The Comfort Factor
As an owner, you should feel comfortable speaking with the person who trains your horse. Chances are if you’re uncomfortable for one reason or another, the friction could lead to an uneasy working relationship.
Visit The Barn
Few people would purchase a house without seeing it beforehand. That same rule should apply when seeking a place where your horse will live. After your preliminary discussions with a trainer, ask if there is a convenient time that you might be able to visit his stable. While at the barn, take note of the way the facility and equipment is maintained. By observing the stable area, you should be able to walk away with a good indication of the care a trainer will provide.
Sometimes More Is Not Better
Simply because a trainer has a high number of winners at a racetrack does not mean he is the best candidate to train for you. One way to judge a trainer’s success is to look at his win or in-the-money percentages. It could be that a trainer who consistently dominates the standings has more horses under his care. The overall size of his stable could account for his high number of wins. However, a closer look at this trainer’s percentages might reveal that his success, when comparing number of wins to number of starters, is less than impressive. A consistent trainer normally wins 20 percent of his races and finishes with at least 50 percent of his starters in-the-money. In addition, a trainer with dozens of horses under his care, might not be able to provide you with the personal attention you need when starting out in racing.
Study A Trainer’s Trends
When looking over a trainer’s overall success at a racetrack, you should also study his training trends. For instance, look for trainers who have proven they can qualify their horses for futurities, derbies and graded races. Also, pay particular attention to trainers who claim horses and improve their performance. Trainers who have this knack should receive your consideration.
Looks Often Count
While at the racetrack, most handicappers advise visiting the paddock and watching the post parade. The same should hold true for potential owners seeking a trainer. Study the horses at a racetrack and get to know which trainers consistently bring their starters to the track looking race ready. Sometimes, horses from a particular stable might show up in the paddock with dull coats or lethargic appearances. This could be an indication of the quality of care they’re receiving.
Attend Seminars
In most areas, new owner seminars are presented by racetracks or affiliates of the American Quarter Horse Association. These forums can provide you with a number of opportunities to speak with trainers, other owners or racing officials. Additionally, numerous racetracks hold morning workout programs. These programs routinely feature knowledgeable veterans of the racing business who speak on a variety of subjects. By attending, you could learn a lot about the industry. For information on new owner seminars or programs held at racetracks, call your American Quarter Horse racing affiliate or local racetrack.
Professional Horseman
AQHA can give you free referrals to members of the Association. These members must meet certain guidelines and adhere to a code of ethics. Call 806-376-4811 or click here to see a list of professionals in your area.
Owning a racing American Quarter Horse is a fun and exciting adventure. However, it also is a business, the rewards of which can be tremendous. By taking a few precautions when selecting the proper trainer as your professional, you should be able to enjoy all the advantages that owning a racehorse can bring
