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How do you know when to change trainers?
My daughter has been training with a talented young trainer for the last year and half. He's building his business in the US as a jumper trainer. He is a talented rider, a hard worker and motivated to succeed. He has found us our current competition horse which we love. My daughter did very well on this horse last year. He has brought well known trainers to our barn for clinics. Seems to allow my daughter to ride some of the better horses on occasion which is a great experience for her.
The drawbacks are these:
-his un-communicative style of communication
-the lack of preparedness when it comes to daily lessons (she's in Full Training 6 days a week, jumps one day because of our horses age and more or less hacks the rest of the week)
-doesn't seem like he has a showing or goal plan for the year where my daughter is concerned even after several attempts on my part to discuss it
-does not seem to let my daughter get experience with more challenging classes, she seems to have plateaued
-not sure that my horse is receiving the care we pay for in grooming
I like this young man as a person and could easily chalk this up to being a fairly new business person. But at what point should I consider how it can/will affect the growth of my daughters own talent. She is a passionate, hard working jumper who wants to go very far with this sport. I feel that I have attempted to address these issues with him on many occasions with no results. Is this a moment to breath through because the upsides are good or are these issues that should be concerning me and would be addressed by a more experienced trainer?
changing trainers
First - talk to your trainer and identify your concerns
Second have a solution that would be acceptable to you
third give a timeline to have the changes occur
Fourth - if no resolution, then interview other trainers to see if their program is one you want.
Always talk to your trainer first out of respect, give the person a chance to improve - perhaps they think all is well?
How do you know when to change trainers?
You sound ready to change trainers. You seem to recognize all the positive things gained from working with your present trainer; Bravo! Take those good things with you, congratulations to that trainer on his successes, MANY thanks to him, and sincere best wishes. It's perfectly acceptable and appropriate for you to find a trainer who is better suited to your needs (your daughter's and yours), who has great communication skills. You don't need to apologize for making this change. These steps are often a necessary and healthy part of a rider's evolution. Best of luck to you!
Changing Trainers
It definately sounds like you're ready (or your daughter) for a change. It sounds like you have already communicated all of your concerns with no luck, so you have given him the respect and opportunity to change. Keep in mind that as we all know, training is expensive and you should get what you pay for. One thing I have definately learned about making a change to a new trainer is that you always learn new things from other trainers. This could be the perfect time for your daughter to experience a trainer that has been around and has a solid reputation for all the things you are looking for.
A couple questions for you:
How old is your daughter?
What city/state do you live in?
Since yhou posted this in January, did you make a change, and if so, how is it going?
Uninspired trainer
He doesn't seem to care and it might not be his fault.
You seem to care not about promoting her horsemanship skills or enjoyment of the sport. Your daughter has SIX(!) lessons a week and you pay for grooming services?? Doesn't she ever want to take a trail ride with the other barn girls or ride bareback or take pride in her beautiful grooming job? It seems like you are measuring success only with doing well at the horse shows. Equestrianism has so much more to offer a young person. If she wants to "go far" with the sport than she would benefit from enjoying her horse and being at the barn, and you would be getting more for your money. I suggest you read about the US Pony Club: http://www.ponyclub.org/?page=PCProgram
BOTTOM LINE: Your trainer seems disinterested in you and your daughter and I feel that this may be due to your attitude about horseback riding. You say he is a "hard worker;" I bet he did not have it so kush and is sad and resentful (as am I) about the "full-service" status quo in equestrianism.
Laura Tommaso, IL
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