How much would you charge to train a pony? And how often would it get ridden?

Question

I had somebody ask me today to train their horse. I'm new to the business of training other people's horses for profit. I've heard of the whole 30 day training thing. But does that mean the horse is generally moved for training? How many times a week would it generally be ridden? Would it be riding everytime or groundwork as well? How much time would you spend with the horse per sessions? How much should be charged? Should a liabilty wavor be signed? Thanks

Answer 1

Two of my friends are professional horse trainers specializing in saddlebreds and hackney ponies, but quite capable of training any type of horse.  They charge about $600 a month to train and can have a horse ready to ride and drive in that amount of time.  The horse would be worked daily and will ride, drive and stand when they are finished.  Of course, if you want a show horse trained, it takes longer because it is more detailed and the gaits have to be perfected, but for a pleasure horse, or for starting a horse you can finish yourself, they need 30 days.

It is best if the horse is stabled at the trainer's home. And the horse would most likely be worked with at least an hour a day.  This gives ample time for groundwork and riding/driving.  Now, my friends start their training with driving, then move to riding.  They can teach the horse to guide while they are standing on the ground before they hitch them to a cart.

Find out what the horse owner wants the horse to be able to do in 30 days time so you can figure out how much time each day you will have to be dedicated to the horse.

Answer 2

My horse is at a "trainer" right now.  He's not a professional, he just does it for some money on the side becuase he has the talent.  He is charging me $20/ride, and is riding about 4-5 times a week.

I had another guy charge me $600 a month for the first 30 days, but he was more of a pro.  Not like well known nationally or anything, but he trains for a living and is well known in our area.

Answer 3

I am not certified or anything but i have broke a few colts and tuned up a few horses. if they kept the horse at my place i charged 300-400 for 30 days board and at least 26 days training. if the horse is at another location (but close to you) i would charge 10-12$ per hour. obviosuly if the horse is farther away from you , you would charge gas milage as well. you dont have to do 30 days.you can do a week.30 days pretty much means that a colt is green started. i would reccomend 6 days per week training. 30 days on them does not mean riding obviously if it is a colt or a problem horse it would take ground training as well, you just would not jump on right.the time spent with the horse varies sometimes with a colt i spend 30 seconds or 20 minutes it varies on what you are trying to accomplish if the horse does it dont push for 20 more things. a waiver should be signed i mean if the horse breaks a leg you dont want to have to pay for a 5000$ horse right!

Answer 4

100$ for one mounth riden one hour 5 days a week or every other day for a month

Answer 5

It depends on your experience with horses, on what to charge. I would say $15-$25 an hour. Horses only need about 8 hours of training per week if they are a starter, remember they can only learn one thing at a time too or they will get confused. Ground work is VERY important, it gives the horse a chance to know you and you to know him, it also builds a strong bond and you will get more out of what you are asking him to do. I would ride him probably about 2 hours per week, split up, until you get a feel for the horse, then go from there, and yes a liabilty waiver should be signed and noterized you do not want to be responsible for someone else's equine injuring you when you are servicing them.

Answer 6

What are you worth?  If you don't know how to train the pony to do anything but be ridden, and you are going to their property to train it, charge what your time is worth and what is costs to get there and home. If you are finishing out a green broke pony, you could charge for your skill based on your background of successes. How often you train depends on what the client can afford, unless you do it on your own property and charge by the month.  Some have a boarding fee and separate training fee, and you may negotiate the number of training sessions the pony will receive. Before you do anything call an attorney to find out what you need to do as far as liability...laws vary.