To maximize the benefits, both the barn environment and the trainer should be carefully chosen.  Of course, the level of instruction must be high to insure the student learns the correct way to ride, competes well, and advances as fast as they should.  Please note that this requires more than finding the winningest trainer in the area.  That trainer is most likely concentrating on older riders with top horses in big classes at the shows.  Unless your rider is at that level, that trainer will only frustrate, not grow your rider. Similarly, a trainer who does not cause the rider to strive to improve is a waste of time and money.

We think the trainer should have other students at your level, and be moving them up to higher classes regularly.

We think the barn environment should be positive reinforcement of the rider’s values:  Respect for others, help and support for fellow riders and their horses, and language appropriate for young riders.  If there is a large student age spread, the older students must set a good example for the younger riders. And, no alcohol or drugs, period.

We think the trainer and staff are role models like teachers and coaches.  If your rider were to grow up like the trainer, would you be pleased?