SUGGESTIONS ON LOCATING A SUITABLE TRAINER

by Vic Otten

As many of you probably know, a good mule trainer is extremely hard to find. There are just not many out there. What follows are some observations that I have made regarding some of the components to look for in a reputable trainer. These are generalizations and may not apply to all trainers. No single suggestion is determinative. 

Experience: Just as it would not be wise to use an attorney just out of law school, hiring a trainer with a lot of experience is a must. How much experience is necessary is a difficult question to answer, but most of the good trainers that I now know were raised around equines and have been training for at least 15 years. In addition, many trainers have a proven record and reputation in the competitive arena. At the major events, you will notice a few trainers winning lots of awards. They win because they know how to train and ride an equine. It is difficult to imagine how a person can train mules if they are not proficient at riding them. This is not to say that all good trainers must compete, but, again, this is just one screening device.

Referrals: These are a great way to find a professional. They can come from people you know or other trainers. In the mule world, there are certain names that you see over and over in the magazines and at contests.  These folks have a reputation for a reason. If you do not live near any of these people, call them. Most of these trainers will gladly provide you with the name of a reputable trainer in the area where you live. Ask the trainer for referrals.

Certificates and formal education: While a person with a certificate from one of the major training programs may have a good formal educational foundation that is probably not enough. You need to make sure the trainer has experience and a proven track record. Not All horse trainers can train or work with mules. If you are interested in someone that works primarily with horses, ask him how many mules he has trained and what the results were.

Interview the trainer and visit the facilities: Any legitimate trainer will meet with you and let you observe them at work. Look at the facilities. Are they clean and orderly? Do the animals appear happy? How do the mules react around the trainer?  Is the trainer doing anything to the animal that makes it, or you, uncomfortable? Is there a riding arena and round pen? Does the business look professional? How busy is the trainer? You should be concerned if the trainer does not have a lot of clients. On the other hand, you need to make sure the trainer is not so busy that he has not have adequate time to spend with your animal. You need to inquire who will be doing the training. Many busy trainers have assistants. While assistants are necessary for a busy trainer, you are hiring the trainer and not the assistant. Bring a list of questions that you have and listen carefully to the responses you get. Ask the trainer what all is involved in the training program. Lastly, be careful of guarantees that seem too good to be true.