What to look for in a coach?

What are some things to look for when searching for a coach?





When I took lessons, it was just the coachs at the barn. And when I got my own horse(I kept her at a different barn). The barn owners would coach me. Now I have moved her since the barn closed down and there is no coachs where I board at. I found some really good coachs in the area and I have heard nothing but good about them. But what are some things to look for? Like should I see what they do as punishment for a horse and stuff? Or even, what do you look for in a coach? I am really wanting to improve as a rider and my horse has some problems(training wise) that I would like to have a coach help me with as I will know I am going the right way.



The number one thing I look for in a coach is commitment. Here are things to look for to see how committed the coach is:





1) On time. You trainer should be there at least 15 minutes before the lesson.





2) Enthusiasm. The only way you are going to get the most out of your trainer is if he/she is actually interested in teaching you. They should take the time to explain things and welcome questions.





3) Cell phone off. There is nothing more frustrating than to have a trainer who spends half the lesson talking on the phone. By this you can tell very quickly what this trainer is going to be like; if they have this trait, they usually have most all the other traits. I recently switched trainers and I have been learning so much from my new trainer. The only time she answered her phone was when it was her dad calling the day after surgery. And she was even apologetic about that!





4) Preparation. Your trainer should have a plan, at least in their head if not in writing, of what you're going to do during the lesson. If they are lazy enough to wing every lesson, they are probably also too lazy to actually set up exercises and set jumps, ect. therefore you will find your lessons very repetitive.





Another thing to look for is of course knowledge. Your lessons should be full of factual information, constructive criticism, and multiple techniques. If your trainer is only saying things every 5 minutes or is only saying things you have heard of before, they don't know enough to teach your level. A knowledgable instructor will also be much safer if they know what they are doing.





Lastly, you want a positive instructor. An instructor needs to have a balance of patience and drive. If your trainer cuts you too much slack and doesn't push, you'll never raise the bar. But, at the same time a trainer that is too pushy with expectations that are too high will cause you to lose confidence in your riding. So when you go to your first lesson, listen for the words "good job" every so often between firm commands.





Good luck!




make sure you get along with your coach! That is the most important thing! when you are doing something as dangerous as riding, a good relationship with a trainer is necessary. Also, make sure you and your trainer have a lot of the same beliefs as riding is concerned. Good luck!




A good coach will help you if you're confused with something. This is very important. The instructor will also give thorough information when learning something new. The instructor will not only give you tips, but will point out things that need correcting in your riding.




You have to get along with them. Um...they have to be nice. They have to be a good coach like someone willing to help you when you're having problems.




Have them meet your horse, see how they get along with your horse and how horse smart they are. Then mabey take a practice lesson with them.