Top 10 Ways to Be a Better Customer by Trainer, Darla Lee

Would you like to become a better customer and work with your trainer to
develop a successful partnership? Trainer Darla Lee of Plain City, Ohio
has 10 suggestions on how to be a better customer and was kind enough
to share her thoughts with GoHorseShow.com. We hope that this list is
helpful in preventing trainer/customer disagreements from happening in
the first place.

Top 10 Ways To Be A Better Customer

• Communication–This is the number one reason why trainer/client relationships fail. As a trainer, it can be hard to please customers when it is not clear what the expectations are. So, be clear what you are expecting when you choose a trainer . If you are particular about shoeing, brushing, feeding, harsh treatment, vet work, etc.– make your views clear in the beginning of the relationship.

• Speak Up–If something upsets you, it’s always better to talk to your trainer before the situation gets out of control. It’s worse to keep your frustrations to yourself and then have a larger problem later. Take your trainer to the side or schedule a private time to meet and discuss what’s bothering you.

• Do not get other clients involved in your business–Horse trainers hate in-barn drama. Keep your nose in your own business. Don’t get caught up in talking about your trainer and or other clients with fellow clients. This can make for some uncomfortable situations at horse shows and can jeopardize your relationship with your trainer.

• Pay On Time–This seems like an easy one, but, remember, this is a business for your trainer. Horse trainers have huge overhead costs and most of the time have a lot of animals to feed and a lot of workers to pay. Remember that when you pay late, you run the risk of your trainer not having funds to keep your horse fed and taken care of to the standards you are supposed to be paying for.

• Help Out–Although you are paying for your trainers to get your horses trained, and taken care of, every horse trainer is busy. So, if you are able bodied, sweep the aisle, water your horse, brush your horse. It may seem like small tasks, but it can really make your trainer feel like you care about them.

• Respect Your Trainer’s Cash Flow–If you attend a horse show, bring your check book and pay for your horses stall and shavings etc. If you know the farrier is coming, leave a check so you can pay him directly. Horse trainers can have thousands of dollars out per month and any little bit you can take off their plate is helpful.

• Be respectful of their time–-When you say you are coming for a lesson at 1:00 be there at 1:00. Or at least call and say you will be late. If you are going to be late, make sure they do not have a lesson coming right after you that will interfere.

• Don’t keep them on the phone during working hours–It’s great to call and check on your horse, but ask your trainer what’s the best time to call. Some don’t mind if you call anytime, some would rather do their phone calls in the early morning or later in the evening. Remember, if you keep your horse trainer on the phone for an hour in one day, that’s one hour they are not working your horse. Texting and emailing has helped this out a lot, but when you call, make sure that you are using your time wisely on the phone.

• Have Fun–Horses and shows are supposed to be fun. If you show, make sure you are enjoying it, it’s far too costly and too much work to do if you don’t enjoy it.

• Be Positive and Have Goals–No one likes a Debbie Downer. Be positive about things that are going well. Don’t focus on the bad things or more bad things will come to you. Make realistic goals and you will find great pride in achieving them. Work with your trainer on what your goals should be depending on your horse’s ability.