03/07/2025
Let’s talk about picking a trainer for lessons because there are SO many options! You see trainers advertising on social media and at events, but how do you choose? ~
This story with this horse here can say it all, came here with little to no boundaries, pushy and as seen in the 1st clip how he was. Fast forward to today, a young girls main guy learning the ropes and preparing to become her 1st owned Rodeo/Barrel horse.
First off you need to define your goals, and then set out to find an instructor that has successfully taught at the level you want to grow to. Price is always a factor, but if you're training with the $30 an hour trainer and it takes you 2 months to learn what you did in a couple lessons with a $60 an hour trainer, are you actually saving on money? ⭐️But really do your research as some may be charging more than what their experience is. Being able to train horses and their riders comes from personal experience, not from a book only. ⭐️We frequently have new clients come that feel they have been robbed because they've taken lessons for years and in one lesson with us they learned more than they did in the whole time they spent with another trainer.~
You need to find a trainer with a teaching style that will suit your personality and learning style. Every rider learns differently and has different limits. Find a trainer that will encourage and push you to be the best version of yourself. We tell our clients that while we will push them out of their comfort zone and it is normal to feel apprehensive at first, we will never ask them or push them to do something they are legitimately terrified of doing. You want the trainer you choose to make you better and instill confidence. Not tear you down and put you at risk of getting hurt. You should feel you are learning and that your riding improves every time you have a lesson. ~
Find a trainer that doesn’t skimp on teaching the basics and good horsemanship. Too many programs skip this step because they either⭐️ lack the knowledge to teach it, or don’t care to teach it because it is “boring”. ⭐️Taking the time to learn the important foundation work might not be what you want to do, you may want to just run fast around the barrels or poles, but the FUNDAMENTALS ARE IMPORTANT! We get clients regularly that have been working barrels, but have no control of their horses bodies, can’t lift shoulders, can’t counter arc, cant catch leads or don’t know their leads, and aren't sure of leg position. Their horses are usually over bridled because instead of their trainer taking them back to basics, and taking the time to develop quiet hands and a solid position and then teaching them to use their body to ride , they just throw a bigger bit on. If you take the time to have a solid foundation, you and your horse will have SO much more success! Yes, it takes more time, but the results last and your horse will thank you. SMOOTH is FAST!!! ~
If you take a few lessons and a trainer isn't a good fit, it’s not a good fit. A reputable trainer will understand that and business is business. Don’t worry about hurting feelings. Be respectful and move on to someone who will fit you better. We have had clients that we just don't mesh with and others that we have had great success with. We understand our style and personality may not be for everyone and that is ok!! As a trainer, it's our job to act professionally and understand that you're doing what's best for you and your goals.
🐴Equine training and boarding facility.
