05/04/2026
🛻The Ins & Outs of the Traveling Horse Trainer🛻
I started traveling to people for lessons and training rides, on and off, about 10 years ago. It came about as I had found a gap between having horses in a traditional training program, sending them home and then the client would get stuck on keeping the horse tuned up, didn't have access to a trailer to haul in for help, or they didn't have the funds to keep the horse in training full-time, but still wanted to show and be competitive.
I have always been one to root for the DIY Amateur or Youth rider! A huge part of owning, riding, and showing horses is about breakthrough moments and developing a relationship. The most competitive riders out there are the ones who know their horse inside and out! Why wouldn't you want to encouage that kind of rider?
I see more and more trainers and instructors offering this service, and many more horse owners requesting it! While I'm definitely not the inventor of the Traveling Trainer model, I have certainly tweaked my business over the years, because, quite honestly, some things work and some don't!
For the horse owners and the trainers considering this option, here are few things that I've found. 🤠
When it works: 👌
✔️You are a committed rider.
This means working your horse, on the ground and/or in the saddle a minimum of 3-4 days a week. If you have a green horse this number gets higher. If you don't have them in a full time, structured training program, you are now the trainer. Your Traveling Trainer is there to guide you, not wave a magic wand 1 day a week and suddenly you're nailing lead changes! You have to do the homework!
✔️ You are a committed rider and hit a roadblock. Your horse doesn't understand what you want and you don't know how else to ask.This is where another set of experienced eyes can be very valuable! In my World, trainers help trainers! Why wouldn't we?
✔️You are a dedicated rider, but are nervous or insecure because of a traumatic experience.
A Traveling Trainer can absolutely help with this situation, given that the rider is confident enough to at least be able to handle the horse from the ground. Confidence is built over time for both horse and rider. A Trainer providing feedback and further steps is a great way to build your skills and your relationship in a safe and responsible way.
💡If you're seeing some repetitive words in all of this, you're catching on!
Now, for the things that DO NOT work so well in the Traveling Trainer model: ✋️
❗️You do not have the commitment, time, discipline or skill to continue the work after the trainer leaves.
Harsh reality here. Horses learn from repetition, and riders only get stronger and build confidence when they practice! (Although a good workout plan can absolutely be supplemental!) There is absolutely no shame in working a full time job, having a family, other businesses that require attention, etc. That's just life! Just be honest about how much room you have left on your plate!
❗️You are inexperienced and want to learn to start your own horse.
While I ABSOLUTELY support learning and being involved in the process, send the horse to a reputable trainer who will allow for frequent visits and will involve you in the process when it's safe for you to be involved. Unless you have a Traveling Trainer that can come to you 4-5 days a week, (at that point, they might as well be leasing stalls from you) and walk you through the steps, just send the horse off. I know of the horror stories, there are bad businesses out there. Be selective and know that if a program is significantly cheaper than everyone else, there's probably a reason for it. A professional program is the best investment you'll ever make for your young horses.
❗️You want a Trainer to come out and put a training ride on your horse 1x a week AND you don't touch it for the other 6 days.
When people don't follow through with some kind of excercise program for a horse, the horse learns one thing. When the trainer shows up they have to do uncomfortable things and it makes them sore. You cannot shove 30 days of a professional program into 4 rides a month. Especially in young horses, you will start to notice ear pinning, back soreness, avoidance, zero actual progression. I don't care how well the saddle fits, how soft your hand or how steady your leg is, the only thing you create in this situation is resentment. Send your horse to a professional program. You'll save money in the long run!
⭐️It's important to evaluate your situation honestly, and to know your skill and dedication level. Under the right circumstances, traveling to clients is a fantastic option for owners and trainers!
What have you found to work and not work with this business model? Add your own findings in the comments!
📸 Roni Kemp Photography
