Introduction

The role of a horse trainer is to prepare the horse  so that the horse is safe and responsive to your cues. Trainers can work with a horse from a minimum of 30 days to a more extensive training period, depending on your training goals.  

 This fact sheet contains a list of questions you should ask when looking for a trainer. It is important that you are on the same page, and you both agree on methodology.  

1. How often is a horse in training worked at your facility?  
   1. How often will the horse be lunged? 
   2.  How often will the horse be saddled and ridden?  
   3. What is the total training time (in hours) per week?  
   4. How are the horses cooled down after exercise?  
   5. Do you have a training/boarding contract? Is there a minimum amount of time for training? 

    

2.  Is instruction with me riding my horse included in the training price?  
   1. Can I drop in and watch you work with my horse?  
   2. How many lessons per week are included in the training price?  
   3. Is there a discounted lesson rate for riders who have horses in training?  
   4. After I take my horse home, if I have problems, will you help me? 
   5. What charge will there be for this, if any? 

    

3. What training aids do you use on a regular basis?  
   1. Do you headset lunge?  If so, how do you accomplish this?  
   2. What methods would you use with a horse that is misbehaving?  
   3. Do you use crops, spurs or whips?  In what way do you use crops, spurs, and/or whips?  
   4. Do you use tie downs or martingales, side reins, or draw reins?  
   5. Do you tie horses in their stalls? 

    

4. How long will it take to accomplish my goals?  
   1. Are my goals realistic?  
   2. Will I be kept up-to-date on the progress of my horse?  
   3. Will you tell me if I (as a rider) am holding up my horse’s training progress? 

    

5. How is diet and free exercise managed at your facility?  
   1. What is the feeding schedule?  
   2. Do you feed supplements?  
   3. What brand of grain do you feed?  
   4. Where do you get your hay and how do you determine how much each horse gets?  
   5. How do you check feed quality?  
   6. Is there pasture opportunity, and what is the turnout schedule?  How long are horses turned out?  
   7. Are horses turned out together? 

    

6. Do you have insurance to cover my horse while it is boarded and ridden at your farm?  

 

7. How is routine health maintenance managed at your facility?  
   1. What is the required vaccination schedule? 
   2. What is the deworming protocol followed at the farm?  
   3. What farrier is used and often does the farrier visit?  
   4. Do you pay for cost of the above directly or through the trainer?  
   5. Can I select my own veterinarian or farrier? 

    

8. What is your fee and payment requirements?  

In addition to these, the key is to ask any question you feel needs an answer. Trainers are used to working with novice horse owners and they should answer all questions with patience and care. Just think–if they cannot make it through a list of questions, how patient will he/she be with you under saddle? 

Resources

Michigan State University Extension. (2015). Horse farm management workbook (Bulletin E2175). https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/horse_farm_management_workbook_e2175 

Unity Environmental University. (n.d.). How to become a horse trainer. https://unity.edu/distance-education-blogs/how-to-become-a-horse-trainer/ 

University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Choosing a horse trainer. https://extension.umn.edu/horse-training/choosing-horse-trainer 

The information in this document is for educational purposes only.  The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication.  Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended.  UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.  The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.