I’ve read a lot and watched many videos and training in person, although I’ve never had much experience with actual training. So while I’m very knowledgeable I haven’t put it into practice yet.
Right now i definitely don’t feel prepared to buy and train my own horse. Are there other ways I cant get hands-on? In a few years I hope to buy an OTTB and train it myself. To do that I need to be very experienced in training obviously.
Tips?
Does your instructor also train? Maybe you could ask her if you can shadow her for a while with her current client, and maybe even help out a little.
After shadowing, maybe on the next client you could co-train, where maybe you try training as you saw and helped the last horse get trained, and your instructor sticks around to help you out or give you pointers. It should be any easy, laid back client though… you don’t want to dive head first into training a horse with lots of vices or one that is completely wild.
Does your instructor also train? Maybe you could ask her if you can shadow her for a while with her current client, and maybe even help out a little.
After shadowing, maybe on the next client you could co-train, where maybe you try training as you saw and helped the last horse get trained, and your instructor sticks around to help you out or give you pointers. It should be any easy, laid back client though… you don’t want to dive head first into training a horse with lots of vices or one that is completely wild.
References :
try finding a good trainer nearby and ask if you can be there assistant. that is how i learned and also when i fell head over heals for thoroughbreds.
References :
You should look into Parelli. The guy that created the training method has videos. They have fun stuff. You teach your horse to do cool riding things like yielding the rear, turning on the forehand, and to jump barrels and water troughs. Fun little games like that. Also, it creates an amazing bond between horse and rider.
References :
The ONLY way you’re going to get REAL knowledge (book knowledge is great, but it’s nothing compared to real hands on)…..is to just get out there and DO IT.
If you’re serious about getting an OTTB and not screwing it up then go to your local trainers and find out which one has a good reputation and would take you on as an assistant.
You’re also well off in getting a well broke horse and trying out the training stuff that you learned on that horse, pretending the horse is unbroke so that you are using a horse that will forgive your mess ups.
References :
The best thing you can do is volunteer at various places as a working student. You shouldn’t just stick with one barn because they will do things differently then other centers, and you will not learn as much. I’ve worked at a hunter/jumper barn, a racehorse rehabilitation center, and now a barn suitable for all disciplines. I can not tell you how much I learned for each of these places and it was very interesting to see different training methods each center used. This way, you can see what methods you like best and what are the ones you could use.
Also, try to get on as many different horses as possible.
References :
Zeebie and Reality Check got it right. My mom is a trainer/grand prix rider and i compete nationally. Definitly be a working student for someone who has proven themselves, not just says they are good. Videos and stuff are great but the only way to really learn is to do it. I would start by leasing a semi green horse and trying to finish it. Then if that is successfull and you still wanna do it, get a green one. BUT, FOR YOUR FIRST TRAINING HORSE DO NOT GET A OTTB UNLESS IT IS COMPLETLEY SUAVE UNDERSADDLE. Off the track throughbreds tend to be hot and hard to handle, not something you want to train for your first one. I should know, i had one and it broke both of my arms, and it was my third horse i had trained succcessfully. Get a TB/Warmblood Cross or a good little Welsh. Welsh/TB crosses and regular welshes make excellent show ponies and horses. The welshes are fancy but not really smart but most TBs are, so its and excellent cross! Good Luck! anymore questions u can email me at theacademyisevan@yahoo.com
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Experience