Trainer Qualities

[HazuraJane]

Any and all comments on what makes a successful trainer, please.

 

[paddi22]

Over the years I've come to understand that the best trainer/pupil combination is someone that can communicate using your learning style

The Seven Learning Styles
Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

So if you are a visual person, there's no use a trainer explaining the logic of a bend, they'd be better off describing it visually to you. I learn by feel, so I need a trainer that says 'you need to feel like the horses outside shoulder is contained'. I think so many of my unsuccessful clinics over the years were due to people explaining stuff to me in a way that my brain just didn't process.

 

[Littlebear]

Over the years I've come to understand that the best trainer/pupil combination is someone that can communicate using your learning style

The Seven Learning Styles
Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and sense of touch.
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use self-study.

So if you are a visual person, there's no use a trainer explaining the logic of a bend, they'd be better off describing it visually to you. I learn by feel, so I need a trainer that says 'you need to feel like the horses outside shoulder is contained'. I think so many of my unsuccessful clinics over the years were due to people explaining stuff to me in a way that my brain just didn't process.

What a great answer!

 

[JulesRules]

As above its definitely about someone who can explain things in a way I undestand.

I also love that my trainer takes us seriously despite having many clients working at a much higher level.

She also has the knack of being able to spot the issues at glance and knows how to put them right.

 

[HazuraJane]

Thank you for your replies! Do trainers in the UK have responsibility for physical care of the horse or do they work solely with the rider? Also, does the trainer hold responsibility for tack fit/bitting?

 

[j1ffy]

Thank you for your replies! Do trainers in the UK have responsibility for physical care of the horse or do they work solely with the rider? Also, does the trainer hold responsibility for tack fit/bitting?

The vast majority of us here have responsibility for care of our own horse, either at home or at a livery yard (what you would call a ‘barn’). We then either travel to have lessons with a trainer, or they come to us. The trainer may make suggestions on tack, management, feed etc but ultimately it’s up to the owner whether we follow that advice or not!

Paddi22 above has made a good response. For me, I like a trainer who is honest (both about good bits and bad bits!) and happy to support my ambitions with a dose of realism when needed. I also like someone who shows an interest outside the 45-60 minutes that I pay them for, within reason, and who seems to enjoy the journey.