So based on the title you probably think I am going to comment on cars. Not so, my friend! This is an equine blog so unless I branch out on a tangent I will be commenting on equine related issues only. Today's rant, and the first of this blog, has to do with how we select our trainers or clinicians. What criteria do we use, if any? Does the nationality, accent, appearance, etc. make a difference in our selection? How do we justify selecting a Foreign Import trainer from an American Made trainer when politically we focus on buying American made? This is an editorial and as such I will probably ruffle a few feathers but in the process I hope I will glean some answers from you, the reader. I am not asking you to change trainers or clinicians. I am asking you to re-visit how and why you select a specific trainer or clinician.
Recently a friend and I were discussing the popularity of a clinician in our area that has an accent. So before every Clinton Anderson fan and immigration junkie starts to accuse me of discrimination, please understand noting that this clinician has an accent is only by way of identifying him from other trainers and clinicians in the area. Personally I have used the services of trainers/clinicians with accents and without. No bias was present at the time. My only consideration was their ability to provide me with information.
I freely admit I did not pay to attend the clinic; however, I did watch bits and pieces. Those bits and pieces were more than enough to form my opinion. My friend, on the other hand, had attended one of his clinics and was left wanting. Wanting not for more but for another trainer/clinician. Both of us agreed that in our opinion he was not the most qualified choice in the area. He did not have a substantial competitive career. The horses he had trained were not actively competing in their discipline or if they were did not appear in the top 5 of their class. His years as a trainer/clinician were limited and his list of references were equally limited. His formalized training was non-existent. There were at least two local trainers that exceeded this clinician's experience, knowledge, competitive record, and from watching them ride, were far better at exhibiting their craft. Both local trainers were available for clinics and both had training and lessons spots available. One of the local trainers was fairly new to the area but did indeed fall into the "American Made" category. The other local trainer had lived in the area for 20 plus years. Both local trainers had excellent references and good reputations.
So what made the Foreign Import the flavor of the month or months, as it were? Before I pass on the information I was provided with I will share with you how I select a trainer or clinician.
First, does the trainer or clinician have verifiable experience, knowledge, and ability? In other words, this is not a 21 year old person who claims to have trained for 15 years. I will save that rant for another day. Not that I have anything against a 21 year old trainer but lets be brutally honest - how did you start training at the age of 6?
Secondly, does the trainer or clinician focus on my goals or is their agenda first and foremost in their mind? Again I have used trainers and clinicians that actively compete but when they are working with me they should be focused on me, my goals and my horse.
Thirdly, does this trainer or clinician provide good value for my hard earned dollar? So if you as the trainer or clinician are late for my session or spend more time on your cell phone than working with me it is doubtful our relationship will continue because my dollar value from you is limited.
Now back to why this clinician is currently packing them in when (again in my opinion) he is not the most qualified choice in town. I asked several participants what was the appeal. Some of the responses are noted below.
"I just love his little accent!"
"I think he is cute."
"He must be good because he came from Blah Blah Blah (country of origin)."
"The other choices are the old guy that has been here forever and some new guy that isn't from around here."
"My friend said he was good. And no, she didn't provide me with any references."
Okay so there were more but they mostly followed the trend as noted above.
So let's review - he is a good trainer because he is cute and has an accent; he is a good trainer because he came from another country; he is a good trainer because you don't want to use the old guy and someone who isn't around here.
Well guess what, Folks? His accent and cuteness have nothing to do with his ability. Coming from another country does not guarantee success. And the old guy - well, he has a lot of experience and knowledge. The guy who isn't from around here has a great competitive record that is verifiable along with his references. Besides your cute, accent speaking guy isn't from around here either.
So now that I have ruffled your feathers and ruined your Sunday morning coffee, how do you select a trainer or clinician? Does the accent and origin of birth matter to you? Are you concerned with verifiable information and do you check it out?
Since this is a new forum I won't guarantee daily rants but I will promise weekly ones. I will happily share your comments on the subjects but will not share your email addresses or names. Happy riding!
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