Finding a trainer

It really scares me to think of sending Dani off to a trainer.  I just don't think I can do it.  BUT it will be a couple of years before she's ridden, probably.  She's a tiny two (and a half, she says [8|])
I don't know if I'd have the time it would take...  I just hope you find a good one.  There are so many horror stories.  I guess I would go and watch different people work. 
HEY!  Can you ship to IL?  Trainer101 is a fantastic trainer!! 

Thanks Beth, that means a lot to me.
 
I would suggest going to different trainers and asking to see them ride their horses AND a clients.  That way you can get a feel for how they are doing things.  Ask for references and double check them.  Ask to see the tack they will be using and make sure to look around the tack room good.  What kind of bits and tack is in there?  Pick their brain about different situations and how they might handle it during training.  Example, if your horse is having trouble standing still to be saddled how would they go about fixing that.  What if he pulls back while tied, how do you stop that?  That sort of thing.  If they go into detail and actually show you then they know their stuff and those that just give you a vage overview on things would give me pause.  Look at how they keep their barn and arena...is it clean and safe or is there stuff laying around everywhere. 
 
Another thing is I don't know if you are wanting to ride or drive him but 30 days is just not enough.  30 days of groundwork first gives them a chance for everything to soak in and they will be READY for that first ride.  Most of the time if you try and squease in groundwork basics and riding basics you loose a whole lot of foundation and the older he gets the larger the holes will become if not fixed.  There are some horses that are ready to be ridden after 2 1/2 weeks but most will have a problem somewhere along the line that I want to make sure is fixed prior to me getting on.  Keep in mind that every horse is different and they all learn at different speeds.  Usually horses bred for pulling and work are a bit slower to learn as they were bred for slow steady work.  Just my experience though.
 
  If you want us to get him started for you I'd be more than happy to do so!  Only thing though on a colt with me is 30 days groundwork then 30 days ride.  If they have been ridden before I still do 2 weeks of groundwork before I get on to ensure a solid foundation and check for problems. 
 
Good luck and let us know how things are going.

One suggestion I have been told is when you visit a potential trainer, really look at the condition of the facility as this will tell you a lot about the person.

Thanks for all of your replys.  I think that I may not have been very clear on my question though...
Where do you find a trainer?  Do you wander around the grocery store asking people if they are horse trainers?  [&:]
I am assuming they advertise some how...  I know to check the bulletin board at the feed store... any other suggestions?
When I get more names then we can discuss what to look for and how long etc...

[quote=samsara]

Thanks for all of your replys.  I think that I may not have been very clear on my question though...
Where do you find a trainer?  Do you wander around the grocery store asking people if they are horse trainers?  [&:]
I am assuming they advertise some how...  I know to check the bulletin board at the feed store... any other suggestions?
When I get more names then we can discuss what to look for and how long etc...


I spoke with one of my friends who trains horses but has moved to the other side of the country.  She recommended a trainer about 45 min away from me.  She said she has put 30 days on a few different horses from this trainer after their initial 30 days.  Said she has very soft hands and all of the horses shes turned out are pretty solidly green broke.  I guess she only takes a couple a month.  I am going to meet her next week sometime.  Here is her website if anyone has any thoughts http://blazequarterhorses.com/site/
 
I was contemplating sending him to the University as it is only minutes away and I would be able to see him every day if I wanted and I know the horses there get excellent care (I used to be a student there but never made it to the training classes).  But, I am a little nervous that he will be paired with the most "green" student because of his breed and temperment (Fjord/puppy dog) and the fact that I've already done a bit of groundwork and he won't be fresh off the range.  Granted, students are supervised by an instructor (who is an excellent trainer IMO) every step of the way, but I think I would rather send him off to someone who actually knows what they are doing.

[quote=samsara]

I spoke with one of my friends who trains horses but has moved to the other side of the country.  She recommended a trainer about 45 min away from me.  She said she has put 30 days on a few different horses from this trainer after their initial 30 days.  Said she has very soft hands and all of the horses shes turned out are pretty solidly green broke.  I guess she only takes a couple a month.  I am going to meet her next week sometime.  Here is her website if anyone has any thoughts http://blazequarterhorses.com/site/


 
In case there are any people still following this thread, I am not going to this trainer.  She was very nice and she has a reputation for turning out great trail riding horses.  Her facilities were immaculate and her animals looked healthy. 
My problem was she couldn't tell me how she trained or what her whole training philosophy was.  She went to the Minnesota Horse Training Academy and they are required to sign a contract to the effect that they will not divulge what they learned at the Academy.  I can understand this from a money making perspective.  But, I would still like to have an idea as to what methods will be used to train my horse... are they using a clicker?&nbspositive reinforcement? a 2x4?  I don't know and they can't tell me. 
I can't train a horse using Parelli's methods unless I buy his books and DVDs but I at least know what he is selling. 
 
I am looking at 2 other trainers now.  One also trains horses for SAR and air scenting... which is cool.

Call local vets, they usually know trainers in the area.  Farriers are also a great resource for information.  Most trainers have horses or at least have someone to work on their clients horses.

When I was looking for a trainer for Ginger I stopped at the local Arabian stable.  They had been training Arabians for years - it is a show barn.  I asked them if they did training, and he recommended a Quarter Horse trainer. 
 
Carla was a barn manager of a stable, she was renting the facility.  She seemed to be very matter of fact.  My mare was a special case because she is very anti-social and shy.  So I watched their first training session and she free lunged her in the arena until she stood for Carla to put the halter on.  When I left they were friends, but it took forever and a day for Ginger to "give" and accept Carla.  That is what I wanted to be sure of, that she had the patience to work with Ginger.  This same trainer has moved to a different facility - due to a personality conflict with the owner of the first stable, I can't say that I blame her at ALL...I know first hand as I have worked there too.
 
She is still training horses, and seems to be doing well.  It isn't easy to support yourself as a horse trainer.  She is now a farrier and has always hauled horses for hire.  I figure if you can stay afloat as long as she has, its a sign that you a good trainer.

Go to shows, check out the horses. Look at riding stables that offer lessons, spend some time there, talk to the boarders or people taking lessons or their parents.
 
We moved Rum briefly to a barn where the trainer had wonderful credentials, a great website, etc. We went there because a friend of Laurel's was working there........Rum was there for 2 weeks. The trainer turned out to be a psycho, I don't think her credentials were real, nothing was adding up after we moved there, she agreed to things, we paid for extras but then she changed her mind. We had a contract and it all sounded so wonderful on paper.
 
We got Rum trailered to a show by our former barn owner and after the show just never went back.  I see her around from time to time, but she is as flaky as Post Toasties.
 
So the moral is, you just never know and it is best to do as much homework as you can before hand and follow up once you decide to send him to training.

These are all good ways to find the right trainer for you and your horse.  Vet, Farrier, Riding Schools etc....  If you are a natural horseman and want to learn that methodology, then tell your trainer that. 
 
I know that I found a really good trainer when I went to the BLM website and searched for the certified trainers that train mustangs.  I have found that the trainer I contacted about training an adopted mustang, that they have very natural and gentle techniques. 
 
Whoever you do choose, make sure it feels right for you and your horse!  There are many ways to train, and I can not say that one or another way is right or wrong.  I just know that only some ways feel right to me and others don't.  I expect it will be the same for you.
 
Good luck,
 
Eric