Questions to Ask When Hiring a Horse Trainer
Choosing the right trainer can seem overwhelming, especially when you don't know what to ask. Our list of questions can help.


By Rachel Kosmal McCart
We have compiled this handy list of questions for horse owners to ask when hiring a trainer.
The Trainer’s Background
- How long have they been a full-time, professional trainer?
- What is their competition record?
- If they have not been a full-time professional for very long, have they apprenticed with another trainer? If so, with whom and for how long?
- What are their specialties?
- What kinds of horses do they have in training right now?
- Who are their clients, and what do they do with their horses?
- Discuss your horse and your goals, then ask them if they feel they are the right trainer for the job.
The Trainer’s Program
- How many times per week will your horse be worked?
- What will that work consist of (e.g., riding, hot walker, treadmill)?
- Who will be working your horse, the trainer or an assistant?
- If the trainer is at a show, will your horse be worked? If not, will your horse receive turnout?
General Care
- Where will your horse be kept (e.g., which barn and what size and type of stall)?
- What type of hay will your horse be fed, how much and how often?
- Does the trainer feed grain or concentrate and, if so, how much and how often?
- Does the trainer feed supplements and, if so, how much and how often?
- Will your horse receive turnout? If so, how often and where (e.g., paddock, pasture)?
- Will your horse be under lights to reduce or prevent hair growth?
- Will the trainer arrange for veterinary and farrier care, or will that be your responsibility?
- Does the trainer typically recommend special shoeing or medications for horses in her care?
Shows and Other Events
- If the trainer is at an event and your horse doesn’t go, what will happen to your horse while the trainer is gone (e.g., will someone ride him, will he get turnout or will he sit in a stall)?
- If you want your horse to go to events with the trainer, how many other horses does the trainer have competing in the same divisions?
- If the trainer has multiple horses competing in the same division, how does the trainer decide which horse to ride, and who will ride the remaining horses?
- If you plan to compete, how many other clients does the trainer have competing in the same divisions?
- Does the trainer require you to compete in certain competitions or a certain number of competitions?
- Does the trainer plan to attend the same competitions you would like to attend?
Becoming a Client
- How many other horses does the trainer have in training?
- If you are seeking coaching, how many other youth/amateur clients does the trainer have?
- Does the trainer have enough room in their program to take you and your horse on as clients and, if so, when could you start with them?
- How long does the trainer estimate your horse should remain in training to accomplish your goals?
- Ask for a copy of the trainer’s training contract and, if applicable, boarding contract, and read them. If any items are unclear or don’t match up to what you have been told, inquire about them.
- What equipment, attire and items will the trainer require you to have, both for training and for competition?
Fees and Expenses
- Ask for a copy of the trainer’s price list, and read it. Ask for an explanation of any items that are not clear. Also ask if there are any common charges not included in the price list and, if so, what those are.
- If my horse is not worked (e.g., because the trainer is at a show), will I receive a credit on my bill?
- If my horse wins money or other prizes, will the trainer expect to receive any portion of that?
Hidden Costs
If you have never taken your horse to a professional trainer before, you might be surprised by some of the “extra” expenses you will incur. Here are common expenses not typically included in board and training:
- Deworming
- Supplements
- Extra feed (board usually includes feed of a certain type and amount, so if your horse requires more or different feed, it will cost more)
- Veterinary, farrier, chiropractic, massage and acupuncture care
- Holding horse for service providers
- Cost of required equipment, such as blankets, saddle pads, bits, etc.
- Day care at competitions (daily fee representing the extra effort required to maintain the horse at a competition)
- Braiding, banding, bathing and/or clipping
- For competitions, proportional share of hauling, tack stall(s), shavings and trainer’s expenses
- Competition stalls and entry fees
- Trainer’s commission on purchase, sale or lease of a horse
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Written by: Rachel Kosmal McCart
Rachel Kosmal McCart is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of Equine Legal Solutions, PC, an equine law firm based in the Portland, Oregon area. Rachel is a member of the New York, California, Oregon and Washington State bars and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Rachel currently competes in three-day eventing.