| You have dreamed of owning a horse for forever, but | | | | management to horse showmanship in various |
| you do not live in a rural area. You cherish the thought | | | | disciplines. Being under the careful eye of a successful |
| of the smell of your horse as you brush its silky mane | | | | trainer, they provide the ideal environment where horse |
| and the rich smell of leather while riding. The problem | | | | and rider become partners. |
| may be that you have no experience with training and | | | | When choosing a training stable for you and your |
| maintaining a horse. If you are among the countless | | | | horse, here are some things to look for: |
| people who love horses yet are hesitant to own one | | | | 1. Proven records of accomplishment in training horses |
| not knowing where and how to care for them, try a | | | | and if you are going to show, accomplishments in the |
| look at horse training stables. | | | | show pen. Look for a trainer that can turn a scared, |
| Horse training stables are like a workout club or resort | | | | rude or sour horse into one that has confidence, good |
| for horses. They are designed to keep the horse in | | | | discipline, and responsiveness. Try to see how the |
| maximum comfort, health and condition. Some barns | | | | trainer works. Pick one that shows concentration, self |
| also offer lessons on their own lesson horses to teach | | | | control and patience with horses as well as riders. |
| you how to ride and care for a horse as well as | | | | 2. Minimum number of horses in training. A smaller |
| board, training for your horse and lessons for you on | | | | number of horses in a training barn means more time |
| your horse. Some barns are backed by government | | | | spent by head trainer with each horse rider. This |
| land as well. Imagine thousands of acres of | | | | enables each individual horse and rider to reach their |
| back-country land lined with trails where you and your | | | | full potentials in the equine world. Larger stables may |
| horse can spend time together. Some barns have | | | | look impressive; however, assistant handlers do most |
| hours of trails with breathtaking views, indoor riding | | | | of the training. |
| arenas for inclement weather, and some even have | | | | 3. Horse-friendly environment. The facilities are set up |
| bunkhouses for guests. | | | | and run with the horses needs in mind. The horses |
| When and if you are able to purchase your own | | | | needs and even wants can easily be attended to, |
| horse, a training stable not only provides for your | | | | such as bedding, turn out, open area, stalls and arenas |
| horse's creature comforts, they also train your horse | | | | maintained with horse safety in mind, wash and |
| to become a trusting and reliable mount and you to be | | | | grooming areas, access to trails, etc. |
| a consistent and confident rider. From exercising to | | | | 4. Safety first. The trainer should stress the safety of |
| braiding your pony's tail and from body clipping to | | | | the rider and the horse before, during, and after training |
| photography sessions, training stables are the perfect | | | | and lessons. The focus should be on the horse as an |
| place for your horse to stay for physical and mental | | | | athlete not a machine. Look for a trainer that allows |
| conditioning while you learn the ins and outs of horse | | | | plenty of time for warm ups and cool downs during |
| care and ownership. | | | | training and lessons. |
| In addition, training stables can offer other services like | | | | Once you find a barn you are happy with, take some |
| horse sales, locating the ideal horse, some assist in | | | | lessons and be sure you and the trainer mesh. It does |
| purchasing horses from other parts of the world; show | | | | not matter how good the trainer is if you feel |
| training, hauling, and preparation; and in some cases, | | | | intimidated, ignored or angry during your lessons. There |
| stud services, mare and foal care. | | | | is the human element that needs to be considered, we |
| Aside from training you in basic horseback riding, some | | | | don't get along with all personalities. Once you find a |
| training stables also offer horse training certifications | | | | team that works for you, jump in with an open and |
| and licenses. Lessons offered can range from horse | | | | trainable mind, learn all you can and have fun. |