Looking  back on a full summer of riding, were there things you didn't achieve that you wish you could have? Whether the summer heat took a toll on your training or summer just wasn't long enough, sometimes your horse may just need to "go back to school".
Sending a horse to a trainer for schooling requires a great deal of trust, since your horse’s care and well-being will be in the trainers hands. Regardless if you’re planning to send your horse away for training or just down the road, make sure your horse will be in safe hands and the training will be a positive experience for both of you. Here are some factors you’ll want to consider.

Find an Experienced Trainer

When choosing a trainer, look for one who is experienced and who trains full-time. A person who has made training their career will take their work seriously, and likely have plenty of success and positive feedback from past trainings. When someone trains full-time, their focus and energy is on the horse and the progress they are making. Additionally, for a full-time trainer, the operation is more likely to be managed and organized professionally.

Make Sure the Training Facilities are Safe

Before you agree to send your horse to a trainer, visit the training facility. Ask plenty of questions, such as how much time your horse will be spending in a stall and whether he will have access to turnout. Look for standard safety issues, such as the quality of arena footing, and the condition of paddock fences. Make sure horse stalls are designed to provide adequate room for your horse to move around. For honest feedback ask friends and family about the facility and make sure to look for online reviews if available. 

Additionally, analyze the condition of the other horses on the property. Do they appear to be well-fed and in good physical condition? Look for hoof issues, low body weight and the presence of saddle or girth rubs, all of which could signify that the horses aren’t receiving proper attention or care.

Hire a Trainer With Similar Training Methods and Approaches

When you send your horse away for training, it is important that the trainer you choose is someone who shares your same training methods and approaches. In order for training to be a success, both you and the trainer need to agree on the desired outcome and what is acceptable to get there. You will also need to find a trainer who shares your view on horse care, and who will keep your horse in good health.

Check References

Everything might look great at a facility, but you should still check references on the trainer. Call each reference and talk with them about their experience with the trainer. Ask them what they sent their horse to the trainer to learn, how long the horse was in training, what the results were, and whether they encountered any issues.

Sending your horse away for training is a big decision. In addition to following the above tips, be sure to fully read the training contract and ask any questions you may have before signing the agreement.