Pick a Pro- Choosing the Right NRHA Professional for You and Your Horse
April 18, 2018
Pick a Pro- Choosing the right NRHA Professional for you and your horse
Nothing can seem more daunting than the big decision of choosing an NRHA Professional to teach you about Reining. The right choice will help you enjoy this sport for years to come, the wrong decision will have you running for the hills! To help you out here’s a simple guide to choosing the right pro for you.
1. Set a Budget
At the onset it’s important to be upfront and honest with yourself about what you can afford. Fees for training can range from $800-$1500/month and what services are included with that and what additional services will cost can vary widely. There is nothing worse than getting in over your head financially so before you do anything else sit down with your budget and figure out what you can afford. A few basic charges to think about are Monthly training fees- what a trainer will charge you to have a horse in training. Make sure to ask a pro what all this fee includes. Some trainers will package price boarding, training and lessons while others will charge individually. Day fees at shows- again make sure to ask what all this includes. Some trainers this is an all inclusive fee while others will also bill for hotel, food, etc. Showing fees- of your goals are to show then make sure to set aside some money in your budget to go and do that. Ask your trainer candidates what an average show bill for a local, regional, and national show looks like. Your budget for showing will help to shape your goals sheet for that year. Vet and Farrier fees- most barns have a Farrier and vet they prefer. Ask about average bills you can expect and my personal advice is the have a disaster fund ready Incase anything should happen to your horse. A number to keep in mind is that an average colic surgery in our area will run about $6000, and you must pay a deposit of $3000 for the vet to preform the surgery. You may want to look at insuring your horse which will help to cover some of these expenses, but many vets require a colic surgery deposit up front before insurance pays you back so it can be a good idea to keep a credit card with at least a $3500 limit to put that on until you receive a check from your insurance.
2. Local or Long Distance?
Ok now that you’ve got a budget and know what you can comfortably afford it’s time to look at a map. Unless you live in the heart of horse country here in North Texas your choices in trainers locally will be limited so you need to decide if you want to stick with a local trainer, or maintain a long distance relationship. To help you see trainer options go to https://nrha1.com/findapro and check out the map.
3. Stalking may be necessary
Want to really know how a trainer is? Come out to an event and observe them with their clients when they’re giving them lessons and getting them ready to walk into the showpen. Seeing how a trainer acts when they think no one is watching will give you a good idea of how they really are. Now everyone has bad days and difficult clients, so make sure not To make a snap judgement, but observing a trainer at a show will give you a good idea how they really are.
4. First approach
Once you’ve found a couple of trainers who you like it’s time to go up and meet them. If you are at a major show try to do a little research and make sure not to approach a trainer as they’re getting themselves or a client ready to go show. A great time to approach is when they are relaxing or socializing out in front of their stalls. You may also run into a potential trainer at a social event there at the show. Let them know that you are interested in talking to them about joining their barn and ask them when a good time to talk to them would be.
5. The interview
Trainers are not formal interview kind of people. They are horse people. So just remember that as you interview potential candidates. If your at an event try to keep your questions to 15-20 minutes and if you’re still interested in joining that trainer then set up a time to go to their facility and continue your interview more in depth. A few good starter questions for your first meeting are: - are you currently accepting new clients? - what’s your training philosophy for horses and riders? - Do you have a rates sheet where I can see what you charge? - What’s the atmosphere like at your barn and what type of client fits your program best? - Do you require all clients to own their own horse or do you offer lesson/lease horses?
6. Getting in depth
Once you’ve narrowed down your trainer choices to 2 or 3 top candidates it’s time to visit their barn. Some professionals train out of large facilities that house multiple trainers while others prefer their own private facility with a limited number of horses. You’ll need to decide what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for when choosing a trainer as someone who is looking for the peace and tranquility that a smaller barn offers will not be as happy at a big facility, whereas someone looking for the big fancy facility and the hustle and bustle that comes with it will find a small private facility lacking. Take a tour of the trainers facility and note things such as what the facility has to offer, condition of the stalls and horses, and what amenities will be available to you and your horse. Fat, slick horses that happily come to greet you in their well lit, well ventilated stall are always a good sign, whereas horses sitting in the back of their stall with no interest in visitors can be a bad sign. After your tour is a great time to ask more in depth question of the potential trainer. - what are some things I could expect as your client? - What is your opinion on blocking tails or use of harsh equipment? - Will you or your assistant be riding my horse? - This is my budget and these are my goals, do you think I’d be able to accomplish these within my budget with you? If not why? - What kind of care would my horse receive at your facility (feed, turnout, vet, Farrier, etc) - What shows do you attend and who will ride my horse if it’s not at the show? - Can I see a copy of your contract to read over? - What are your policies and procedures for__________? - What kind of updates can I expect about my horse and how frequent? These and more questions can help you get a good idea of what being a client of this trainer will be like. You now have to decide if they are a good fit for you or not. No matter what always make sure to thank the trainer for their time. 7. A good relationship takes work Once you’ve picked who you’d like to work with it’s time to get set up at their barn. Make sure to sign a contract with your new trainer and fill out any paperwork and bring them any information that they request. Drop off your horses basic items such as halter, blankets, and any medications and/or supplements when you bring your horse or have it delivered. There is nothing worse than a horse that shows up with nothing and leaves a barn scrambling to outfit it. Let the barn know what your horse’s precious diet and schedule were and when it’s last shots and Farrier were. Then last but not least stay in touch but don’t be a pest. Checking in once a week to once a month is good. Calling daily for an hour can get a bit tiresome for most trainers, remember you are not their only client.