Trail Horse Training

Training Your Own Horse

I am a strong proponent of horse owners giving training their horse at home a fair shot! Rather than shipping it away to a professional trainer try to find answers and solutions that work for both of you... It can be very rewarding to discover the reason why your horse is acting out. What is your horse trying to tell you? Is it unhappy in the field? Bored in its stall? In pain? Has it always behaved like this? Has there been a change in his diet or exercise regime? Horses can't learn to speak English so we must learn to understand "horse talk". It is up to us to determine what's wrong or right with our horse. 

Learning, Understanding and Team Work

To me it is the knowledge and understanding that exists between horse owner and the horse that's the key and can make a huge difference in the outcome. An unfamiliar party will not understand your horse nearly as well as the owner... and their goal might not be your goal or might not meet your expectations and level of horsemanship.

There are many good horse training magazines, books, videos, DVD, workshops and clinics on just any subject and along with an experienced mentor some of the best training can be done right under your own roof  and (barn?) step; however, if you are absolutely sure the issues or goals are above your ability, knowledge and time, a qualified horse trainer can help. A good horse trainer can help train a young horse, break an old horse of bad habits, help you reconnect with your current horse, or move forward in finding a perfect match for your future.

Finding the Right Trainer

Look first for qualifications. Has this horse trainer or riding instructor been through a well-known course resulting in certification from a training facility? Has the trainer worked in the area where you need help? How long has that trainer worked with horses and people? You wouldn't ask a dressage specialist to work with your five year old child and a new pony: you'd probably want to find someone who specializes in ponies and children. Ask for references, or get referrals from your farrier or your trusted vet. And, as in any case where you will be working with someone professionally, it isimportant that you like and trust that person. If you don't "click" with a trainer, you may want to keep looking. If the trainer handles your horse in ways that make you nervous, consider trying someone else.