Choosing a trainer 

I am frequently asked to re-train horses that have had less-than-perfect initial experiences under saddle. This is the most difficult situation I face as a trainer. It is far easier to start a horse under saddle that has not been handled at all rather than “fixing” one that has been mis-handled! For this reason, it is critical that you carefully select a trainer based on criteria that are important to you and the future riding career of the horse. 

1. Choose a trainer that uses a method that you can continue to use at home. For example, if the trainer uses a “nationally” known program, do you know enough to maintain it once the horse leaves the trainer? Can you easily (and affordably) get training methodology support and equipment? If it is a program that is unique to that trainer, does it make sense to you and apply to what you want to do with the horse in the future? Remember that consistency is the key, not necessarily the specific technique. Although a method based in trust and respect implemented properly versus a method employing force will typically lead to a more reliable mount.
2. Visit the training facility. The facility should be clean, safe and appropriate for the type of training you desire. If you want your horse to be a trail horse yet no trails are available, what is the trainer’s plan to put trail miles on your horse? Inspect horses currently in training to see if they can be easily approached or if they act fearful and apprehensive. Horses in training with good trainers develop a willingness and eagerness to work. They should be inquisitive and friendly, not sour and mean. Inspect stalls, pens and pasture fence. Check water tanks. Look behind the fancy barn to see what’s “out back”. Ask to see the feed.
3. Check references. Ask for written references and then contact them! Ask to watch a horse being worked. Ask if you can observe sessions of your horse being trained when and if the time comes. What has the trainer “done” in his or her career that makes them qualified to work with your horse? This doesn’t necessarily mean an extensive show career, but it may mean 10 years of turning out quality trail horses. If possible, speak to someone who currently has a horse in training and someone who just recently brought their horse home. Ask who will be allowed to work your horse. Some trainer’s charged big fees yet never touch your horse…ask who will be doing the actual daily training, handling and feeding.
4. Get a written contract. Make your own or carefully check the trainer’s contract and add any information you think is important. If you feel overwhelmed with legal jargon, check one of the many horse-law books available at bookstores or call an equine attorney. For example, you want daily turn-outs and the contract calls for stall board only. Make the change to the contract and have all parties agree and initial the changes. Make all your expectations clearly known and written in the contract whenever possible. Ask about all costs up front!
5. Stop by un-expectantly. Do this during normal business hours or when the trainer typically does his/her work. Some trainers don’t work horses regularly like they claim. Instead they give a crash course a few days before the horse goes home. This is inexcusable and leads to owners getting hurt.
6. Ask how many horses the trainer “trains” at one time. You can only ride/work so many horses in one day. Keep this in mind if the trainer works a full time job elsewhere. Ask if the trainer is willing to work with you when the horse is near the end of his training time.

Bottom line is that this is your horse! You should feel comfortable with all aspects of the agreement and arrangements. Far too often the owner feels alienated, or uniformed. The trainer is providing a service that you are paying for. Treat the interaction like the business deal that it is!