5 Great Tips On Choosing Your Horse Trainer
Selecting a horse trainer can be a daunting experience. Many factors will come to play when choosing a trainer, and we've compliled a list of top tips to help make it easier for you.
- The first thing you have to do is to decide the discipline you want your horse to be trained in. There are many different trainers who specialize in different styles such as show trainers, trainers for gaited horses, western pleasure riding, English riding, dressage, show jumping, barrel racing, cutting, and the list keeps going.
- Once you've decided on the profession of the trainer you want, the next thing to consider is experience. If a trainer does not have experience in the discipline that you desire, move on to someone else. Word of mouth is an excellent way of finding a trainer.
- If you're going to board your horse with the trainer, is the facility clean and efficient looking? Are the horses in shape and well kept? If you are having your horse trained for competition, ask other owners if they have had any success in the competitions. Are they satisfied with their horses training?
- See if you're a good fit with the trainers program by talking to the trainer. See if the trainer will allow you to sit in when he is training a horse to see if you like his/her training methods. Discuss your goals and what you'd ultimately want to do with your horse with the trainer to see how he/she can help you achieve what you want.
- Always ask about any and all costs. Some trainers require that you insure your horse if he's to be kept at their facility, and you may be required to sign a disclosure releasing them from all responsibility resulting from injuries to you or your horse.
Once you get your horse back from the trainer, you will need horse tack such as saddle pads, breast collars, and horse bits. Selecting the correct horse tack that is durable and long lasting is very important. Good luck in all your equine activities.
What size of saddle pad do I need?
Figure|Find out the answer to these simple questions.
- How long is my|your saddle?
- Is your horse's back short or long?
- How do I like my tack to look on my horse?
Size of Saddle:
Take into consideration the size of your saddle in length. Is it a barrel, roping, cutting, etc saddle? If your saddle is a roping or cutting saddle, stay away from the short saddle pads (32" and below). The pad will probably be too short for the saddle to fit on. On the flip side if you have a barrel saddle then you probably want to stay away from the long (34") saddle pads.
Does my horse have a long or short back?
A lot of people don't think of this when choosing a saddle pad. The long saddle pads (34") may be too long for short backed horses. It will probably get in the way of the horses hindquarter movement. However things could be reversed as well. Using a short saddle pad on a long backed horse will allow part of his/her back to be exposed. You may think it looks weird. That is where this next section comes into play.
What do I want my horse and tack to look like?
Ultimately the decision comes down to your personal preference. What do you think looks good? Do you think that your saddle pad should cover the whole back of the horse and come right before his hindquarters start?
A lot of people like for their saddle pad, saddle, and horse to look a specific way. For a short backed horse with a barrel or youth saddle the shorter pads work well. On the same horse if a roping saddle is used they may get a little longer of a pad (33") to compensate for the larger saddle. On a long backed horse if a roping saddle is used they may use a long (34") pad. However if the same long backed horse is used and a barrel saddle they may use a long (32" or 33") pad to cover the horses back.
What it really comes down to is what is your personal opinion, your type and size of saddle, and your horse all as a combination. There really isn't a "correct" answer to this question. There are only opinions.
Here is a link with a variety of saddle pads to help you in your decision.
