Dressage Behaviour Horsemanship Riders
Vet and head judge: "The competition format has to change"
Celine Bønnelykke
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Talent, communication, experience and chemistry – a lot of things matter when you are looking for the best trainer for you and your horse. It is not always so easy compared to other sports where you can change place and trainer easily. When you are dealing with horses several issues take part in the choice of trainer. For example, no one wishes to drive several kilometers with a horse, equipment etc. With this in mind, it can be quite a challenge to actually find a good trainer nearby. However, there are some questions you can ask yourself before you pick a trainer.
You may also like to read: Training: Why it is important to have a curious horse
To find out what trainer suits you, it is a good idea to ask yourself what you are going to use him or her for. Are you ambitious and want to participate in competitions? Do you need help with the daily training? What is your goal? Search the market. What do the different trainer promise, and does it match your expectations? This way it is much easier to find the best trainer.
Sometimes it is both good and bad with a new trainer. You can have a highly qualified one, but the two of you just do not match each other. Perhaps you are a more sensitive rider who needs someone to have a positive impact on your riding with the use of positive motivation. Perhaps you are more competitive and in need of a trainer who says things straight not afraid of using more critical language. If you are sensitive you need to consider if you actually get something out of a strict trainer or if you can actually use harsh communication in a constructive way.
In general, you will not accomplish anything if you are very stressed, because your brain cannot focus on any new information, if you are close to the stage of panic. Then you will mostly try to survive while your trainer is shouting at you. You can handle this by preparing yourself for it. Some people are not very receptive towards criticism or a trainer who is talking in a sharp tone. Others do, and if you are one of those, it can be a good idea to consider what kind of person you are, and what you seek in a trainer before you choose one. This way you are more likely to have experiences in the long run.
