Choosing a trainer

Five basic questions to ask

In any sport, both newcomers and veterans need someone to teach them the ropes or to keep them tuned up and competitive.

Equine sports are no different, and just as intense. If you’re going to pay to play, it’s worthwhile to be at the top of your game because you’ll face many others who surely aim to win.

The most obvious way to stay atop the pack is to employ a trusted trainer. Not just a horse trainer, but a “personal trainer” of sorts to help you with everything from tack and clothing trends to equitation posture and horse purchases. Remember—success is often in the details.

However, respected and trustworthy trainers can be hard to locate. Veteran barrel racing competitor, trainer and instructor Carol Ellis knows this full-well; throughout her 30-plus-year career of training and showing in multiple events—including reining and jumping—the Colorado native estimates she’s ridden more than 2,500 horses and helped over 3,000 riders.

Here, she recommends five questions to consider as you search for a trainer.

Are they highly recommended?

This is a biggie. Before you settle on any one person (or a group of individuals), make some calls. Either call respected trainers in your area or get the names of some from successful competitors you’ve seen. It’s essential that your trainer of choice has a good reputation with other pros, and that he or she is everything they claim to be. If so, interview them yourself. In addition to horse-related issues, ask them about such things as life philosophies, because you’ll be spending a lot of time with them if you hire them. Additionally, are they likeable? Personable? A good communicator? Finally, if you’re a novice, be sure the trainer works with your level. Top pros don’t always personally work with beginners or newcomers.

Are they competitive themselves?

Inquire about career achievements. Carol says a good instructor should be a “player”—currently competitive and knowledgeable about what’s cutting-edge in the industry. Obviously, there can be exceptions to the rule for retired trainers; however, even if they’re no longer physically able to compete, they should be active in some part of the industry and current on new philosophies and tactics. If you can choose a trainer who’s actively competitive and successful, you’ll have a better chance.

Do they offer a proven product?

Inquire or observe if your prospective trainer produces highly competitive and winning horses. Are the horses safe? Reliable? Sound? Successful? Next, look at the trainer’s clients. Are they happy? Competitive? Are they improving consistently and satisfied with their progress? Talking with a trainer’s current clients is priceless. If you see someone who’s consistently in the ribbons and having fun—especially the latter—ask them who they ride with, what they’re learning, and if their trainer is always willing to help.

Do they stay “cutting edge”?

The client shouldn’t be the only student; a successful trainer is one that never stops learning. Make sure the ones that catch your eye attend clinics, veterinary lectures, shoeing demonstrations, teaching seminars—whatever it takes to remain current on industry developments.

Do they have longevity?

Naturally, trainers with bad reputations tend to move a lot. If a trainer has had several different barns, and clients (or training disciplines) in several different areas—be extra cautious. There may be a reason they’re on the move. (This is vastly different from a rising, reputable trainer who moves to a better location with more land and better facilities.)

COMPILED BY DOREEN SHUMPERT

Printed in the January 2007 issue of Appaloosa Journal.

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