How can I Become a Horse Trainer?
Being a horse trainer sounds like great fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work. If you’d like to spend your days working and taking care of these beautiful animals here are some helpful tips:
Spend Time with Horses
To be a successful horse trainer it is important to get as much hands-on
experience working with horses as you can. You’ll need to be able
to teach a horse the basics, work with them through the gentling (breaking)
process, help a horse to overcome a bad habit, and work with a horse
through the finishing process.
It is important that you hit the books and study up on equine health as well as horse psychology. Learning as much as you can about different personality traits can help you to more effectively work with a wide variety of horses.
The next thing you'll need to do is spend lots of time in the saddle on a variety of horses of all ages and temperaments. Doing this will give you hands-on experience and will help you put your newly learned knowledge to use.
Be Tough
Being a horse trainer can be rough. It’s important that you realize
working with horses isn't for the faint of heart. If you work as a horse
trainer, chances are you're going to get your toes stepped on now and
again. Being thrown by a cantankerous horse, kicked by a skittish young
colt, or being bitten by a mare are just a few of the possible obstacles
a trainer may deal with.
Keep Learning
As a trainer the more you know, the more successful you will be. Once
you’ve tried a variety of things, you’ll want to choose
an area of specialty and continue your learning in that area.
Spending time in the show ring is a great way to learn and gain experience. It’s also a great way to make your name known and attract clients.
Love What You Do
Finally, it’s important that you love what you do. Horses are
smart animals, and they can sense if your heart isn’t in your
work.