Question for trainers and instructors, what do you think?

Question

I was wondering what all the trainers on yahoo answers thought about education for someone who really wants to be a horse trainer as a career. Do you think a collage degree is a good idea? some important things to study? what are some ideas to help prepare (apprentisship ect)? Also, if you area trainer and have kids, how did that work out? any other thoughts please share them. thanks!!

Answer 1

A top ten trainer that I know began his training career by finishing  college courses in business administration...(you might want to take ag courses and animal husbandry courses as well) he then began an apprenticeship with a top working cow horse trainer(Bob Avila).  He did not begin his apprenticeship by training horses....he began by cleaning stalls, and other general grunt work before he was ever allowed on a horse.  He cleaned tack, picked stalls, bathed horses, fed horses, and did all other work required by his employer for minimum wage.  As he became additionally skilled in basic barn management skills he then began to ride a few colts.....just started them.  As those horse skills increased he then was given colts to ride that were further along in their training...he accompanied his employer to shows, got horses tacked up, warmed up and cooled down after competition.

He had reached a point where his boss decided it was time for him to begin showing a few colts which he did.  He didn't automatically win big but gave a good, solid account of himself.  Eventually the big win came, the Canadian Super Slide and his career took off from there.   He rode reiners for some years and then took on the working cow horse classes.  He has won the world show in reining, The Breeders Classic,  and the Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno.  

He had a successful show career as a youth, 13 and under and fourteen to eighteen classes, AQHA.  

He promised his father that he would complete college courses so that he would have something to fall back on in the event he didn't make it as a horse trainer....he has been incredibly intelligent in his career moves and it's not a suprise that he is the success he is today.   He has the focus and competitive drive to make it training horses.  He's known as the "Ice Man" in competition.  We've watched him mature (from age 11) and succeed all these years...his name is Todd Bergen and he truly is a total professional.  His winnings in the show pen are over one million plus dollars.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2EEcJ48X...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbLXzSCq...

Answer 2

I am not a trainer, but one of my good friends is, and after reading through all the advice given I thought I might be able to add a few pointers.  In order to be successful at training, you really do need to apprentice to get the hands on experience you will need and also be able to start building your reputation as being a good trainer.  No, you cannot really learn how to train horses in college, but please do not discount getting a college degree.  My friend's biggest regret is not finishing college and getting a degree to fall back on if she were to get hurt or for whatever reason she could not train anymore or decided to not train anymore.  You can definitely apprentice with someone and attend college classes at the same time, it just might make it a little harder.  You never know when something might happen or you change your mind, then going to college might not be an option.  Remember, you have the rest of your life to work.  As for having kids and being atrainer, there are several trainers out there with families and seem not to have any problems.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Well, I did it both ways.  I have an agricultural business degree, and I interned with a very nice barn, getting to work with 4 very different, but all effective in their own way, trainers.  I will agree that I learned more about training horses at the farm, but the marketing, business sense, and the understanding of how to run my business, came mostly from school, and my personal dealings.  I don't think you "need" school if you want to be a trainer, but it helps, and it also helps you in putting together a business plan for things like loans and such for either land, barns, or anything else you may need.  Looking professional is paramount in gaining loans, and also having a degree makes you look more credible.  

There are also schools such as Ashley Woods that teach you the ag business side, while having dressage trainers and classes there to show you how to train too.  Look into them.  

Chris

Answer 4

Apprenticeship would be a good idea. Unless you're planning on making a horse-related business, I wouldn't get a degree. Most people just learn their techniques by training with different people one on one. Personally I feel a degree doesn't do more than hands on experience can.

I was going to get a degree and since I already had clientelle before that, I didn't bother.

Answer 5

There is a lot that goes into being a horse trainer.  If you want to be really good, you need to know about Horse Physiology, Management, History, etc...

A good apprenticeship is great, but if you don't understand why a horses body moves a certain way, or if you don't understand how a horses management affects its health, which in turn affects its ability to get trained, or if you don't know about all the mistakes and accomplishments that people made before you.... you aren't going to be a great trainer.

College will not teach you a lot about actual training.  But the reasons you use certain methods are taught.  

College is important for a trainer - if for no other reason than it looks good when you go to the bank to apply for a loan to start your own training business.  An apprenticeship with a trainer is important - a reputable trainer.  A part time job with the local Equine Vet is a great idea - it helps to know when it is a training issue or a medical issue.  Following the farrier around and learning to trim is a good idea - especially if you are teaching unbroke horses to pick up their feet and stand for the farrier.

Education is important.  Get as much of it as you can, and never stop learning new things.  There are plenty of good trainers out there - but few great ones.

Answer 6

I think there is not really an education for horse trainers. Experience is the key. There are some things that cannot be taught in school.

I'm not saying that some animal care/nutrition classes or something like that wouldn't be good, but as far as training goes, experience!!!

Answer 7

My answer is somewhat redundant...find a mentor, even if you have to work for nothing...someone that you respect as a person, to begin with, then with the horses that they turn out consistently.  There are many college courses that  you could take that would teach  you the basics of nutrition. etc. but that you can get from a book or the internet...most important is hands on experience, behind and beside someone who has a good training reputation and  is ethical in EVERYTHING THAT HE/SHE DOES...

Answer 8

My best advice to you is to find someone locally who is where you want to be in the area you want to be in, and ask them if they would "mentor" you.  You will NEVER learn (and this is just my opinion) as much in a school room, as you will  learning from experienced professionals hands on.  Its important to be open minded with your trainers, always accept the new ideas and when youve had a few years of experience with someone professional (and the more the better) then take whats worked for you and what hasnt and apply it into your own program.  Training can be difficult because so many people require and expect so many different things.  It all comes down to what works for you, establishing a solid beleif in your work and your final product and that is what is going to ultimatley sell your services.  By all means, take courses and learn BUT be sure to go out and find a trainer to work with - study online about different methods (Parelli/Lyons etc) - if necessary take your levels when your at that point and just keep working in the direction you want to go : 0)

I wish you the BEST of luck : 0)