17/03/2025
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The Small Trainer/instructor/coach/friend
That moment when your horse is just slightly off, not lame, not colicky, just… weird.
You’re staring at them, they’re staring at you, and neither of you has a clue.
But the small trainer? They notice.
Find a trainer who actually sees you. Sees your horse. Sees that your inside leg is flapping like a fish and kindly pretends not to notice, until you’re ready to hear it.
Because not every big-name rider in a fancy yard is the right fit.
A trainer isn’t just there to shout “MORE LEG!” while sipping coffee from the safety of the arena fence.
A real trainer guides you, teaches you, picks you up when you fall (both literally and emotionally), and occasionally reminds you to breathe.
Before you send your horse off to a big, famous rider, ask yourself:
Are they going to take the time to know you and your horse?
Or will they take one look at your slightly confused face and your horse’s “I work on my schedule” attitude and move on to the next client?
Because it’s the small trainer who actually gives you a chance.
The one who believes in you, even when you’re convinced you’ll never canter in a straight line.
The one who doesn’t judge when you say, I’ve never done this before, but why not?
The one who takes an extra 30 minutes just to make sure that turn is exactly right, so you leave the arena feeling like Carl Hester(even if your horse is feeling more like a Thelwell pony).
The one who’s walking through the yard at 10pm, checking on your horse like an overprotective parent.
The one trying to make your dreams affordable (because, let’s be honest, we all know horses eat money for breakfast).
The one who actually wants your horse to enjoy their job, not just tolerate it.
The one who will try every trick in the book (and some that aren’t in the book) to get the absolute best out of your horse.
That’s why I’m training to be more than just an instructor.
I’m training to be a coach, a mentor, a friend.
Someone who sees you, supports you, and doesn’t let you give up, no matter how many times you forget to sit up.
Because the small trainer?
They’re the ones who make the magic happen…
And they’re also the ones who will laugh with you (not at you)… when your horse suddenly remembers how to rodeo mid-lesson.
