How much should I charge to exercise these Tennessee Walkers back into mental shape?

Question

I have an opportunity to exercise 3 Tennessee Walkers back into "mental shape". They are very high energy and already trained, but have developed some bad habits from the owner spoiling them. They are mouthy and do not listen. I know the owner and she asked me to come up with an hourly rate. I know that trainers normally ask for $35.00/hour, but since I am not training them, I do not know how much compensation to ask for. I will be riding 1-2 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Answer 1

Each time you handle a horse you are training them.

Call local trainers that have experience with problem horses and make some subtle inquiries. I do not think that $35 per hour is much to ask for. In my area that is a very reasonable rate, but I don't know where you are located.

TWH's generally have good minds and willing natures. Unless these are extreme examples, they should turn around pretty quick with a good hand working them.

Answer 2

I just had a guy do a "tune-up" on my horse, he's not a professional trainer either, and was really just putting some miles on the horse and reminding him of what he already knows (he had a year off from an injury).  He charged $20 per ride, which I thought was quite reasonable.  Because you are not a professional trainer, I think $35/ hour is steep.  Plus, how many horse people work by the hour?  You can't just ride for an hour and be done.  Sometimes it only takes 20 minutes to get what you want from that session, sometimes it takes and hour and a half.  So I say charge per session that can (instead of per ride maybe) because that way you can include ground work, if that's what the horses need and not just riding.

Answer 3

I would do like $20 an hour because think about it, it would be pretty expensive for her! TWH's are REALLY fun to ride even when they are being annoying, i have a TWH and even though he can be annoying they usually are pretty soft mouthed so just sho em who's boss!! Have fun and good luck!