| When looking for a trainer, you need to decide what | | | | worry. Instead, look at the horses - are they well fed |
| your goals are. They may change depending on what | | | | and cared for? Do they have plenty of grass and |
| you and your horse decide to do, but at least have an | | | | turnout? How's the fencing?? Is the barn neat and |
| idea of what you want to do. Do you want to show or | | | | orderly? Does it look and smell clean? |
| just take lessons? Do you want to trail ride and just | | | | MEET THE TRAINER |
| want to learn how to control your horse and ride | | | | It's helpful to watch a trainer teach a lesson, so try to |
| better? | | | | schedule a time when a few clients will be at the barn. |
| WHERE to look for a trainer | | | | Talk to him or her in between lessons. Find out about |
| You can start with your vet, horse-related magazines, | | | | their personal riding experience. How long did they |
| local tack store, friends or the classified | | | | show as a kid or adult? Where and on what circuit? If |
| advertisements in your local paper. Tack stores usually | | | | they still show as a professional, that will take away |
| have a bulletin board, where they allow barn owners | | | | from their time to teach. And if they're on the road |
| and trainers to post announcements when they have | | | | with advanced students a couple months a year, they |
| stalls available and if they're accepting new clients. If a | | | | may not be the right trainer for you. And find out how |
| tack store has been established for a while, they can | | | | long they've been teaching. If they're new to teaching, |
| usually tell you about the local barns, trainers and their | | | | they may have more time for you and your horse. |
| disciplines. Compile a list from everyone and give the | | | | Just because they're new, doesn't mean they don't |
| trainers and/or barns a call. | | | | have talent. Ask the trainer for references and if |
| Pleasure or show? | | | | they're reluctant, don't enlist their services. |
| Showing your horse is quite different then just riding | | | | And finally, remember finding the right trainer is a |
| for fun or taking lessons. If you're serious about | | | | personal choice. You need to like and trust the trainer |
| showing and winning it requires a different mindset | | | | you choose. They should be willing to answer your |
| then taking lessons and going trail riding or hanging out | | | | questions about their training philosophy and what |
| with your horse. Its also much more expensive. Show | | | | they're doing with your horse. Lastly, go with your gut |
| barns usually charge more for boarding, but usually | | | | instinct. If you click with a trainer who's relatively |
| have a trainer available if the barn owner doesn't train | | | | unknown, that will turn out to be a better choice then |
| and show horses. Make sure the trainer has shown in | | | | going with a well-known trainer that everyone knows, |
| the discipline you're involved in. | | | | that you don't click with. Riding and having a horse |
| VISIT THE BARN | | | | should be fun. If you do your homework beforehand |
| After you get a list of trainers, call them to set up an | | | | you'll have more options and make the right choice for |
| appointment. Go to the barn they work out of. Check | | | | you and your horse. |
| out the facility. If the barn isn't in great shape, don't | | | | |