This week has not only brought new changes to the Denver Broncos team, but to their loving fans who follow their success. The recent loss against the Indianapolis Colts was followed by the decision to let head coach John Fox go and continue their search for someone that will lead them to an eventual world championship win.
Unfortunately, the Broncos are not the only team currently looking for a new coach, and it’s become clear many teams are looking for someone who is a better fit. Despite emotions towards these coaches, the question is: how do the teams know it is time to move forward?
This question spans the entire world of sports, and in the equestrian world it can be even harder to find the right coach for you. Unlike the NFL, the world of horse back riding is a small and tight knit group of coaches and riders and it can sometimes be hard to know when you have outgrown your trainer.
When you first begin riding, you look for a trainer in your desired genre of riding that teaches beginners and offers schooling horses on which you can take lessons. Riding can be a bit overwhelming with all the equipment, time, and of course cost, and these all factor in to how you choose.
Time may go on, and after weeks, months, or years of working with a coach, there comes a time when you realize something may not be working. It may be your personalities clash, you’re ready to move up past their level of expertise, your horse or those you ride are not a good fit, or you are ready to compete less or more.
The most important thing to ask yourself is: are you getting what you need from your trainer? If you have found yourself struggling to answer “yes” to your satisfaction with your trainer, then there is no shame in deciding to find a better fit.
The first step is deciding you want to look for someone new, and then comes what may seem like the hard part, finding the new fit. Just as the Broncos and Coach Fox are both looking for a new fit through interviews, recommendations, and some serious research, you should be doing the same.
Head out to a show and observe how trainers work with their students and with their horses. The biggest mistake is concentrating on the instructors who are pushing their students past their level of riding. Focus on their horsemanship and their communication with the students; there has to be a level of understanding between all parties involved.
“If the barn, the trainer, the entire setup is the “real deal”, kind treatment, friendly atmosphere, humane training and teaching methods, then lucky kid or newbie.” –Tamarack Hill Farm
Don’t allow a winner to overpower your true needs, and once you have found a trainer that sparks your interest, then begin to ask around. Talk to students and see what they do or don’t like about their experience. Good and bad information is always a necessity. Contact the trainer and set up a time to meet, see their vicinity, and take a lesson to test the waters.
It’s all about satisfying your needs and making sure you’re as happy and safe as you can possibly be. Although the Broncos are looking for a big win and a coach that can push their team to achieve that, in the horse world don’t let your safety and happiness be outnumbered by winning.
Good luck to the Broncos and their new year to come and good luck to you in your endeavor finding the right trainer that fits you!
Stay happy and safe.
Abby Westover
Zuma's Rescue Ranch 