Finding The Right Trainer
There are three components to having a successful equestrian career, your ability to ride, the athletic capability of your horse, and the right trainer that can help you achieve your goals. The best riders in the world would not be where they are without the right trainer. It is critical to find the right person (persons) that understand your goals, and have the skills to help you achieve them. Finding the right trainer can be a process, and should not be taken lightly. If you start working with a trainer that is not right for you they can do you and your horse more harm then good. There are certain components that you need to take into consideration when finding the right trainer, their experience, their communication skills, their commitment to your success, and the facility in which they teach.
Experience
I have had training sessions with an abundant of instructors since I started riding at age five. When I started riding, I needed instructors that had experience in teaching kids/beginners the basic principles of riding including safety. At age twelve I started competing. I needed a trainer that could teach me how to train for three day eventing competitions, explain to me the rules, and understand my weaknesses while focusing on exercises and drills to improve my riding. When I switched over to competing in strictly dressage, I needed a dressage trainer who was an expert in the sport. Your trainer needs to have the experience to get you where you want to go as a rider, and is accomplished themselves. It is also important they have a track record of success with other students. You also want your trainer to have experience in training with the breed of horse you ride, so they know how to work with your horse, as every breed requires different training methods. It is important to interview trainers before committing to a coach to understand their background and make sure it matches what you want for your future. Also remember that you don't have to have a monogamous relationship with your trainer. It is important to go to clinics or seek other instructors during your training to receive other perspectives and critiques on your riding.
Communication Skills
Just because someone is a good rider does not necessary mean they are a good coach. I have taken lessons with an Olympic medalist and left disappointed with the way she instructed me. She did not have the communication skills to properly explain to me what I was doing wrong. Sometimes trainers can get frustrated because they know how to ride, but can not articulate to someone else how to do something that comes naturally to them. A trainer needs to be patience with their students as it can take years to develop the skills you need to achieve your goals. Do not base your decision on hiring your coach upon their personal success. You need to make certain you understand the way they extend instructions and that they are providing you with the right information and tools to further train you.
Commitment to your Success
You want to find a trainer that is committed to you and wants you to succeed. Instructors are training riders to make money, but it works best if they have/develop an emotional investment in you and your riding. Your relationship with your trainer should not be simply a source of income for them. Your trainer should view your success as a reflection upon them. I was very fortunate to find an amazing coach during my eventing career who truly cared about me, and took great pride in my achievements. When times get challenging and you are not progressing at the rate you would like to, you need to have a trainer who works at keeping you motivated to work through your struggles and does not give up on you.
Trainer's Facility
The facility in which a trainer teaches should also play a significant factor in your decision-making. If you are a dressage rider, and your trainer does not have access to a regulation dressage arena, you will not be able to receive maximum benefits from your lessons. The trainer's facility needs to offer you the right accommodations for your riding discipline. Also make certain the facility is equipped for the weather conditions of which it is located. If you live in an area that is susceptible to bad weather, an indoor arena is an necessity to ensure uninterrupted training. Think ahead about what a facility needs to have in order for you to get the most out of your training and make sure that your potential coach can accommodate those needs.
As I venture to Spain to start my dressage career and search for a trainer, I am taking all of these factors into consideration. I am researching trainers in the area and reaching out to other dressage competitors for referrals. I have compiled a list of potential trainers that might be a good fit and setting up interviews to meet with them at their facility. It is a very important decision for me especially as I am new to the area. I also need a trainer that can introduce me to the dressage community and help me find the right horses. I look forward to finding my coach and building a relationship with them to help make me the best dressage rider I can be.