Finding A Trainer
In our recent Intro to Icelandic Horsemanship Workshop, I covered the FEIF International trainer’s matrix and how different Icelandic trainer certification programs fit onto the matrix. We reviewed the FEIF Trainer and USIHC Trainer lists. It of course became apparent that many arenas of the United States do not have a local Icelandic horse trainer. In fact, finding anyone with Icelandic horse training experience in some areas is impossible. This led us to a discussion of how, here in the states, there are very few trainer-certifying bodies and definitely no cross organizational matrices to standardize levels of competency. Several participants then asked how I would go about finding a non-Icelandic horse trainer to work with that could integrate well into our Icelandic horsemanship principles and be helpful as a whole. This sparked a lively discussion and one participant recommended it might make a good newsletter…
I believe that good horsemanship is universal. I always tell my clients that when it comes to the higher levels of riding and teaching, you usually find that most top professionals have more in common than you might expect. Many differences are more stylistic than anything else. I may ride in a different style of pants, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t share core values. And let’s face it - the pants don’t matter - the values do.
That said, the challenge is of course figuring out who are the top professionals. Terral & I have had the privilege of learning from a fantastic group of high level trainers from other disciplines here in the states. These people have been integral to us continuing our growth as trainers and instructors. Of course, we always work with Icelandic horse mentors whenever we can, but the reality is these trainers from other disciplines are a large part of how we stay inspired and learning, since it can be challenging to get Icelandic horse folks to fly to Kentucky.
Through the years, I have come to look for three different criteria when assessing if a trainer from another discipline might be a good person to learn from. These are all things that can usually be ascertained by reviewing a potential trainer’s website.
No one exists in a vacuum. All the best trainers will have a list of the trainers they have studied under. You may not recognize the names, but you can always google them. I firmly believe that we are only as good as the community with which we have surrounded ourselves. Good training is the product of decades of experience and proven methodologies. This knowledge can be shared by a mentor and accelerate your learning and overall experience. You can’t just come up with it all yourself. All of my favorite trainers also have trainers.
Top trainers have a background that involves working with a wide range of horses. And I don’t mean the five they own themselves. I don’t believe you truly know how to train something until you’ve taught it to at least 10 horses - and you aren’t a top level pro until you’ve taught it to at least 100. Every horse learns differently. Every horse reacts to and progresses through training in its own unique way. The more horses your trainer has encountered in their lifetime of training, the more likely that they have the tools in their tool box to help you with your horse.
The best trainers put their money where their mouth is. At the end of the day, I choose trainers that show up and show off their training under pressure. Whether that’s at shows, public demos, theatrical performances, or other events doesn’t really matter. What matters is that they are willing to and comfortable with the process of setting a deadline and showing up with what they have. Trainers that are willing to do this have a proven record of success, and perhaps even more important, they also have a record of failures that have taught them lessons as well. That is the type of person I want at my side as I succeed and fail and most importantly change and grow.