|
|
 Expert
Posts: 1302
 
Location: California | How do people get their start when it comes to having and training out of their own facility? How do they get the funds to afford a training facility (rental at this point)? I know everyone wants to be a horse trainer but realistically how did those of you who do it get your start? I'm not talking 60 horse facility. More along the lines of 6-12 horses or somewhere around there. I know experience and working for people with names for themselves is beneficial. I could write an entire book but really looking for some helpful tips and advice and how other people have done it. I know it is not realistic and it is tough but I also know it is possible. I don't need easy... just possible. Where to start.... how to start... ect.
Feel free to PM me. Thank you! |
|
| |
|
 
Location: Not Where I Want to Be | little_bug - 2016-03-28 5:09 PM How do people get their start when it comes to having and training out of their own facility? How do they get the funds to afford a training facility (rental at this point)? I know everyone wants to be a horse trainer but realistically how did those of you who do it get your start? I'm not talking 60 horse facility. More along the lines of 6-12 horses or somewhere around there. I know experience and working for people with names for themselves is beneficial. I could write an entire book but really looking for some helpful tips and advice and how other people have done it. I know it is not realistic and it is tough but I also know it is possible. I don't need easy... just possible. Where to start.... how to start... ect.
Feel free to PM me. Thank you!
If you buid it they will come.
Not the facility, your ability,
Start winning and they will beat a path to your door.
|
|
| |
|
Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| 1DSoon - 2016-03-28 4:20 PM
little_bug - 2016-03-28 5:09 PM How do people get their start when it comes to having and training out of their own facility? How do they get the funds to afford a training facility (rental at this point)? I know everyone wants to be a horse trainer but realistically how did those of you who do it get your start? I'm not talking 60 horse facility. More along the lines of 6-12 horses or somewhere around there. I know experience and working for people with names for themselves is beneficial. I could write an entire book but really looking for some helpful tips and advice and how other people have done it. I know it is not realistic and it is tough but I also know it is possible. I don't need easy... just possible. Where to start.... how to start... ect.
Feel free to PM me. Thank you!
If you buid it they will come.
Not the facility, your ability,
Start winning and they will beat a path to your door.
Yep.
And don't outspend your day job.
We priced out indoor arenas. He knows he could keep at least 1 or 2 horses in for training, just based on what folks already ask him to take. If he could get them rode more consistently if the weather was poor he would take more in. But either way we couldn't finance the arena just based on that.
So it's in the 5 year plan and we're paying down other stuff like crazy.
How has he (fiancé) built his reputation? Winning. Buying and selling quality horses with his brand on them so when they go win people ask where they came from. His dad and him have built a good reputation for selling a safe quality horse, most of them are sold to high school ropers or older guys who want something solid and dependable. |
|
| |
|
Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| I agree with the others- the best way to get started is to focus on making winners and selling them honestly. If you can do that you will have people coming to you offerering their facilities for you to train out of. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: California | Thank you guys! Solid advice... sometimes the simplest things make the most sense. |
|
| |
|
Too busy outside!
Posts: 5417
| little_bug - 2016-03-29 9:25 PM Thank you guys! Solid advice... sometimes the simplest things make the most sense.
Yup- and remember- it's not who you are, it's who people THINK you are.... :) (I know it's a depressing thought, but most people these days can't distinguish between the real deal and the faker, so just try your hardest and the right people will acknowledge you and follow you)! :)
|
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 2128
| My hubs trains rope horses for the public (as you may have gathered by now from my previous posts and comments). It sort of just worked out for him. He was a very competitive high school rodeo heeler that went on to win the NHSRA finals his junior year aboard a horse he trained himself. He was also employed to rope steers/excersise horses daily for some wealthy folks that owned a ranch near by. He filled his PRCA permit at 18 and as his credintials came, so did clients wanting to send their horses to him. Eventually he had enough people wanting to bring him outside horses he quit his day job on the ranch and focused primarily on customer horses. It has been a slow process as far as our facility goes. He started by using a family owned barn that wasnt fancy. 12 years later we own a small home place with a 12 stall barn (still isnt fancy by most standards) that he built himself. We have an outdoor arena on site. There is ALWAYS something that needs fixing or improving. He just adds/improves things little by little, it never ends. Luckily he has friends and family members that rope almost every day so that gives him the opportunity to work his outside horses on cattle. Its hard work and long hours but he loves his job. SO POINT BEING..you dont have to have a ton of money to do this on a smaller scale. As long as you can provide a safe sufficent place for your customers horses, that is the main thing. Credentials and word of mouth will bring business. If there are any specific questions you'd like to ask that I may can answer feel free to ask away.
Edited by scwebster 2016-03-30 10:02 AM
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: California | scwebster - 2016-03-30 6:10 AM My hubs trains rope horses for the public (as you may have gathered by now from my previous posts and comments). It sort of just worked out for him. He was a very competitive high school rodeo heeler that went on to win the NHSRA finals his junior year aboard a horse he trained himself. He was also employed to rope steers/excersise horses daily for some wealthy folks that owned a ranch near by. He filled his PRCA permit at 18 and as his credintials came, so did clients wanting to send their horses to him. Eventually he had enough people wanting to bring him outside horses he quit his day job on the ranch and focused primarily on customer horses. It has been a slow process as far as our facility goes. He started by using a family owned barn that wasnt fancy. 12 years later we own a small home place with a 12 stall barn (still isnt fancy by most standards) that he built himself. We have an outdoor arena on site. There is ALWAYS something that needs fixing or improving. He just adds/improves things little by little, it never ends. Luckily he has friends and family members that rope almost every day so that gives him the opportunity to work his outside horses on cattle. Its hard work and long hours but he loves his job. SO POINT BEING..you dont have to have a ton of money to do this on a smaller scale. As long as you can provide a safe sufficent place for your customers horses, that is the main thing. Credentials and word of mouth will bring business. If there are any specific questions you'd like to ask that I may can answer feel free to ask away.
Thank you! I too was very competitive in high school and went on to do very well at the state and national level in high school rodeo. I trained the horse I did it on myself and sold him at nationals my senior year for a large sum of money. I then bought some young ones and trained on them and sold a coupel for some good money to some college rodeo girls that have gone on to be competitive on them. I continuously by young and cheaper and sell once they get competitive. So I don't end up competing on them myself for very long. I have a 5 year old that I started from the ground up and have some high hopes for her and hope to keep her for awhile instead of selling. I would like to buy some prospects and do the same so that there are some more horses with my name out there, just lacking the funds to be able to do so. I found a facility locally last night that is small but safe and perfect for what I need and should know by this weekend if I will get it. I have a consistant day job and also have a side job I am working on to hopefully be able to afford the extras I need to be able to haul a little, feed, ect. I have worked for quite a few trainers in a few different disciplines and also am a veterinary technician who has worked at one of the top known equine vets (which I think can only help my cause). I have worked to gain a resume and learn as much as I can and hope to continue to do so. I have a few loyal clients that I have built up over the years so that is a small start. This only gives me more hope that I can eventually be able to do it! |
|
| |
|
 Guys Just Wanna Have Fun
Posts: 5530
Location: OH | As others have stated, start small and build on it but if you would make the jump to try it full time I would first lease a place and see if you can make a go of it before diving in and buying or building a place. IMO. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 2128
| little_bug - 2016-03-30 10:54 AM scwebster - 2016-03-30 6:10 AM My hubs trains rope horses for the public (as you may have gathered by now from my previous posts and comments). It sort of just worked out for him. He was a very competitive high school rodeo heeler that went on to win the NHSRA finals his junior year aboard a horse he trained himself. He was also employed to rope steers/excersise horses daily for some wealthy folks that owned a ranch near by. He filled his PRCA permit at 18 and as his credintials came, so did clients wanting to send their horses to him. Eventually he had enough people wanting to bring him outside horses he quit his day job on the ranch and focused primarily on customer horses. It has been a slow process as far as our facility goes. He started by using a family owned barn that wasnt fancy. 12 years later we own a small home place with a 12 stall barn (still isnt fancy by most standards) that he built himself. We have an outdoor arena on site. There is ALWAYS something that needs fixing or improving. He just adds/improves things little by little, it never ends. Luckily he has friends and family members that rope almost every day so that gives him the opportunity to work his outside horses on cattle. Its hard work and long hours but he loves his job. SO POINT BEING..you dont have to have a ton of money to do this on a smaller scale. As long as you can provide a safe sufficent place for your customers horses, that is the main thing. Credentials and word of mouth will bring business. If there are any specific questions you'd like to ask that I may can answer feel free to ask away. Thank you! I too was very competitive in high school and went on to do very well at the state and national level in high school rodeo. I trained the horse I did it on myself and sold him at nationals my senior year for a large sum of money. I then bought some young ones and trained on them and sold a coupel for some good money to some college rodeo girls that have gone on to be competitive on them. I continuously by young and cheaper and sell once they get competitive. So I don't end up competing on them myself for very long. I have a 5 year old that I started from the ground up and have some high hopes for her and hope to keep her for awhile instead of selling. I would like to buy some prospects and do the same so that there are some more horses with my name out there, just lacking the funds to be able to do so. I found a facility locally last night that is small but safe and perfect for what I need and should know by this weekend if I will get it. I have a consistant day job and also have a side job I am working on to hopefully be able to afford the extras I need to be able to haul a little, feed, ect. I have worked for quite a few trainers in a few different disciplines and also am a veterinary technician who has worked at one of the top known equine vets (which I think can only help my cause). I have worked to gain a resume and learn as much as I can and hope to continue to do so. I have a few loyal clients that I have built up over the years so that is a small start. This only gives me more hope that I can eventually be able to do it!
Edited by scwebster 2016-03-30 11:05 AM
|
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | Great advice so far!! Another thing might be keep a upbeat and good attitude when you are around people, even if you are not particularly fond of them. I feel like more people would go to a A- trainer (or B+ even) with a great attitude than a A+ trainer who can be negative and harsh with her clients.
You could also post a flyer or two at local good jackpot places, stating name, number, horses you've trained with the times you've had at that particular facility. That way they could compare it to the top times of that jackpot day.
A little different advice; take it or leave it but I hope everything works out well! |
|
| |
|
 I Want a "MAN"
Posts: 3610
Location: MD | cecollins0811 - 2016-03-30 11:04 AM Great advice so far!! Another thing might be keep a upbeat and good attitude when you are around people, even if you are not particularly fond of them. I feel like more people would go to a A- trainer (or B+ even) with a great attitude than a A+ trainer who can be negative and harsh with her clients. You could also post a flyer or two at local good jackpot places, stating name, number, horses you've trained with the times you've had at that particular facility. That way they could compare it to the top times of that jackpot day. A little different advice; take it or leave it but I hope everything works out well!
Really good point! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: California | cecollins0811 - 2016-03-30 8:04 AM Great advice so far!! Another thing might be keep a upbeat and good attitude when you are around people, even if you are not particularly fond of them. I feel like more people would go to a A- trainer (or B+ even) with a great attitude than a A+ trainer who can be negative and harsh with her clients. You could also post a flyer or two at local good jackpot places, stating name, number, horses you've trained with the times you've had at that particular facility. That way they could compare it to the top times of that jackpot day. A little different advice; take it or leave it but I hope everything works out well!
Good point! I am always the girl who walks out of the arena after a bad run and still thanks my horse. I get down sometimes but always work on keeping a positive attitude. I grew up with a lot of friends who competed with me and over the years I have noticed many who will come ask me for little tips or help me spread the word of taking in a few horses. I have given some lessons and thoroughly enjoy doing so. I have watched girls improve drastically and then watched their other trainer take all the credit, but knowing I helped them still gives me joy. I think karma will come into play and will continue to stay humble and help where I can. I get my most happiness from watching people or young horses grow and improve, or watching horses with issues go from blown up to working again. I have learned a lot in the veterinary field and, while I know I am far from a vet, I can usually tell where a horse is sore versus a hole in training. I recently suggested SI injections on a head horse that had run off since day one and the guy was beyond frustrated. Within a week month of the injections the horse is now entered at PRCA rodeos. Things like that are what I live for. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 725
| Reputation is everything, and if you pour everything into each horse you get to work with and return them to their owners looking and acting like superstars the word will spread and you will have more business then you can handle. Just focus on good, positive interaction with clients, and their horses. Put a lot of thought into how much you charge, and start advertising. Just remember potential clients will be watching you at shows, practice pens, etc. to see how your own horses work and how you ride, so try and look professional wherever you are. Good Luck! :) |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Advertising is important but word of mouth is the biggie. Seal the deal on reputation and the business will come to you. But don't just win. Make sure you are honest and treat horses right. It take a lifetime to build a reputation and a day to destroy it. Always treat the horses well, work on progressing your own knowledge and you will be good. :) Best of luck. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: California | Appearance is a big one to me. I always dress professional and my horses are always spotless. I am very well known for having the cleanest horses LOL. I know that horses sometimes lose a little weight when they go to the trainers and I focus on really making sure the horses look tip top even though they are in training.
Thanks everyone! This has me focused and excited. I had a client/friend contact me today about taking her horse in on consignment and I am really hoping that the place I found comes through here within the next week or so. |
|
| |
|
I AM being nice
Posts: 4396
Location: MD | It seems like you are definitely headed in the right direction. You have been given some very good advice here and seem to have the right attitude. This is a very fickle business and on that requires a very thick skin. A barn full of horses today could very well be empty tomorrow. One must make sure that they are able to see it out through those lean times. |
|
| |
|
Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| may be buy a prospect work to be competive and sell said horse, repeat. 15 years ago that is what i did buy track broke 3 years and exhibitioning and sell. use to pay my way. them people where sending horses to improve. the i had a turn in my health. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1302
Location: California | daisycake123 - 2016-03-31 3:09 AM may be buy a prospect work to be competive and sell said horse, repeat. 15 years ago that is what i did buy track broke 3 years and exhibitioning and sell. use to pay my way. them people where sending horses to improve. the i had a turn in my health.
I've got one that I have high hopes for and actually just had a client call and give me one today (good friend as well) that I have put training on into the past that I think will make something! I also have a relative's 3 year old that I will start this summer and a barrel prospect I previously sold that I have full use of. I can't afford to go out and buy many but I think I have a few that just so happened to fall into place very recently... fingers crossed!!! |
|
| |
|
 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | little_bug - 2016-03-31 9:35 PM daisycake123 - 2016-03-31 3:09 AM may be buy a prospect work to be competive and sell said horse, repeat. 15 years ago that is what i did buy track broke 3 years and exhibitioning and sell. use to pay my way. them people where sending horses to improve. the i had a turn in my health. I've got one that I have high hopes for and actually just had a client call and give me one today (good friend as well) that I have put training on into the past that I think will make something! I also have a relative's 3 year old that I will start this summer and a barrel prospect I previously sold that I have full use of. I can't afford to go out and buy many but I think I have a few that just so happened to fall into place very recently... fingers crossed!!!
It only takes one great horse to spark peoples attention..
Many good horses will get you there, just a little slower
Obviously the fewer "duds" the better off you are..
Good luck! We are probably very close in age and I fully understand your dream, I wish I had the guts to pursue it right now. |
|
| |
|
Location: Not Where I Want to Be | Just read this thread again and there is a good bit of great advice.
The only other thing I would add, and this is not directed at the OP, but a general statement.
:Not everyone is a trainer, and that's ok.
|
|
| |
Career advice... how to get started