What do you look for in a trainer?

[preciouspony]

I'm just wondering what everyone's expectations for a trainer are. Do you want them to have shown successfully as a junior? What experiences do you think are important for a trainer to have?

Basically, what would your ideal trainer be like?

[Pocket Pony]

Someone who's not crazy. It has taken me my entire riding career to find this person!

[preciouspony]

I'm glad to hear you don't expect your trainer to have shown as a junior. I hope to become a professional someday, I'm just figuring out which steps I should take to get there and what kind of experiences are the best to have. I didn't have the money to show in the juniors so I'm hoping it won't affect me in the long run. I'm just trying to figure out what kinds of things would help me become a great trainer.


Someone who's not crazy. It has taken me my entire riding career to find this person!

:yes: I know exactly how you feel. I've taken a break from trainers for now because it's just been one after another!

[Lucassb]

First and foremost I want a professional who puts the horse's welfare as a top priority. Then, I want someone who is both knowledgeable enough to bring out the best in my horse and myself, and patient enough to put the time in without resorting to gadgets, quick fixes etc.

I don't really care what sort of junior career the pro has had, but I want to see a resume that demonstrates success at a high level in the sport, both personally and as a coach/trainer. My current pro has a resume as long as my arm, but she is also a genius at figuring out what *I* need to make things work, and she is a top notch, old school horseman who has brought along a lot of successful horses and riders. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with her.

[MCarverS]

I don't mind if they haven't had a spectacular career themselves, however, it is always a perk becuase you know they've seen it all.

My number one criteria is, they have to be able to communicate well- there is a big difference between good riders and good trainers, it is much harder to find one that is both.

I rode with a up and coming professional, who hadn't yet established his "been there, done that" career, but, he was a phenomenal instructor and communicated what he saw and how to fix it in a way that was easy for me to translate and use in my own riding.

I currently ride with an established professional who has been short listed for several Olympic teams and ridden in Nations Cups, however I find, that I have to ask to be told, but now that I've established that, I'm learning a lot.

[80s rider]

I want an instructor that has at some point achieved the goals that I have for myself. For example, I would like to someday show the "A" shows again (rode them as a jr-20 some yrs ago). I would want a trainer that shows at the "A" level and has students that are competitive at that level. The trainer doesn't necessarily had to have a top Jr career-but would need to at least have been in the "know", maybe as a groom or WS. As a trainer it's just as important as who you know as what you know- sadly,things are very political.
Along with good communication skills, wide knowledge of horses-vet care, tack, etc. Lets not forget...honesty and friendliness.

[Ozone]

Realiability. Punctuality. Does not rush you but will push your limit if it should be pushed. Friendly to horse and human. Someone who's not full of BS. Has a record of successful rider/horse combinations.

[00Jumper]

Positive, well-versed in all things in my discipline, knows how to get results the correct way without using gadgets or fad training methods, reliable, attentive to the horse and the rider's well-being (both on the ground and in lessons - obviously I want my pro to notice things that might be off with my horse on the ground, but should I be in a lesson, I want someone who will say "yes, you're right, your horse looks off/tired/NQR, I think we should stop there for today and end on a positive note" rather than "I agree something is NQR with your horse but let's ride through it and finish the lesson"). Those are really the big ones for me, although there are more.

[Lucassb]

I'm glad to hear you don't expect your trainer to have shown as a junior. I hope to become a professional someday, I'm just figuring out which steps I should take to get there and what kind of experiences are the best to have. I didn't have the money to show in the juniors so I'm hoping it won't affect me in the long run. I'm just trying to figure out what kinds of things would help me become a great trainer. (snip)


IMO, one of the best ways to accomplish that goal if you have not had an opportunity to compete and prove yourself at the level you aspire to is to apprentice yourself to someone who has. Be the assistant to the trainer with a great reputation and resume, and learn from them.

[findeight]

I expect one to know what it is going to take to get me to the point I want in the show ring.

That may not require a successful Junior career but is DOES require alot of show ring miles to know what it takes and how to produce it in the client and their horse.

Afraid there is no way around getting alot of solid show miles if you want to attract show clients. Not the big winner, mind you, but solid and sucessful miles. Going to work for another as an assistant/apprentice would be about the only solution to get those miles and all the experience they bring as well as learn how to market yourself and attract clients.

I personally like a trainer to be aware of other good teachers and take advantage of maintaining a good relationship with them, up to and including taking a clinic from them to stay sharp.

Now, if you don't want to center on show clients, not such a big deal but afraid you would not get my business.

[smm20]

This is by no means a requirement for me...but I prefer that my trainer have a similar height and weight as me. I find that I receive better instruction this way. It is a lot easier to watch your trainer show your horse perfectly and think "soon, I hope to be able to do that too" when your trainer doesn't have legs that are 5 feet long.

[AddingStrides]

...and while we're sorta on the topic, why do people, especially women, stick with lousy trainers? There's one in my area who's cheap and returns calls (most of the good ones charge more and are not good about returning calls) but never had much of a horse show career him/herself. This person has fallen into total disarray in terms of personal presentation, and works out of a really run down facility with terrible turnout. none of this trainer's students ride very well and everyone knows it. yet people stay with him/her for years---although this person's client list is not very large and doesn't contain any serious A-circuit types. is being cheap and available enough to make people want to stay with a trainer? thoughts please?

[superpony123]

Logic.

[superpony123]

is being cheap and available enough to make people want to stay with a trainer? thoughts please?

i would guess that the majority of the riders in those types of places are not as experienced in the sport, and probably did not come from better barns/trainers. so, they don't know better. plus, money is tight these days. you can't blame everyone who doesnt spend their time and money on the A show circuit. there is nothing wrong with low prices. the problem here is that most of these people may not be able to afford any of the 'better' barns--and lets face it, if thats the only option you had to keep riding, wouldn't you take it? for the most part, riding is always better than not riding. (i mean, of course, there are extreme conditions--like an abusive trainer, things like that, where i'd much rather just not associate myself at all even if it were my only option. but this situation is unlikely to occur for most)

[doublesstable]

I agree with the requirements posted but wanted to add; they MUST be able to ride and ride well. I usually steer to male trainers for some reason. Over the 30 some years I have been riding; I found my favs are men trainers. Go figure.

I want to be SAFE
I want to have FUN
I want to LEARN

[Carol Ames]

[quote=00Jumper;4619850]Positive, well-versed in all things in my discipline, knows how to get results the correct way without using gadgets or fad training methods, reliable, attentive to the horse and the rider's well-being (both on the ground and in lessons - obviously I want my pro to notice things that might be off with my horse on the ground, but should I be in a lesson, I want someone who will say "yes, you're right, your horse looks off/tired/NQR, I think we should stop there for today and end on a positive note" rather than "I agree something is NQR with your horse but let's ride through it and finish the lesson"). Those are really the big ones for me, although there are more.All of the above,:yes: and especially be a horseman who, knows horses:cool:

[withatwist]

I agree with most of what was already said, but something that is important in a coach for me (and probably one of the many reasons why I've stayed with my current coach for around ten years) is that they push me to ride my best.

My coach knows me so well that she knows exactly how far she can push me and what I'm capable of. There are days where I don't believe I'm capable of doing something, and I don't believe in myself, but she doesn't give me an option to say no. (Well, there have been times I've tried saying no, but she always wins) Sometimes I think she has more faith in my riding ability then I do!

Also, not only do I want a coach to be a good rider, but a good "horseman" (or horsewoman? a horseperson?) and that they teach me that as well. I don't want someone who's just going to teach me how to ride and that's that. I want someone who has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects.

[gottagrey]

I agree w/ everything posted so far; I do think some type of credentials is important; not necessarily being a superstar Jr. rider but more than just deciding upon turning 18 they want to be a "trainer" I also totally agree w/ having them be a knowledgeable horseperson. I know of a great trainer - good rider/ great instructor but IMO a lousy horseperson. Most of us entrust our horses in their care.. they have to be knowledgeable. I think it's important to have a trainer that can ride but it wouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker for me as many trainers who know longer ride have a someone they get school your horse for you if necessary..

I also look for client's longevity/not a lot turnover/coming&going of clients. My current trainer's barn is pretty much full of Adult riders who started w/ her when they were kids; a few stopped when they were in college/got married and picked up riding again... I like that kind of stability.

the last point is trainers who are willing to learn from others- or support/encourage a client to take dressage lessons, attend clinics etc..

I also don't like it when trainers insist that clients purchase this brand or that brand.. w/the reasoning that the judge won't pin you if you aren't wearingX brand etc. And I don't like it when trainers try to take too much charge over my animal or me..

[oldenburger with fries and a cold beer]

"is being cheap and available enough to make people want to stay with a trainer? thoughts please?"Quote from Addingstrides

No, but it does make them popular dates!!! LOL!!!

[meupatdoes]

I want someone who:

1. Does not play around with commissions. I write checks directly to sellers, sellers write checks directly to me, commission is based on that number, and I pay out ONE commission to ONE person.
Period, end of story.

2. Welcomes customers to do their own tackups, grooming, show prep, braiding; does not insist on standing there for $75 and 'coaching' on hack day.

3. Has a solid foundation in developing a horse holistically as a 'total athlete', including a resume in both the dressage and hunter/jumper arenas. I don't necessarily care so much about a recent show record, but I want to know that they can produce a good horse and teach good riding.

4. The facility must have turn out.

[LeeB10]

As a parent who looked with her daughter for that daughters trainer both of us had lists of what worked.

As a parent I wanted a trainer who rode and showed - it was important because I felt that would give my daughter a different kind of respect for her trainer (versus one who never even gets on a horse). I wanted someone who was a good horseman and was willing to teach my child what they knew. I didn't want to have to be the one to do all the communicating with the trainer so I wanted my daughter and her trainer to have a good relationship - especially good communication in regards to goal setting and the like. Stability within the barn - having clients who were there a long time. A trainer that ran her business in a professional manner - no yellers or pissyness. A trainers who had friends who were also trainers and was well respected within the training community. My daughter was lucky and got all that and has been with her trainer for the last almost 4 years and doesn't have any plans to go anywhere else. Daughter is happy so I am happy!

[luvs2ride]

Someone who's not crazy. It has taken me my entire riding career to find this person!

WORD.

[AmandaandTuff]

Personal record means diddly squat to me.

Someone who puts the welfare and comfort of horse and rider first.

Willing to work slow.

Knowledgeable in a variety of areas, not just one single discipline.

Preaches going back to basics.

Willing to move forward one day then taking 3 steps back if needed.

Someone who is reliable and easy to talk to.

Works with you even though you're not in a lesson if you're having a hard time.


The trainer I'm working with now is a cowboy, but he sure knows his stuff! The horse I'm riding has gone from heavy on the forehand and stiff in the neck to balanced, light, and a pleasure to ride. He works with me even if I'm riding in my own free time if he see's something I need to fix.

I pay for a lesson a week and I get 2 a week. He does training and doesn't get much time out of the saddle, so I volunteered to clean every single piece of tack in that barn because he's being so generous.

[BNTHUNTER]

1) Good horseman first and foremost. The horse should be the number one priority
2) Impressive resume of his/her riding career plus a nice roster of students that they have brought along
3) A talent for teaching and ability to deliver information in a way that’s easy to understand.
4) Willingness to hear my thought/opinion and then gently correcting me when I’m wrong.
5) Very little drama in the barn and ability to set a pleasant tone.
6) An impressive amount of connections to other reputable trainers (important when horse shopping)
7) emotionally stable
8) honest (IE not telling me those horse cost X when its really Y and then splitting the extra profit with the other trainer(s) involved plus charging me a commission
9) Willingness to share information about my horse(s) and keep me informed of any medical situations that arise while the horse is in their care (some trainers like to keep their clients in the dark). Especially when it comes to injuries soundness issues.
10) Doesn’t openly brag about how they cheated past clients or other pros
11) Doesn’t talk trash about other people. After all you call yourself a “professional”

My trainer now is not only a good trainer & biz person but also a really good & honest person. I consider myself Incredibly lucky to be under her tutelage

[TheTurtle]

...and while we're sorta on the topic, why do people, especially women, stick with lousy trainers? There's one in my area who's cheap and returns calls (most of the good ones charge more and are not good about returning calls) but never had much of a horse show career him/herself. This person has fallen into total disarray in terms of personal presentation, and works out of a really run down facility with terrible turnout. none of this trainer's students ride very well and everyone knows it. yet people stay with him/her for years---although this person's client list is not very large and doesn't contain any serious A-circuit types. is being cheap and available enough to make people want to stay with a trainer? thoughts please?


So a trainer isn't worth staying with if they don't have someone in their barn who is an "A-Circuit" type? By what standard (and WHOSE standard) would you declare that none of her students rides very well??

You know what is much worse than a rider who may not be the greatest rider on earth but sticks to what they are comfortable with on the local circuits and at a small barn with friends and a trainer who may not have a fancy facility but takes good enough care of her horses and clients to keep her business?

A rider who brags about the "BNT" she rides with and her new "3 foot prospect" while in reality is hanging on for dear life around a 2ft-and-maybe+inches course, cutting her horse down after fences and hanging on his mouth, slamming down on his back and generally flapping around and looking unstable. A rider who looks at the barn described above with irritation because the idea of barn camaraderie is a foreign concept.

[dappy]

Having been at many barns in my local area until I found my current barn and trainer (with whom I have been for six years, four with my own horse), I can say that my priorities are as follows, in this order;

1) my trainer treats my horse as if he were own. she loves him as much as i do and takes exquisite care of him, which is important because I travel
2) she wants me to challenge myself but be safe in doing so
3) she celebrates my successes
4) she is appropriately hard on me when I need it
5) she is creative in helping find solutions to ongoing problems I am having
6) there is no drama

Along the way, she has become an amazing personal friend, and I would rather be at the barn with my good friends (mostly adult re-riders) than anywhere else. We are small, and our barn is not "fancy" -- but because of our size, our horses get white-glove treatment and we benefit from the personal attention we get from our trainer.

Because we are small, she is able to return calls immediately and charge reasonable rates. We show often, clinic, have holiday parties, go on trail rides and along the way have managed to get to Devon, Warrenton, Upperville, St Quentins, Saugerties and a bunch of other rated shows, but mostly we like to show locally because we just enjoy hanging out with each other and all of us have busy personal lives, so it's easier to stay in town.

I think what it boils down to is priorities. There is a different "ideal" situation for each of us on this board and I feel grateful to have found mine.

[chawley]

I grew up in the business and have been riding and showing my entire life, so I prefer someone who is a horseman first and then who has extensive training and show experience at the highest level. I expect my trainer to be professional and honest, and enjoy having fun - someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously.

My current trainer didn't show the A circuit as a junior, but he showed as an adult and worked as an assistant to a very successful BNT. He's been in the business for 30+ years and definitely has the experience and knowledge to take his clients as far as they'd like to go.

[auburnhunter]

These are the things I think are important:

1. Capable of riding/competing at whatever level you have set as a goal to reach. If they can't ride successfully at that level I don't feel like they would be very successful at training a rider at that level.

2. Honest and dependable, especially where lessons are concerned. I can't tolerate ones who constantly cancel lessons and then make up lies about why they are cancelling. Most never even realize that clients do see through their lies and end up leaving.

3. Puts the rider's and horse's best interest as top priority. Make decisions that keep both safe and help the horse to have a long successful career.

4. Have good working relationship with rider/owner. If you're not pleasant to be around and work with, chances are you won't stay in the picture for long.

If you are able to find these things in one individual, as we have been lucky enough to do, stick with them because they are the exception rather than the rule unfortunately.