What to charge for horse training?

[Sandy]

Horse trainer in my area charges $500 a month and he supplies the feed. He just built a new indoor arena so he must be doing okay at that rate.

[PPRM]

Wow, I felt lucky before, but I am really lucky.....$450 they feed on the guy that starts them and $400 from the guy in the feedlot That takes them next....Both these guys give me 30 rides to call it a month..The next girl that takes them is $250, BUT, she rides them 3-5 days a week...Also full care.....

Two reasons I get these deals....I send good minded horses that are much more fun and rewarding than work....My money is always on time and good.....

Funny thing, the guy at the feedlot is also a place I feed cattle.....Once he commented I was wierd in that I check my calves and never ever call and nadger him on the horse....My comment was, "Do I need to check on you?" He smiled and said it was nice, but different, LOL,'

PPRM

Pat

[greybeard]

I live in Saskatchewan near Tobin Lake.
A few years ago we had a young fellow start a mare for us for $200 including board. He was cowboying at the time and welcomed the extra income.
My brother-in-law has a gelding going to get started next month for $500, a common rate for proven trainers.
The highest I have known of is $700. I think the guy won the ranch horse competition at Agribition a few times. It’s the some guy that charged us $200. You can get whatever you are worth, but have to ask for it. If he lived nearby, I wouldn’t hesitate on the $700 as he is well worth it and loves his job. I think he does mostly arena horses now.
I found a fine young Mennonite over near where Rod lives that says he will train for $300.He’s not well known, but my nephew got a rope horse from him that is trained to a tee. He’s just a quiet young guy that just seems to connect with the horse.
I have herd that if a horse is bucked out, it will sometimes go bronco when it gets excited. Any truth in that?

[peg4x4]

If you don't ask it,you won't get it

[DJL]

Judith, prices range pretty wildly in Alberta, with some guys at 400/month in the feedlots, 500/mth is what my guy charges, to 700 to who knows what for reining/cow horse training. Of course some of the reining horse trainers need them granny broke before they get them, so the horses are ready to move on beyond basics rather than just getting started. I've seen ads from guys looking for horses to train in the feedlot, and knowing who some of them are, wouldn't dream of sending them anything of mine. Of course I don't think a feedlot is a place for a horse that is too green. PPRM has the right idea, sending once they have some training on them.

[Judith]

Well, I wouldnt want an unbroke horse in a feedlot. But i am sure that they learn a ton when they are in that position. Prices are bonkers for training though. I just got ahold of a trainer that shall not be named in alberta ( family outfit, really well known, hint hint) and they charge 1200-1500 a month! HOLY CRAP!!! I wanted them to move Zippy up when I have put 60 days on him. I think that Casey (out here) is going to get him instead. He charges 800.00 per month. Ya gotta pay the bucks if you want them shown unfortunately... But Casey does a fantastic job.

[DJL]

I don't know what area of training you're looking for, reining, cow horse, etc, so can't help you there. Of course cow horse (and therefore reining, as it's an element of cow horse) is about the only area I pay much attention to. There are some good young trainers doing a fantastic job for not too much money - yet...... They will be getting expensive soon too, but for now they are still building their reputations in the show ring.

[appyfan1]

idk if this'll help much, but there's a trainer here in NY she's really good. she charges $300 including board and feed for 30 days, and before she lets you take the horse home she makes sure she gives you lessons on how she's trained the horse. Everyone rides and trains different, so having her teach you how to cue the horse for certain things and work with it the way he was trained helps a lot, it makes for a much better experience.

[Curly]

I have a Doc Bar colt that I think a lot of so I took him to a fancy trainer down in Utah. He kept him for about 12 months total and charged six thousand ($500 a month). Its more than I wanted to pay but he won some big shows with him and he has turned out to be about the best horse I've had on the place. Money well spent.

[Curly]

I dont have any patients at all for trainers who put 10 or 15 rides on a colt then charge for 30. Its criminal.

[Faster horses]

How many people send a young horse out to be ridden, leave him for
a month or two, and when they pick him up, never ask the trainer
to ride him and show what he has learned?

Happens A LOT!

And how many owners get the horse home, don't ride him horse for 4-6 months, and then are mad because the horse didn't remember what he
was taught.

Sometimes, it's the owners fault...

and I agree, Curley, the ones that ride them for 15 rides and charge
for 30 are unscrupulous. But it happens all the time.

I think you were right to send him for that length of time. Then
they are SOLID...and will stay broke. You aren't hoping for a 30-day
wonder.

[PPRM]

Actually FH..I don't think we are very far apart on our thinking, but..After I get my 2 year olds back from thier indoctrination, I like to leave them alone for awhile. But my two year olds are pretty gentle to begin with.....So not always apples to apples...

Here's my thots/reasoning.....They have been to schooling for awhile. I find if they get a break, they actually look forward to the next level. I am just trying to keep them fresh. So, my main guy starts them for 45-60 days (His decision as to what they are ready for), Then they are home for 45-60 days.....Then off to the next guy for a month in the feedlot....Then home for awhile before going onto a lady that rides them 3-4 times a week,

I kinda picked this up when at the feedlot myself. Most times horses were better after morning coffe break or lunch. It was like they had a chance to sit and think about what worked and what didn't. Seems like they get a chance to freshen and mature and it helps.....However, they do get fiddled with some...brushed, Feet cleaned...Everytime I catch them they have a chance to respond to lighter and lighter ques. If you were to watch me, you'd pick up on it, but it is generlly too subtle of little lessons going on for most people,

PPRM