While often horse people talk about their “trainer” there are two very different roles this person can take on when working with a client. The term trainer can refer to a horse trainer or it can refer to a riding instructor. It can be very important for beginners to know what the differences are and how to identify their needs and if the trainer is meeting those needs. Sometimes a trainer will work as a riding instructor when they are actually a horse trainer, or a horse trainer will attempt to be a riding instructor and both these situations have the potential to go very poorly.
Riding instructors focus on the rider. The horses that are used in these lessons are already trained and respond well to the rider’s cues. As the rider progresses in a riding program, the horses may become harder to ride and need more precise cues or a more confident riders, but they should still be trained for riding. During a lesson with a riding instructor, the riders should be working on their position, using their aids, and giving the horse correct cues. Riding activities should work on building strength, proper riding position, and figuring out how the rider’s actions affect the horse. The rider should not be worried about teaching the horse, fixing any problems with the horse, and should trust that the horse will do whatever is asked, as long as the horse is cued properly.
Horse trainers on the other hand are focused on the horse. They are concerned about teaching the horse new things, reminding it of how to behave, and making sure the riders is getting the best out of the horse. The horse trainer should spend time riding the horse and teaching it, but also needs to make sure that the rider can get the same results out of the horse. When riding with a horse trainer, your goal as the rider is to learn how to teach the horse and how to get the proper response from the horse. Lessons should be focused on learning new skills and have specific goals for both horse and rider.
As a client you should be honest with your instructor and trainer about the skills and experience you and your horse have. Dishonesty, even withholding information, can get you, your trainer or your horse into serious trouble or even injured. If you are unsure of anything your trainer asks you to do make sure you ask questions and let them know if you are uncomfortable. If your trainer consistently makes you feel uncomfortable and does not help you work through the issue, you probably need to find a new trainer or instructor.
