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View Full Version : Well-known vs. Young up and comer


Kelli
01-15-2011, 09:43 PM
After alot of thought and consideration and many near misses, I have decided to bring in someone with more experience to help fix some of Bella's issues. Problem is that after meeting and talking with two different trainers, David and I can't agree on which one to go with.

Trainer #1 is well known here locally and has a really good reputation. I have seen horses that have undergone 90 days with him and they are really nice solid horses. But, he requires no less than a 90 day contract and prefers 120. He is located about 3 hours away and charges a pretty hefty fee. When he gets a horse, he starts completely over from the ground up and does things his way. Bella is a angel on the ground, her biggest issues are while under saddle. My work load for the next few months is going to require alot of evening/night hours so I wouldn't be able to travel to his barn much if at all.

Trainer #2 is a young up and comer. He hasn't been in the area that long and is just now putting his name out there within the horse community. He came out and met Bella, and we had a long conversation. I felt very comfortable with his expertise and his abilities. He would be coming to my property and working with Bella so I would be able to have more interaction and involvement in her training. He agrees that she doesn't need any time spent on groundwork and should be started working under-saddle from the get go. His price tag would also be half of trainer #1's.

David says that we should go with trainer #1 because we know what we will be getting. Regardless of the contract, the price, and the distance, he says that he wouldn't take the chance of trainer #2 messing up Bella. I, however, like trainer #2. I really want to be involved and active in finishing her up. I also don't want to commit to 90 days, because I feel like she should be evalutated before deciding exactly how long she needs.

So which trainer should I ultimately go with?

JackieB
01-15-2011, 10:41 PM
I'd go with #2 because I think that the training is as much for the human as for the horse. I wouldn't personally be interested in any program where I wasn't involved every step of the way.

You're a very bright person, you can share your experience with us as you go along for feedback, and you can also share some videos. You'll be able to manage the whole process as you go along. I don't think you'd goof up Bella.

Of course, I don't want to disagree with your husband/boyfriend. If you two decide to go with #1, I'm sure he'll do a great job.

AppyLover
01-15-2011, 11:15 PM
It is hard to make a name for one's self. You like Trainer #2 and he seems to be offering more of what you want. Give him a chance. If at anytime it is not working out, Bella is on your property you will be able to spot any red flags early and go with the other trainer if need be.

zoel_222
01-15-2011, 11:28 PM
Sounds like you already know who you want.

natisha
01-16-2011, 02:38 AM
#2, for all the reasons already mentioned, plus you could always change your mind. What my SO wanted would not deter me for one second.

Buckpoco
01-16-2011, 02:41 AM
I think 2 sounds like a better bet as you will be involved, and you will see what's going on.

Tiz
01-16-2011, 04:22 AM
The guy that's interested in working with your horse, the younger one. You'll be able to see what's happening with her, and he isn't going to waste your money by going back and starting from the ground.

The first trainer sounds like he has a certain routine, and follows it no matter the circumstances. That's expensive.

CaddoCinnamon
01-16-2011, 05:24 AM
Like everyone else I think trainer #2 is the better one to go with. I know when I had Cutter trained I told Stick that I wanted to be involved. Here is the thing to also consider if you are that far away you stand a chance of just the trainer being able to get Bella to move off of cues. You need to be involved that way you can see how the trainer is asking for certain things and you can practice on another horse as well while Bella is being trained.

miatapony
01-16-2011, 08:11 AM
wow i guess i dont need to add i would take the#2 also .. because someone has to start somewhere. and it dont sound to me like your horse needs to go back to the very yearling stages of training.. that sounds kind of UMMM well im not gonna say on here... but not good.. not every horse needs that...

Fork
01-16-2011, 08:27 AM
Definitely number 2. I'm all for helping out the little guy. :) Starting from the ground up seems like a waste of time in some cases, but not all.

TheBadLands
01-16-2011, 10:17 AM
I also vote for #2

zoel_222
01-16-2011, 10:25 AM
I always start from the ground, no matter the horse, to check for possible holes and get the horse's respect, but that's just me. If things go smoothly we'll move on to riding real quick though. But that's just me :)

Kelli
01-16-2011, 11:57 AM
Thanks everyone for your input! I am definitely going to go with the young guy for the reason that most of you mentioned. He is offering to come to me and allow me to be active and hands on. When he met Bella, he did a very quick session and agrees that she is pretty solid from the ground. As Appylover said, I can definitely keep an eye out for any red flags and send her on to trainer #1 if needed.

We are going to schedule a ride sometime this week and get her out on some of the trails
around here that are mostly up and down. If this guy does nothing but gets some speed controls on Bella, then I will be more than happy. As of right now, she is all go from the saddle and it seems to esculate as we go down inclines and hills. Its kind of unsettling actually. :(

JackieB
01-16-2011, 03:59 PM
she is all go from the saddle and it seems to esculate as we go down inclines and hills. Its kind of unsettling actually. :(

I hate, hate, hate that habit. Buster had it bad at one time and I came off hard once as a result.