Smoke, Mirrors & Round Pens: What to Know Before You Hand Over Your Horse By Teresa Speer | Certified and Accredited Lyons Legacy Trainer

It’s one of the most gut-wrenching calls I get as a professional horse trainer:

“I paid thousands… and got my horse back terrified.”

“He was barely touched. They just kept him stalled and sent updates like everything was fine.”

“Now I’m paying someone else to fix what never should’ve happened.”

In an industry where anyone can hang out a shingle and call themselves a trainer, too many horse owners are learning the hard way: flashy videos and smooth talk don’t equal quality horsemanship.

Behind the scenes, there are trainers skipping groundwork, taking shortcuts, overpromising and underdelivering—all while cashing your check.

So before you hand over your horse (and a piece of your heart), here’s what you really need to look for in a professional trainer—and the warning signs that should have you loading up your trailer and driving the other way.

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1. Education Is Not Optional. It’s Essential.

Let’s get this straight:

“I’ve been around horses all my life” is not a credential.

It might mean they’ve been exposed to horses for a long time—but it doesn’t mean they’ve developed the skill or ethics to teach them correctly. Horses don’t benefit from tradition if that tradition is based on misunderstanding, force, or ignorance.

A professional who has studied equine science, equine behavior, and proper training theory knows how to approach the horse with a plan—not just a whip and a guess. Education is what separates a horse that learns to think… from a horse that learns to fear.

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2. Experience Means Depth—Not Just Years

There’s a difference between someone who’s been “starting colts” for 20 years… and someone who has developed horses.

Ask these questions:

• Can they tell you how they handle a horse that shuts down or explodes under pressure?

• Have they worked through reactivity, softness, collection, trailer loading, or arena prep?

• Do they produce horses that are responsive and respectful—not just temporarily obedient?

True experience leaves a trail of results—not excuses.

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3. The Bare Minimum Is the Most Expensive Training You’ll Ever Buy

Here’s the part nobody likes to say out loud:

Some trainers take your money and do the least amount of work possible.

Horses get “worked” once or twice a week—if that. Groundwork gets skipped. Problems get punished instead of solved. The horse gets pushed into compliance, then covered up with a pretty saddle and a phone camera. You see a 30-second clip that looks good. Meanwhile, the horse is confused, shut down, or completely untouched by the time pickup day arrives.

That’s not training. That’s betrayal.

And once that damage is done, fixing it takes far more time—and money—than doing it right the first time.

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4. Training Isn’t Just About What You See—It’s About What the Horse Understands

Anyone can make a horse lope circles or yield its hindquarters. That doesn’t mean the horse is relaxed, confident, or safe for its owner.

The question isn’t, “Can they make the horse do it?”

The question is, “Does the horse understand why it’s doing it?”

That difference is everything.

Because a horse that understands is willing. A horse that’s drilled is just holding its breath.

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5. Don’t Be Fooled by Filters and Showreels

Social media is a double-edged sword in the horse world. It’s given trainers a platform to show their work—but also a way to hide behind edited highlight reels.

One clean video doesn’t show the missed days, the harsh corrections, or the rushed methods.

Look for the full story:

• Consistent updates, not just end results

• Willingness to show the process

• Testimonials from real clients, not just peers in the industry

Because at the end of the day, you’re not hiring a showman. You’re trusting a horseman.

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The Price Tag Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story—The Process Does

Cheap training might look good up front. But if that trainer skips steps, creates fear, or doesn’t put in the hours, you’re left paying twice—first for the “training,” and again to undo the damage.

Quality training is never about speed. It’s about foundation.

And a good foundation will save you more money, time, and heartache than any “30 days for $500” special ever will.

Final Thought

Your horse doesn’t have a voice—but you do. And they’re counting on you to speak up, ask the right questions, and demand better.

Because once the halter comes off, the trailer door closes, and the trainer’s left alone with your horse, you want to know—with absolute certainty—that you didn’t just hire someone to ride…

You hired someone to teach.

✅ Trainer Evaluation Checklist

Use this list to protect your horse—and your investment. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions.

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📚 Education & Qualifications

• Does the trainer have any formal education in equine science, behavior, or anatomy?

• Are they certified through a reputable program (e.g., Lyons Legacy, Clinton Anderson, Buck Brannaman)?

• Can they explain the “why” behind their methods—not just the “how”?

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🐎 Experience

• Have they started and finished horses similar to yours (age, breed, training level)?

• Do they have experience in your discipline or riding goals (trail, reining, barrel racing, ranch work, etc.)?

• Can they provide references or testimonials from past clients—not just friends or peers?

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🚦 Ethics & Transparency

• Do they offer regular progress updates—photos, videos, or written communication?

• Can you visit and observe your horse being trained?

• Are you welcome to ask questions or watch sessions?

• Are you involved in the handoff process when your horse comes home?

• Do they clearly outline their training plan and goals?

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🧠 Training Approach

• Do they emphasize groundwork before riding?

• Do their methods build trust and confidence—not just obedience?

• How do they handle setbacks, fear, or resistance?

• Are they able to explain what the horse is learning and how?

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🚩 Red Flags

• Refuses to allow visits or limits communication

• No credentials or unwillingness to explain their background

• Vague about training methods or progress

• Offers extremely cheap rates compared to local professionals

• Pushes the horse hard early on, promising fast results

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🔍 Bonus: Observe Their Horses

• How do their horses behave on the ground and under saddle?

• Do they demonstrate patience, softness, and responsiveness?

• Are their horses sound, fit, and mentally relaxed?

• Would you trust your horse in that barn for 30+ days?

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💬 Final Tip: If they get defensive when you ask questions—walk away.

A real professional welcomes educated owners and open conversation. If a trainer sees your questions as a threat, they’re not someone you want in charge of your horse.