What is more important to you when

Question

choosing a trainer?

Big name and show ring performance or the ability to communicate effectively with you and your horse regardless of their name or show experience?

Answer 1

Well if their show ring performance is good they will usually have a well known name . Because his/her riders will be bringing back well earned results. I personally think, that a good show ring performance is important. Because without that... well you wont be any good showing in the ring, and being good in the show ring , means your a good rider . choosing a training doesn't always mean how they work with you , and teach you . ovcourse its important, but if they don't treat and take care of their horses well , that's not being a good, responsible trainer . That will proove that that trainer doesn't have the heart for training kids or being with horses, and their just doing it for the money.  

Answer 2

There are great trainers out there, highly successful, and they'll have difficulty getting their points across to students.  Not every great trainer is a great teacher.  The downside.  Talk to as many successful trainers and determine who you're the most comfortable with; have some questions for them and see how your comprehend their answers.  Don't let their "starpower" overtake you.  Network around and see if there is a consensus amongst your friends about who they think is really competent and competitive and talk to those trainers.  Good luck!!  In the end, it's who you are the most comfortable with....if you're relaxed..you'll  learn under a competent instructor.

Answer 3

When I had aspirations of moving up in the show arena, success in showing was important.

When I got sick of the whole political reality of that world, I looked for trainers who just cared about perfecting communication between horse and rider/owner.  Once you choose your goal, the trainer you choose should be the one with the experience in attaining it.

Answer 4

They have to be experienced and thats it.

Answer 5

Not everyone needs to or wants to show. Showing is not the only metric of quality horsemanship. So, while I would look at show ring performance as a possible gauge of the trainer's ability, I think their ability to work effectively with me and my horse is more important. After all, just become someone is a good rider, it does not necessarily follow that they are a good teacher.  

Answer 6

Depends on what I want out of the horse. Most great horses have had several trainers. When I start my colts (if I can't do it myself for some reason) I prefer a quiet touch, someone who will expose them to a lot and put a nice solid foundation. Then I'll go to the big name guys to put the moves on them, a good turn around and roll back, slide stop, hip in and collection etc.  

Answer 7

I prefer a trainer that can work with me and my horse. I don't care how well they've shown. I just want someone that can help me with what I need and my horse with what he/she needs.

Answer 8

Both

Answer 9

Big name and show ring performance. I want a trainer that can help me and my horse get better. Why would you want to go to a trainer that won't have you advance. The reason I go to a trainer is to keep me and my horse show ring ready and to be competitive at shows. I wouldn't see a reason to go to a trainer that hasn't shown and isn't training horses to be competitive in the show ring.

Answer 10

i perfer the trainer that can work with you and your horse. if you get some fool who can't work with you or your horse, you're not going to go anywhere!!! and sometimes, it might just be a trainer that hasn't always been around the show circuit and all.

Answer 11

I have had both.

Those with the big 'name' and those without.

I have learned from both, but it really depends on what you want and what your riding goals are.

In my experience, the ones with the big names also had the big ego, price tag and arrogance to go along with it.

That is just mho.

Answer 12

i prefer a trainer that can communicate effectivly...someone can be smart(horsey smart)and not show...my biggest thing is tht i need a trainer that can put some trust in what im doing and let me ride and trust that i know what im doing because i have had previous trainers that just want to shout the entire time and not take a step back if u kno wat i mean =]]

Answer 13

Big names mean nothing if the trainer is an idiot.  I think it is more important that they communicate well with my horses & me.  

Answer 14

The ability to communicate effectively with me and my horse.

I want someone who is easy going and laidback and doesn't get mad when you mess up. Try choosing someone who knows what they are doing but is very good with people. You can try having different trainers come to your farm and choose which one you like the best and have them be your trainer. That's what i did for my riding instructor and shes is absolutely wonderful. Make sure you have options and keep your mind open. Good Luck!