After being away for nearly seven years, I’m moving back to Atlanta in a couple months. I think I still have a pretty good idea of ATL trainers, but I’d love to hear input, as I’m sure there have been some changes. I’m particularly interested in hearing who might be good with OTTBs, as that will most likely be my next horse.
Also, if anyone would be willing to ballpark what I should be expecting to pay (again, it’s been seven years and I’ve been in a very different location), I’d really appreciate it (PM is fine).
Thanks!
What part of town will you be moving to, and what type of program are you looking for? A shows? Local shows? All of that will make a big difference. Also, are you looking for a full or partial training package, or are you looking for programs that don’t have that requirement?
1 Like
You make fair points, but at this moment, none of that matters to me. Honestly, I’m open to any and all situations. We haven’t moved yet, so there is flexibility in location. I do (obviously) have preferences on all other factors, but I am willing to compromise on those, because I am really just interested in who would be the BEST. Big name, little name… I really don’t care.
I know Heather Steinman is usually highly recommended, but who else should I consider?
Two big thumbs up for Heather!
South side, definitely Scott Amour.
Megan O’Dwyer Thiel is great
1 Like
@GPSM ultimately I think the “best” option for you will incorporate your take on some of those questions, but some of the ones to consider would be Heather Steinman (Canton area, I think), Dawn Hersey (at Three Bears Farm up 75N, used to work with Heather, similar philosophies), Megan Thiel (Alpharetta), Krissy Altenberg (Alpharetta), and Melinda Sise (Alpharetta, younger trainer who was a protege of Sunny Stevens and has built a nice program with a good facility). As you probably know, what commute you will have and at what time of day is a huge factor in Atlanta. They now have express lanes on 75N and 575N, so that helps with the options on the NW side of town.
Is this information from 2019 still accurate for recommending jumper trainers in the Atlanta area? TIA
Yes…but the traffic is probably 10Xs worse. If you narrow down your area it will be easier to give you recommendations. I’m 49 miles from the Mercedes Benz stadium in downtown ATL (we go to Atlanta United games all the time) and it’s only a 55 min drive right now. From 4-7 it would be more like 2 hours plus.
Our highway set up is terrible (fun fact: turns out the layout was all fueled by racism but that’s a different thread) so we have to most horrific traffic. All.the.time. Finding a barn on your side of town is imperative.
3 Likes
JenniferLBuckStables.com is very close to Atlanta and Jenn has a ton of experience with TBs and loves them.
