You have made the decision to move your horse from your current trainer to a new one. The reasons can be varied, but in your opinion, they are valid. Unlike many other business decisions, however, this can be an emotionally charged situation. You will most likely see them down the road, how you handle it can impact the ease of the move and potential of maintaining a friendship with your former trainer.
Some clients may be afraid to openly discuss the move with their trainer. Some end up taking the easy way out by notifying them via email or text. Many realize that is not an appropriate way to end a client-trainer relationship, but have a fear of discussing the move with their trainer face-to-face. We talked to several trainers about what they feel is the best, and most respectful, way to end the relationship.
Leslie Lange, an AQHA Professional Horseman, of T & L Quarter Horses, based in Greeley Colorado, says that everyone is usually aware of what is coming. “The best way to handle it is with a face to face conversation.” Lange goes on to say that she has had a client leave via test message, which she considers highly inappropriate. “You usually have a personal investment in these people and their horses.”
Lange says some clients leave due to logistics. A long distance between owner and horse can make it very hard on a client that is ready to be more hands on, or their children need a little more coaching. “However, saying that you are moving to another trainer because you prefer their style better is a little annoying,” Lange states. “Especially, if the clients have never dealt with the other trainer.”
“I have been on both sides, both coming and going.” says Dan Trein, multiple Congress Champion trainer of Trein Training Center in Seville, Ohio. “I like a straight forward approach. There should be enough rapport between trainer and client that they should be able to speak face to face. Both parties need to respect the fact that changes are the nature of the industry.”
Like every other trainer, Trein says that he becomes emotionally involved with his clients. “I become very attached. The situation is shaded by the investments not only in the horse, but also the rider. There is an emotional connection, more than in other businesses. It is a very unique situation.” He goes on to say that it can become a very awkward situation after a client embraces your program, then decides to leave.
Trein adds that when approached by a prospective client, he will listen, but not comment until the client has ended his relationship with the former trainer.
“Ethically it is the correct thing to do.” He sums it up with, “Ethics in this business are not dictated by a printed criteria. They are dictated only by what is right and what is wrong. Always remember there is no guarantee of any longevity in this business. Always try to talk through changes with enough regard to work things out.”
Joni Naas, who is a multiple World and Congress Champion trainer, laughs when we ask her about horror stories. Naas remembers when a client who was with her at a show two days prior, shows up with a Deputy Sheriff to retrieve their horses.
“I don’t know what she thought I was going to do!” Even though Naas’s contract states that she receive two weeks’ notice, she said as long as the client is paid up, it really isn’t that big of a deal. Joni also goes on to say that it goes both ways. She has asked clients to leave. Naas has great respect for her clients, but states “one bad apple” can ruin it for everyone. “If it is not a good fit, it can make a horse show no fun!” With most of her clients being very long term, she does not have this happen often. “But, I can understand if somebody wants to try something different.”
AQHA World Champion trainer, Leonard Berryhill of Berryhill Quarter Horses in Oklahoma says he has clients leave and there are no hard feelings. “Clients may leave because they move, or they want a trainer in another discipline than I train in.” He goes on to say that when a client comes to him, he will call the former trainer and visit about the situation. “Make sure everything is on the up and up.” He says that as long as everyone is professional, there are no problems. “Sometimes, it just isn’t a good match but there are no hard feelings.”
There is also a legal side to consider before making any changes. A trainer will have a client sign a contract at the beginning of any business dealings. Within that contract, there is usually a requirement of notice being given. Some trainers require two weeks, while others may require thirty days. There may also be a consideration of payment. Obviously, the entire bill must be paid in full prior to the horse leaving, but usually there is a no refund policy if the horse is pulled out of training prior to the end the month.
Nancy Cahill of Cahill Quarter Horses, has trained multiple World and Congress Champions, says she has had both good and bad experiences when clients move to another trainer. “If a person needs to move their horse to be closer, then I will even help them find another trainer.” Cahill says that you should never burn a bridge if you can help it. “If things aren’t working, leave on good terms. Remember, you are probably going to see these people at a horse show and it can get awkward. She says that it doesn’t bother her if somebody wants to move, but to remember to be nice. Cahill mentions that she has had other trainers give her a heads up about clients wanting to move their horses and she appreciates it. Nancy summed it up by saying, “You can sleep at night when you do the right thing!”
About the Author: Donna Jahnke has been in the horse industry for four decades. With her husband Kent, they run 4J Performance Horses in Danville, Indiana where they stand their two AQHA stallions, Smart Sailing Dun It and Day Work For Cash.
