Horse training: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What horse training is

A trainer works your horse under saddle or on the ground to build manners, responsiveness, balance and specific skills such as trail riding, English or Western riding, or groundwork. The plan is built around the horse's age, its health and the goals you set with the trainer.

Signs you need it

  • Your horse is hard to catch, lead, saddle or handle on the ground
  • Your horse does not respond well to your cues under saddle
  • You have a young horse that needs a steady start in its training
  • You want to learn a discipline or a style and need a trainer to teach both you and the horse
  • You want a plan for a horse that has had a rough history or a bad experience

What the pro does

  • Asks about the horse's age, health, training history, behavior and your riding goals
  • Checks the horse's soundness, tack fit and any signs of discomfort before riding
  • Works on groundwork, manners and handling as the base of the training
  • Rides the horse in short sessions with clear cues, rest and reward
  • Teaches you the cues, the feel and the timing, so you can continue at home
  • Reviews progress and tells you when the horse is ready for the next step

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The horse's age, training level and the number of skills to work on
  • The number of sessions and how long each session lasts
  • Whether the horse is boarded at the trainer's facility during training
  • Whether the trainer also teaches the owner or only the horse
  • Whether the trainer travels to your facility or you bring the horse to theirs
  • Whether a show, clinic or trail prep is included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of sessions, their length and the goals for each one
  • Whether boarding, feed and turnout are included during training
  • Whether owner lessons are included, and how many
  • Whether a veterinary or farrier visit is needed and who arranges it
  • The cancellation terms and any change in the plan

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your training method, and how do you start a young or troubled horse?
  • Will you check the horse's soundness and tack before you ride?
  • How will you teach me as well as the horse?
  • What progress should I expect, and how long will it take?
  • What happens if the horse becomes unsafe or does not respond?
  • Can I watch training sessions and ride with you?
  • What is your experience with the discipline I want?

Red flags

  • Uses harsh methods, such as forced riding or punishment, to get results
  • Rides a horse that is lame, sore or ill without checking it first
  • Promises a finished horse in a set number of weeks
  • Will not let you watch or ride with them during training
  • Does not ask about the horse's health, history or tack fit

What you can do yourself

You can work on groundwork such as leading and calm handling, and ride in a safe, familiar area once the horse is sound. Hire a trainer for a young horse, a horse with a difficult history, or a problem that repeats after steady practice. Call your veterinarian for lameness, injury or illness before you train.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for horse training, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for proof of training credentials and experience with the discipline you want, and check local business and insurance rules if the trainer works from a facility.

Horse training questions

How long does training take?

It depends on the horse, its history, the goals and how often you ride. Ask the trainer for a timeline with steps and a check-in at set points.

Should I ride my horse during training?

Ask the trainer how they want to handle your riding. Many trainers teach owners in lessons, and they may limit your riding until the horse and you are ready.

What if my horse has a sore back or lameness?

Stop the training and call your veterinarian right away. Do not continue riding a horse that is lame or sore until a veterinarian has checked it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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