Barn Switching Help/Advice!!!

[indygirl2560]

So currently I'm at a barn which I really like(for the most part). The facility is very nice, my fellow riders are a fun bunch of people and I like my trainer. The only problem is that the barn is really far away from my house, it costs me an arm and a leg to go to even one show since I get hit with insane trainer/hauling fees, there is no working student option, and I can't jump higher than 3'3 because there are no non-lease horses to do it with(and I can't afford to lease at $700/month for 2 days of riding). Anyways, there's a nice barn about 15 minutes from my house that I see at the shows and have driven by the facility that I'm thinking of switching to depending on their costs and whether I like it or not.

My question is, how do I check out, or even move to, another barn without burning the bridge with my trainer? I love my barn but it's too far away, costs too much, and I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with my riding. Would it be ok etiquette to switch barns like that and not piss off my trainer?

[Fixerupper]

My question is, how do I check out, or even move to, another barn without burning the bridge with my trainer?

politely :)

especially in 'these economic times' finances are a 'reasonable reason'.

[mvp]

There seem to be a rash of threads recently about the *risk* of even checking out another trainer's program or barn, let alone taking lessons "outside the box."

This is just business and you ammies/kids are the shoppers. You have a right to look for and choose the option that works best for you. Why all the fear? Don't be mean or backhanded, but certainly go get what you want.

In the OP's position, I'd make an appointment to look at the closer farm and meet the trainer to talk about what I was looking for. There might be some problem there that breaks the deal anyway.

If the OP decides to stay put, I don't see why she needs to 'fess up about her research to her own trainer. If she does leave, then the original trainer deserves a professional explanation and departure: 30 days' notice, and a conversation in person that lets the trainer know why she's leaving, thanks for the help so far, and no hard feelings.

[Bearhunter]

. Why all the fear?

Because often "professionals" are not professional and take it out on their very good customers. Just saw it happen (the professional in this case was terrified about losing their best customer) and went crazy on my friend.

ETA: That is not to say that we do not have the right or should not shop other trainers of and when necessary. Of course we do! As customers, we are they ones who pay for our horses to be in training.

[Jsalem]

Great post, MVP. By all means, be an educated consumer. There are lots of options out there. OP, it sounds like you don't own your own horse. I know that's a tough situation and your options are limited. "Trainers" can't provide quality 3'6" (or even 3') horses for students to take lessons on and show. The economics just don't work. If another barn has such opportunities, that's where you need to go. Just be upfront with your current trainer. A good one will understand.

[mvp]

The reason I'm surprised with the lack of professionalism tolerated in the horse training world is because it's not ok in other parts.

I wouldn't last long in my profession if I behaved like a bull in a china shop. My supervisors and professional at large holds me to some standards as I earn the money that pays my trainers, so it makes no sense to me to pay someone for less.

But vets (and most farriers) get it. I have never heard third-hand about my horse's soundness or issue from anyone else. I think these professionals know that information remains "in house" with the paying client.

You guys, it's not rocket science. Being a professional horse trainer doesn't mean you don't have to be a professional, too.

So sort wheat from chaff by voting with your feet and wallet. If check-writing clients insist on a reasonable set of professional ethics, the market will follow suit.

[melissap51]

I'm sure your current barn will miss you, but also understand your situation. I know people that changes barns for varies personal reasons all the time and they are all still friends at the shows, going to lunch, etc. You have very valid explanations why you need to move. Good luck!

[findeight]

.

Because often "professionals" are not professional and take it out on their very good customers. Just saw it happen (the professional in this case was terrified about losing their best customer) and went crazy on my friend.



That would send me out the door in an heartbeat. We have every expectation of expecting professional behavior from somebody we pay for professional services. They act like this, they just prove they are not professional and not worth retaining farther. We, the clients, are under no obligation here. Seek the best value for your money and do not be afraid of these jerks...they have NO RIGHT to hold on to unhappy clients and cannot really hurt you if you leave. Unless you owe and that's different.

In this case, I suggest OP speak to the current trainer and be honest "Becky, I just cannot get out here enough and cannot afford or justify the expense. You are great and I have enjoyed working with you. Can you recommend somebody that would be closer to me"? If that trainer objects to that approach, she's an idiot and you need to leave anyway. there may be something that "everybody knows" about that other barn. Everybody EXCEPT you. Or not, trainers know people leave and most can responsibly recommend another when the reason for the move is something like you just can't afford the drive.

One word of warning...short term lease or lesson horses are usually not available over 3' in any barn, actually most top out at 2'6" or so . If that is also a big concern, you may want to look at long term leases or purchase. It is because of the wear and tear associated with lessons over that height on older horses that, really, don't need the work as frequently as a learning rider would need it. Those lesson or short term lease mounts are usually split between 2 riders for 4 lessons a week...and you can see that anything even at 3' would be getting to be too much on an older horse on a regular basis.

[indygirl2560]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to set-up a meeting with the potential new trainer and check out the place and if I decide to move, then talk to my current trainer about it.

Findeight, my barn doesn't actually have lesson horses(well there's one that does only w/t/c). The horses I ride at the barn are horses that the owners have agreed to let me take occassional lessons on with my trainer (for no fee since they almost never see their own horse anyways and don't want to pay for the training program at my barn), and my trainer usually has me hack them for her on the weekends when she doesn't have enough time to ride. I usually end up riding my friend's pony, who she doesn't ride anymore, but the pony tops out at 3'3 and is now leased out. I would like to lease but I haven't found a good horse yet.

[RumoursFollow]

The amount of threads on this board about leaving your trainer blow my mind. Are there really this many professionals out there that act like crazy people when you leave them for someone else? I mean, no one wants to lose business.. but for goodness sake, unless you are taking lessons from a 5 year old, as long as you are upfront and honest with your trainer, it just shouldnt be that big of a deal.

As a trainer, I just dont want to hear it from somewhere/someone else... if you're unhappy here, I wish you nothing but the best in a program that works for your needs, but have the decency and enough respect for me to be honest with me in the first place.

If you can conduct yourself that way, any reasonable adult will accept it and move on. It always hurts to lose someone.. its hard not to take it personally, but its a business and if you want to survive it you have to take the good with the bad.

Seriously, just be honest, and it'll be ok. If its not, then thats no longer your problem.