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Susara
22nd Mar 2006, 01:42 PM
Perhaps this doesn't belong in 'training the rider' but one could argue a thread about trainers has to do with training riders :-)

My trainer, who's also our yard manager, is leaving our yard to start her own. I'm of course very happy for her, but I'm really feeling pretty down about the whole thing. I've taken lessons with probably 12 different trainers, and at last I found in her someone that trains in a style I can work with. She insists on details without taking the fun out of riding, she knows how to explain things, how to demonstrate them. She shows a skilful combination of firmness and kindness towards horses. She's got a stunning Warmblood stallion but has no attitude towards wonky-legged ponies (like mine :-). Etc etc etc.

How sad that, on lesson and manager money alone, she just can't make a living any more. Luckily she and the YO are organising that she'll still come through for lessons, but I don't really know how long she'll be able to come once she's got her own business.

So I post this to all you trainers; I know you earn too little for the hours and effort, and you work in the heat and cold and rain and dust and you get irritated with yelling "wrong LEG" and "heels DOWN" :-) But don't underestimate how much the people and horses you train appreciate you!

julia gulia
22nd Mar 2006, 05:18 PM
Oh Susara!!!!What a lovely post!!!!!! Thing is, your trainer will really miss you too.I hope you can still take lessons with her!!!!!!:)

shirley
24th Mar 2006, 10:17 PM
Would wholeheartedly agree finding the right type of people you click with, who inspire you, who bring you out of your comfort zone, yet still make you feel safe are few and far between, fortunately I have two instructors like that - pure solid gold

LMS
24th Mar 2006, 11:00 PM
That was a really nice thoughtfull thing to say!
Even though you're not my student: I will show your thread to my OH who keeps telling me to not bother unless I get a better paying position for all the training, updating, effort & commitment that I put in.

But for me, knowing that I can have a positive influence on someone is payment enough. The cash, honestly, pays for my gas & some of the expense for my horses. I do it because I enjoy it.

So: thank you

Nimrod
25th Mar 2006, 06:48 PM
I echo this thread. I have a fantastic instructor. At first I baulked at paying £17.50 for half an hour, now I think it's a bargain! I can't believe how well I have progressed with her teaching from lead rein in walk "what side do I get on" (my first question!!). I also suffered from post natal depression and riding gave me some time to myself which I needed to recover but with a confident guide who realised that my shakiness on the inside went through me into my death grip knees!. I am now very very happy, healthy and nearly 4 stone lighter (riding was the incentive). This just would not have happened without her....:)