What is the cost of training in your area?

eieio · 05-18-2007, 06:50 PM

I was talking to someone today and they asked my training charge. I told them $675.00 to $775.00 depending on whether it is colt starting or show ring prep. The show horses need a lot more indoor care. The training is the same rate, just the board is higher. The $775.00 includes show grooming, lessons, coaching, etc. He told me I was way overpriced...

Am I wrong? In a thirty day period we put at least 40 hours a month into a horse we are training. Take out our board rates (pretty good for our area) and that makes us making $300 to $400 per horse a month for 30 to 40 PLUS hours a month.

Are we being competitive?

Whitehorse · 05-18-2007, 06:55 PM

No, your rates are comparable to what I see in my area too. In fact, your rates are on the low side. The local trainers near me charge $900-$1000 per month and that is board and training.

**gbarmranch** · 05-18-2007, 06:55 PM

It ranges from $400 - $600 - but not all the trainers are folks I would take a horse too... Paying the difference for a good trainer to me is well worth the investment. You would be doing a lot more with the horses then most trainers, therefore it is not out of line to charge for it...

Too bad you are not closer...

eieio · 05-18-2007, 07:01 PM

Ohhh come on Val, we are less than four hours!

How funny We just came thru Chattanooga!

miss leanne · 05-18-2007, 07:10 PM

My cousin I believe charges $450/mo for just general riding and basic colt starting (w/t/c and stop), and just really basic stuff. It goes up from there. You want them started on cattle at all, the price goes up a lot. You want them trail ridden and opening gates, sidepassing and changing leads (basically starting to 'finish' them), it goes up. She's very competitively priced for California, but a lot of roping folks for some reason don't take her seriously because she's a woman.

Lopin · 05-18-2007, 07:14 PM

Like Gbar said, it depends. Here anywhere from $500-$800/month. One farm I worked at was $1100/month.

Eieio, I don't think you're overpriced at all.

barnmom · 05-18-2007, 07:33 PM

average in ne pa is 600, our barn is 750 and one in the area is 1000, and actually the 1000 dollar barn gives poor care compared to the others

dixie · 05-18-2007, 07:35 PM

Around here it starts at 500. That is 30 days, my trainer worked for 1-2 or more hours each day the last week to show me how he trained my horse. Pasture board, fed 2x day.

I think for all the extra you do, your prices are probably good.

xcjmpr · 05-18-2007, 07:44 PM

I think you are very competitively priced.

My hubby charges $2000 to prep yearlings for sale, plus a 10% commision on the sale. That does include everything except any emergency vet call.

I used to charge $800 as a base, also including everything except vet, flexible for some things.

instigatorkate · 05-18-2007, 08:09 PM

In SE PA it's anywhere from $850-$1100/month including full stall board and 5-6 lessons/sessions/week.

When I had my barn in MD, I charged $200/mo for 1/2 training 3 rides/week or $325 for full training 5-6 rides/week including mane pulling, show prep, and riding at shows (but not horse travel or entry fees). That was in addition to full or field board. I was cheap, I usually only accepted horses I knew, and I was not a "big name" trainer.

crittermom · 05-18-2007, 08:10 PM

My mare is off at the trainers and I am paying $600.00 per month. Basic trail riding stuff---no specific discipline. Last year I had a girl come to my house and help me with my horses (I wasn't exactly sure what level some of them were at---too much for me or what?) and she charged $50.00 an hour. Think I'm getting a better deal sending mine off the farm.

Kahlua_Twist · 05-18-2007, 08:30 PM

I charge $475 for basic starting (30 days, 5 workings/week). Show prep/tune up stuff is more like $525, just for the extra work and bedding. It's my first summer offering my services to "public" (people other than friends) but so far I'm on the lower end and probably better for training and care.

**gbarmranch** · 05-18-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eieio

Ohhh come on Val, we are less than four hours!

How funny We just came thru Chattanooga!

I wish I had known - you could have stopped by and picked up Peppy for training...

horses19201 · 05-18-2007, 09:52 PM

Hmm 30 days colt starting $700 if your good friends with the trainer. And that is the only one I'd consider taking my horse too. The others are about $1000 and they suck. If only Lacey was better...

kupersma07 · 05-18-2007, 10:08 PM

I'm no judge because I have two horses from the same girl , bult her site and my mom made her business cards and more over we are now like sisters , but I think she charges $600 a month or a little over , and we are in a cheaper area so your fees are VERY reasonable IMO .

Red Gate Farm · 05-18-2007, 11:10 PM

In my area it is from $600 - $700 a month basic for a professional trainer.

**beth55051** · 05-18-2007, 11:13 PM

Sheesh the halter "trainers" I used to work for charged $750 a month for weanlings and that only included us teenage (used to be) girls conditioning them 2x a week and a crash course in halter the week before a show.

The neighbor girl gets $350 a month to go to your place and all she does is the bare basics.

Around here where "trainers" are a dime a dozen I would expect to pay at least $500 a month for training and pasture board for someone half way decent to put the basics on.

A good friend of ours starts colts for $750 and that's however long it takes to get them riding down the road and through the pasture at all three gaits. He generally uses the colts he has in training for his herd work and pasture checks. He also shows halter horses so that's why he just charges a flat rate because it might take him 30-90 days depending on his show schedule.

Linebacker55 · 05-18-2007, 11:15 PM

We typically would pay about $5-$600/month either riding or halter training. We have been asked to train horses for a few people, but can not due to our amature status in the show pen.

Deanna · 05-18-2007, 11:23 PM

750 is what I will be paying for a trainer that specializes in training western pleasure show horses.

dreamcleaner · 05-19-2007, 07:57 AM

$675 - 1200/month. The one I am using is charging me 300. Not a big name, and just loves doing. Only does one at a time, no fancy set up with rings, and arenas. It wasn't just the price though that appealed, it was the fact she listened to me and what I wanted. That she made judgement on the horse, to plan what and how she would do rather than this is the way it is, whether they know it or not. I really hated the thought of paying 600+ for 30 days of groundwork when he knew all his voice commands on the ground. And as I noob I was able to do that. But some trainers said 30 days ground mandatory. I understand they weren't just going to take my word for it. But I would have thought they would see what he could do and take it from there.

I am not getting anything fancy back. Basics and miles, exposure to things like horse eating mail boxes. And we will make a decision together if he needs more time.

05-18-2007, 06:50 PM
eieio Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,138	What is the cost of training in your area? I was talking to someone today and they asked my training charge. I told them $675.00 to $775.00 depending on whether it is colt starting or show ring prep. The show horses need a lot more indoor care. The training is the same rate, just the board is higher. The $775.00 includes show grooming, lessons, coaching, etc. He told me I was way overpriced... Am I wrong? In a thirty day period we put at least 40 hours a month into a horse we are training. Take out our board rates (pretty good for our area) and that makes us making $300 to $400 per horse a month for 30 to 40 PLUS hours a month. Are we being competitive? __________________ There is no such thing as a always or never in the horse world. Say that one time and some horse some where will prove you wrong!. Visit us at www.woodfoxfarm.com

05-18-2007, 06:55 PM
Whitehorse Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 360	No, your rates are comparable to what I see in my area too. In fact, your rates are on the low side. The local trainers near me charge $900-$1000 per month and that is board and training. __________________ "If your horse says "no", you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong." Pat Parelli

05-18-2007, 06:55 PM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,574	It ranges from $400 - $600 - but not all the trainers are folks I would take a horse too... Paying the difference for a good trainer to me is well worth the investment. You would be doing a lot more with the horses then most trainers, therefore it is not out of line to charge for it... Too bad you are not closer... __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

05-18-2007, 07:01 PM
eieio Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,138	Ohhh come on Val, we are less than four hours! How funny We just came thru Chattanooga! __________________ There is no such thing as a always or never in the horse world. Say that one time and some horse some where will prove you wrong!. Visit us at www.woodfoxfarm.com

05-18-2007, 07:10 PM
miss leanne Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,532	My cousin I believe charges $450/mo for just general riding and basic colt starting (w/t/c and stop), and just really basic stuff. It goes up from there. You want them started on cattle at all, the price goes up a lot. You want them trail ridden and opening gates, sidepassing and changing leads (basically starting to 'finish' them), it goes up. She's very competitively priced for California, but a lot of roping folks for some reason don't take her seriously because she's a woman.

05-18-2007, 07:14 PM
Lopin Coming two Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Home of Brett Favre Posts: 1,723	Like Gbar said, it depends. Here anywhere from $500-$800/month. One farm I worked at was $1100/month. Eieio, I don't think you're overpriced at all. __________________ Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

05-18-2007, 07:33 PM
barnmom Coming two Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: northeast pennsylvania Posts: 1,876	average in ne pa is 600, our barn is 750 and one in the area is 1000, and actually the 1000 dollar barn gives poor care compared to the others __________________ Remember to thank the horses for the happiness and joy we experience through them! It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice!

05-18-2007, 07:35 PM
dixie Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Southwest TN Posts: 1,447	Around here it starts at 500. That is 30 days, my trainer worked for 1-2 or more hours each day the last week to show me how he trained my horse. Pasture board, fed 2x day. I think for all the extra you do, your prices are probably good.

05-18-2007, 07:44 PM
xcjmpr Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kentucky Posts: 920	I think you are very competitively priced. My hubby charges $2000 to prep yearlings for sale, plus a 10% commision on the sale. That does include everything except any emergency vet call. I used to charge $800 as a base, also including everything except vet, flexible for some things.

05-18-2007, 08:09 PM
instigatorkate Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,197	In SE PA it's anywhere from $850-$1100/month including full stall board and 5-6 lessons/sessions/week. When I had my barn in MD, I charged $200/mo for 1/2 training 3 rides/week or $325 for full training 5-6 rides/week including mane pulling, show prep, and riding at shows (but not horse travel or entry fees). That was in addition to full or field board. I was cheap, I usually only accepted horses I knew, and I was not a "big name" trainer.

05-18-2007, 08:10 PM
crittermom Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,692	My mare is off at the trainers and I am paying $600.00 per month. Basic trail riding stuff---no specific discipline. Last year I had a girl come to my house and help me with my horses (I wasn't exactly sure what level some of them were at---too much for me or what?) and she charged $50.00 an hour. Think I'm getting a better deal sending mine off the farm. __________________ Peace!! I wish the people of the world could get along as well as the animals in my backyard.

05-18-2007, 08:30 PM
Kahlua_Twist Started Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sudbury area, ON Posts: 2,847	I charge $475 for basic starting (30 days, 5 workings/week). Show prep/tune up stuff is more like $525, just for the extra work and bedding. It's my first summer offering my services to "public" (people other than friends) but so far I'm on the lower end and probably better for training and care. __________________ Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.

05-18-2007, 09:52 PM
horses19201 Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: North Carolina Posts: 681	Hmm 30 days colt starting $700 if your good friends with the trainer. And that is the only one I'd consider taking my horse too. The others are about $1000 and they suck. If only Lacey was better... __________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup ~Maggie~

05-18-2007, 10:08 PM
kupersma07 Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bent Creek , VA Posts: 414	I'm no judge because I have two horses from the same girl , bult her site and my mom made her business cards and more over we are now like sisters , but I think she charges $600 a month or a little over , and we are in a cheaper area so your fees are VERY reasonable IMO . __________________ Hugs & God Bless , Ali Please learn about my story at http://www.freewebs.com/myequinestory Please sign our guestbook ! \"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step \" - Thomas Jefferson

05-18-2007, 11:10 PM
Red Gate Farm Long Yearling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,177	In my area it is from $600 - $700 a month basic for a professional trainer. __________________ Wendi "Humans is sneaky" - Scotty

05-18-2007, 11:13 PM
beth55051 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 4,870	Sheesh the halter "trainers" I used to work for charged $750 a month for weanlings and that only included us teenage (used to be) girls conditioning them 2x a week and a crash course in halter the week before a show. The neighbor girl gets $350 a month to go to your place and all she does is the bare basics. Around here where "trainers" are a dime a dozen I would expect to pay at least $500 a month for training and pasture board for someone half way decent to put the basics on. A good friend of ours starts colts for $750 and that's however long it takes to get them riding down the road and through the pasture at all three gaits. He generally uses the colts he has in training for his herd work and pasture checks. He also shows halter horses so that's why he just charges a flat rate because it might take him 30-90 days depending on his show schedule. __________________ Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.

05-18-2007, 11:15 PM
Linebacker55 Started Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 2,211	We typically would pay about $5-$600/month either riding or halter training. We have been asked to train horses for a few people, but can not due to our amature status in the show pen. __________________ www.risingwaterqh.com RISING WATER QUARTER HORSES Home of World and Reserve World Champions AQHA/ABRA/IBHA

05-18-2007, 11:23 PM
Deanna Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Yelm, Wa Posts: 680	750 is what I will be paying for a trainer that specializes in training western pleasure show horses. __________________ Visit my site at www.nelsonperformancehorses.com

05-19-2007, 07:57 AM
dreamcleaner Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ontario Posts: 2,359	$675 - 1200/month. The one I am using is charging me 300. Not a big name, and just loves doing. Only does one at a time, no fancy set up with rings, and arenas. It wasn't just the price though that appealed, it was the fact she listened to me and what I wanted. That she made judgement on the horse, to plan what and how she would do rather than this is the way it is, whether they know it or not. I really hated the thought of paying 600+ for 30 days of groundwork when he knew all his voice commands on the ground. And as I noob I was able to do that. But some trainers said 30 days ground mandatory. I understand they weren't just going to take my word for it. But I would have thought they would see what he could do and take it from there. I am not getting anything fancy back. Basics and miles, exposure to things like horse eating mail boxes. And we will make a decision together if he needs more time.