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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
  
| So I've had my horse for about a month now, things are going good, but we could benefit from weekly lessons. Here is my dilemma.
The trainer where I board is booked, I talked with her, and she is not taking on any more clients.
Her sister, who also offers lessons 10 min away only works Mon-Fri from 8-4:30. I work until 5, so that doesn't work.
There is a local girl, around my age (27), who offers lessons at her house. She only has an outdoor right now. I don't believe she offers lessons year round. I have heard good things about her. She has qualified for nationals the past few years, and has been all over VT, CT, ME barrel racing. I have scheduled a lesson with her this weekend, but now I'm second guessing it.
The trainer who I really would like to train with isn't available until November. My thoughts were that I would train with the local girl once a week at her place until November or when the weather gets too bad, then train with the trainer I want to work with.
I read an article the other day about trainer hopping, and I'm worrying myself. I don't want to mess my horse up by going to too many different trainers, with different training styles. Both of these riders/trainers know WAY more than I do. I guess I'm worrying myself what if the younger girl trains this way (and it's wrong), and then I go to the other lady, and I've been learning all wrong?
Am I being ridiculous? I just don't want to mess my horse up.. |
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Veteran
Posts: 277
| 3+6=9 and 4+5=9 also...There is no wrong, just different. If you go to the local girl a few times and don't mesh with her style it is not going to screw you and your horse up. You may also really like her style and would have missed out if you don't give it a try. You can go to the other gal in November and give her a try, you may mesh with her style better, or maybe not. If you aren't being rough on your horse you aren't going to mess anything up. Different experiences will just make you both better in the long run. |
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 It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
  
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | I don't think I'd consider it hopping, you are working with your schedule. If something doesn't work for you or your horse- change it. I think everyone can grab a little bit of something from every person you ever ride with and implement it in your own riding.
Good luck! |
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 Expert
Posts: 2258
| One thing I tell people is you can learn something from each of them probably and don't be afraid to not do something if you don't like it or it doesn't work for you. I like learning from new people but just have an idea of what you want and expect. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Thanks, ladies! I feel better now, and will go to her this weekend. I am 100% new to barrel racing, and my horse is a finished/automatic barrel/pole horse. I've trotted and loped him around the barrels, and he definitely knows what he's doing! I do NOT know what I'm doing, so I don't want to mess him up! And I like taking lessons! |
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 Born not Made
Posts: 2937
Location: North Dakota | I think you can always learn SOMETHING from a trainer, even if you decide their methods are not your personal preference.
Go for it.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 897
| Thank you for all the responses! I guess I was worried since I'm starting a new discipline I just want to learn the right way! |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 678
Location: Canada | If you're planning to switch trainers in 6 weeks make sure you are honest with the first trainer. Some coaches only take on a certain number of clients and if you already know you want to work with the other one in November make sure you're honest with the first one. This way if she only accepts a certain number you are both aware it may be a short term coaching.
If you're on the fence go to your lesson and see if you two work well together. If you like her ask about her references and what her other clients are doing. Just because someone can ride well doesn't mean they can coach others to ride well so make sure that her students are doing well.
It's great that you are taking lessons and I hope that you find someone that fits you and your horse well.
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