Hippotherapy

Professional Training?

Hi, I was wondering what are peoples thoughts on professional horse training. Like sending them to the trainers for 30, or 60 days. I want to send my mare but I don't if it will help and I'll miss her like crazy!! Thanks

Public Comments

1. If you can afford it, sending your horse to a professional trainer with a good track record for finishing good horses is the best way to assure that you will have a safe, responsive and manageable horse. I have never regretted a single dollar I have spent on professional training, but have paid the price for trying to do things myself without professional guidance.
2. It would depend entirely on the reputation of the professional trainer and the cost involved. I would have to be 100% sure that this person had the right knowledge and the horses in his/her care would get the kind of attention and training that I would want. ( most probably, my answer would be no, but thats just me because I am increadibly possesive over my own animals.)
3. That depends on what kind of trainer are you're sending her to. If you have a good, reputable trainer who is known for good results and correct methods, then it's absolutely adviseable to send her away for anything you can't do yourself. There is nothing wrong with not knowing enough and having to have someone else train her. Better to do that than to try and "figure it out" on your own and end up with more problems than you started with!
4. Depending on what you plan to do with your mare this can either be a wonderful investment or just a waste of ALOT of money. If this is just a pleasure horse that doesnt do any kind of showing and isnt presenting any major behaviorial problems then I would say just consult a professional in your area for a couple lessons or something. If you are planning on her being competitive, professional training is certainly a FABULOUS investment. IF you have the money. Its very expensive, and if you can afford it (afford it not pay for it, theres a difference!) then by all means find a reputable trainer and go ahead with it. Also, major behavioral problems may need some professional help. Another thing, no matter how long youve been riding or been around horses there is always something to learn. So if i were you i would find a good trainer or professional in your area and start taking lessons from them, that way it wont be as expensive and you can have more participation in your mare's training. After awhile, you can have a discussion with the trainer and they will let you know if sending your horse away will be a worthwhile investment.
5. I would only pay a trainer that I KNEW turned out good horses and used good training methods. My brother just got his horse back from a trainer after only two weeks....the trainer gave up, said the horse was too scared...after seeing the wounds the bit left on the horse's mouth, my brother was not surprised at the horse's fear. This horse has previously had $1200 in training from another barn (before my brother bought him). Bottom line: horse has been to three different trainers, is still not trained to ride hardly. I know a good trainer named Kevin Wescott whom I trust and ask him questions. He has helped me with a lot of my horse problems, and I know what he does is always in the best interest of the horse. Here's more info about him: http://www.liverystable.net/kevin.html If you can, follow a trainer around before hiring him. Watch how he handles other people's horses. Do your homework and investigate before you put your horse into his care. Good luck!
6. I believe that investing in a professional trainer is an excellent, mature decision . Taking in the fact to re-search your choice WELL, visit their facility, look at the conditions of the barn, horses, feed, watch the trainer work a few horses, Does this trainer have references from past clients, a quality show record, and what about this persons reputation, If they are good, word of mouth speaks volumes. Make sure they have a well written boarding/training contract and everything you want spelled out. The other plus that I would look for would be a trainer that incorporates you into the training program by giving you a lesson about once a week so you can understand what is being taught and you can achieve the same results. There are ALOT of wannabes in the horse business if you go cheap, be prepared for what that might entail. I would always go with paying more money for peace of mind knowing what im going to be getting.
7. It was the best thing I have ever done!!! I raised my colt and started the basics with him. I then sent him to a pro trainer and I have learned more from that man than anyone else! my trainer would ride the horse everyday and if you chose to, he would let you come out and take free lessons as part of the training. I was there several days a week and my 5 yo horse is bombproof and amazing!! every horse in the area that he has trained have been shown and are top level horses..Im talkin winning new trucks and trailers!! I would really look into it!! I learned so much and if you want to invest in a good horse, I would go for it..that also makes the horse worth more if you ever want to sell it! Good luck!!