Balancing Act: What Should You Expect From Your Trainer?

I'm always perplexed when new potential clients contact me for an evaluation, and come to find out they've already paid big bucks to someone else posing as a trainer, only to have the result be a horse that needs to be fixed because said previous trainer hss either taught the horse to behave poorly, given the horse bad habits, not correct it a problem or any of a plethora of issues. For many years, I have said training horses isn't exactly rocket science. In fact, it's mostly just common sense. Even young and inexperienced folks can train horses, though that doesn't make them professional trainers. Horses expect us, as riders, to be honest and fair. Most horses simply want to please us, and do their best in that endeavor. All of this is a huge reason why my level of irritation vastly increases when presented with these kinds of scenarios.

Trainers are hired as professionals and as such should always strive to keep a professional demeanor. That means for the entire duration of the relationship with each client, from initial contact, to the completion of whatever training has been paid for. But clients have a responsibility here as well, and that is to clearly communicate to the trainer all your expectations for your horse. Additionally, please let your trainer know what issues the horse is going to arrive with, and if the horse has any bad habits or dangerous behaviors. I've had horses sent to me for training before, who badly injured previous riders. While that doesn't preclude me from wanting to work with the horse and assist the owner in having a solid, safe, well trained mount, it's always nice to know what to expect.

When you call a trainer for an evaluation, try to have in mind exactly what you want accomplished and express that to him or her. Have all terms and everything you expect laid out in writing before any work begins. That way, you both understand the direction each training session should focus in. Do keep in mind that there is no set time frame for training horses, and depending on where your interests lie, the more specialized your chosen discipline, or how bomb proof your expect your horse to be,  far more time may be necessary to accomplish certain goals. As long as you both understand each other's expectations, your journey will be worthwhile and enjoyable. As a professional trainer, that's always my goal.

Then comes the big day, when your horse arrives at the training facility. By this time, you've hopefully taken your time to carefully choose the right place and the right people in order to ensure the most pleasant experience. Since (as discussed above) you will have had these discussions with the trainer long in advance, there should be no surprises, right? Expectations should never be in doubt.

Here are a few other tips in order to have a wonderful experience with a horse in training: Before any training begins, you should have made it clear what you want your horse trained to do. Become a solid trail horse? Learn to pull a cart? Become a show horse in a specific division? And so on. If an issue not covered in your initial contact -- or your contract -- should arise, make sure the trainer understands they must contact you immediately to discuss the situation in depth. There should be provisions in the contract for what happens in the event of illness or injury, and what their responsibilities are. That one should be a no brainer, right? But that's not always the case. Be sure you both have a clear idea of the end goal.

While I cannot guarantee your experience will be flawless and without any issues, the more legwork you do leading up to making the choice of trainer, and to the 'big day' itself when your horses delivered for training, the more enjoyable this journey should be for both you and your horse.

~SFTS