riders and can’t take riders to grand prix level while others don’t want to train beginner riders. Knowing and communicating your goals with your trainer is crucial so that trainers can express their limitations. Because the horse community is small (compared to ball sports), trainers often know several other local trainers that they could recommend to you if they feel like they can’t help you pursue your goals.

Always ask potential trainers:

Ask if they have school horses for me to learn on or do I need to lease or buy? If the latter, ask if they have horses or know people that have athletic horses for lease or purchase.
Ask about your personal goals in the sport. Make sure they can help you achieve your aspirations whether it’s in the show ring or just developing skills at their facility.