Recommended AA coaches for novices, in the U.S?

[buckskinwithers]

Okay, so I posted this thread a while back (for background: AA Coaching/Instruction for Novice Riders).

I’m 19 years old, coming from the Quarter Horse show world, ready to get into over fence work for the first time and taking it pretty seriously!

I’m located in Tallahassee, Florida (student), but I’m able to travel. I’m also considering taking a year off, in which I’d probably relocate. Really, I’m open to anywhere in the U.S. I’ve considered anywhere from Birmingham, AL to Tucson, AZ. Missoula, MT to Providence, RI and just about anywhere in between.

So then, my question is: who are some coaches you would jump at the opportunity to train under? Helpful, if these coaches (or their assistants, rather) take on novice riders! Anywhere in the country!

Or: where do I go to find this information myself? Other than just asking around on here.

Any leads are appreciated! Just feeling kind of lost.

[541hunter]

In my area, very few “top” (meaning BN, national level AA circuit) trainers have school horses to teach beginners how to jump. They have plenty of $$$ packers for lease, if you want to go that route, but we’re talking thousands a month in board and training alone, plus pretty hefty lease fees. For you, coming from AQHA (I came from paint circuit so I know where you’re coming from), I would think spending some time with a school horse trainer locally that you can learn the basics over fences with would be your best bet. That way, if you end up not liking the program, you haven’t wasted money on a lease and moving costs.

If you’re serious about it, spend a few months getting your basics down on solid schoolies. Then when you’re comfortable and looking to move up, you should start looking into training with the big names. That’s how tons of BNRs started. A quick Google search found Little Pond Farm, Coventry Farms, and Cavallo Farms, all in Tallahassee with lesson horses. If you’re in college, you might also check if your school has an IHSA team. That’s how I got started in h/j, so if you have a team it might give you a good start.

[MadeYaLook]

^^^^^ This^^^^^:)

[EqJumper]

Hey, I sent you a PM when you posted that other thread. I ride at Cavallo and would be happy to put you in touch with my trainers!

[iEquitate]

If you’re just taking one year off to ride with a BNT in another part of the country, I wouldn’t do it in your first year of jumping. Even if you are a very fast learner, jumping requires experience to move up/show and your showing would probably be limited to the lower divisions not usually (or sparingly, especially for adults) offered at AA shows which these trainers attend. Agree with above suggestions to learn locally until you are at least comfortable jumping small courses. If later on you are still interested in riding at the top level, you will likely maximize your time by being able to jump higher and show more with a head trainer rather then spend most of your time learning with an assistant.