Post by dcsmmi on Jan 19, 2007 11:29:21 GMT -5
Ok - I've been looking at this for a few days now - especially since I just had a run in with a bad trainer. But, instead of listing their name here - (you can email me if you want the info) I'll try to do it constructively. 
NOT recommended:
any trainer that makes you feel like an idiot (or calls you one - in the case of my adopter in the situation above)
any trainer who makes you feel discouraged (keep in mind - your trainer may recommend a different horse for you, but shouldn't belittle you or leave you feeling hopeless about yourself)
any trainer that seems to rush ground work - in an effort to get to that all important first ride.
any trainer who has a history of sending horses back (several in the past few months in the case above) stating they are "untrainable"
any trainer who makes excuses before the fact for any specific behavior (ie "if someone can't get this horse to do xyz - it's their problem not his")
any trainer who says or portrays that his/her methods are the only ones suitable - and that other trainers/clinicians etc are bad, are jokes, don't know what they're doing etc. (I FIRMLY believe that each person and EACH horse has a different way of learning. Not every person or horse will understand Parelli methods 100%, not every one will learn effectively watching Clinton Anderson - Take a bit from everyone - keep an open mind - be willing to listen and learn - and use what works for YOU and for your HORSE.)
One last note - Training is a very personal thing - just like picking your vet. Some people swear by some, others hate that individual and has horror stories. Some times trainers have things going on in their lives that affect their work, just as you and I do. And, a trainer that did well with one horse, may not be able to communicate with another. BUT, the trainer owes it to you (and themselves) to be honest about their failures, not blame the horse or you.
Anyone else?
NOT recommended:
any trainer that makes you feel like an idiot (or calls you one - in the case of my adopter in the situation above)
any trainer who makes you feel discouraged (keep in mind - your trainer may recommend a different horse for you, but shouldn't belittle you or leave you feeling hopeless about yourself)
any trainer that seems to rush ground work - in an effort to get to that all important first ride.
any trainer who has a history of sending horses back (several in the past few months in the case above) stating they are "untrainable"
any trainer who makes excuses before the fact for any specific behavior (ie "if someone can't get this horse to do xyz - it's their problem not his")
any trainer who says or portrays that his/her methods are the only ones suitable - and that other trainers/clinicians etc are bad, are jokes, don't know what they're doing etc. (I FIRMLY believe that each person and EACH horse has a different way of learning. Not every person or horse will understand Parelli methods 100%, not every one will learn effectively watching Clinton Anderson - Take a bit from everyone - keep an open mind - be willing to listen and learn - and use what works for YOU and for your HORSE.)
One last note - Training is a very personal thing - just like picking your vet. Some people swear by some, others hate that individual and has horror stories. Some times trainers have things going on in their lives that affect their work, just as you and I do. And, a trainer that did well with one horse, may not be able to communicate with another. BUT, the trainer owes it to you (and themselves) to be honest about their failures, not blame the horse or you.
Anyone else?
