Rider/Trainer Resumes: What do you want to see?

[ktedressage]

I know this probably a much talked about topic in the past, however I’ve been off of this board for years.

I have been training and riding for many years, and have had a few websites, business cards since then and have always struggled with writing my resume/accomplishments. To me, it seems a lot like bragging, and reading every other trainer’s write-up gets redundant. I’ve been working with an amazing publicist who mentioned that, “…all you former young riders write the same thing!”. It’s true.

So, what do you guys like to see on a trainer’s write-up?

Also, as a side note… I’ve been going through the L Program recently and have wondered, does this really make a difference in whether I get clients or not? Isn’t my riding ability and show accomplishments enough? It’s so expensive, I think by doing this I’m trying to talk myself out of it! Lol

How highly regarded are the USDF programs in your eyes? German riding programs, etc?

[Silverbridge]

For myself I want to see what the trainer’s clients have accomplished, in addition to what the trainer has achieved. But, I want to show. So to me, show results and levels of the students matter. They’re also more easily quantifiable. You can look them up very easily and you can see them out and about.

For someone who wants to learn up the levels but doesn’t care about shows, that information may be less useful.

If you say you’re working with a good publicist then why not have them take over the project?

My own trainer also dislikes writing and submitting her own information. She says the same thing, that it feels like bragging and it feels like it’s what everyone else writes.

I have a writing background plus a little bit of marketing interest. So in the past few months I took on a project of trying to secure her more sponsorships. So far we’ve gotten three news ones with a couple more in the wings, based on time of year and their corporate decision making. The same resume info I have been submitting to vendors is easily transferable to her Facebook business page and website.

Maybe ask your friend to do that instead of yourself? Trade for lessons or?

[StormyDay]

To me, the best indicator of a good trainer is how well the students are doing. It doesn’t matter if you have gone to the olympics and gotten gold, if you can’t relay that training to your students it doesn’t do me much good
I have also seen many a trainer who wasn’t very accomplished in the show ring, but could accurately instruct a student to the higher levels very well. So to me, it’s the students accomplishments, not necessarily yours. Of course, list yours too.
Going through the L program won’t hurt. If you just don’t feel you can spend that $$ now, you could always do it in a year or two.

[exvet]

To answer your specific question regarding the L program, I will say that I left someone I rode with for years in order to ride with two trainers/instructors with judging experience. One went through the L program and the other is a USEF S judge. Both have helped me where the other couldn’t. I don’t show as much as I use to but their perspective was definitely needed and is appreciated.

[ThreeFigs]

I’m struggling with this right now. I spent the last 10 years caring for aging relatives, settling estates, topping off the sadness with a happy marriage to the guy I had a crush on in high school. Over those years, I didn’t have much time for students, though I kept plugging away with my horse. So I don’t have a huge resume’ of student achievements. Now I’d love to have more students whether they show or not.

Hope to get some tips!

[netg]

I think if you want to focus on showing and training clients to show, the L program is a very good idea, particularly if you can graduate with distinction (which also makes you eligible for official judge training programs.) We use L grads for our schooling shows, so that would be another way to get your name known as well.

I show but not a lot, and having a trainer who can watch me ride and 90% of the time be within 1% of how a judge scores me in his estimate is very helpful. That eye means he can teach it to me in lessons as well. I had the kind of very specific needs when I went to him which I wouldn’t have gotten out of another trainer in town, and I found him through word of mouth. I don’t really know of any local trainers who advertise other than what’s on their facebook page or website, and it seems they’re all pretty busy. Just being around helps you figure out which trainers are most your style - but if I were writing a resume I would write it for the clients you want to attract. So if you want show clients, talk about that. My trainer likes to improve horse and rider relationships and while he loves to get some of us on the path to FEI, when it’s a rider with an very heavy on the forehand horse she’s afraid to ride and he can make it so they have fun together and trail ride comfortably, he also loves that. So some of us have warmbloods but he also has a larger number of non-warmbloods who may never see a show ring, and he finds that rewarding as well.

[kinscem]

I have had bad experience with trainers who are also judges. Or mostly judges and sometimes trainers. In a lesson they tend to see a “trained” horse instead of a horse in training. For example one judge/trainer spent a lot of time and wasted my time and my $$$ explaining 20m circle geometry to me and my horse, who is rather green and short attention span. After this bad experience I rode with relatively unknown rider yet also judge and she immediately pointed out exersises for my horse and 20m circle came as a magic :))
Anyways I want to ride with a trainer who can think and adapt to a particular horse and rider.

[Kerrysmom818]

Honestly, rather than a write-up, I would like to see a video of a current lesson being given or a video of a training ride. That would tell me a lot of what I’d need to know. I’m currently working with a great trainer who doesn’t show at all - but really knows her stuff, I’ve learned more from her in six months than I did in two years with my FT (who showed to GP level).

[swgarasu]

I do place value in completing the L program, I am not hugely competitive but I like to do a few shows each year, and it helps to have someone that knows specifically what the judges are looking for. Also, when I listen to Janet Foy or whoever, I am usually impressed with hearing her reasons for why she is looking for what she is looking for.
For me, because I want to ride FEI, it is important for me to see that the trainer has shown FEI, and they don’t have to have won, but they have to get what I would call a decent score (probably 63 or higher). So I would look for that on a resume.
Other than that I like to see training philosophy, and as someone else mentioned, I always want to see a trainer ride before I will consider them, so a video is a good idea too.
Finally, I do like to see who a person has trained with- they don’t have to be all big names, but I want to know where they learned and if it gels with what I have learned.
Hope that helps!

[rjr]

I am speaking as a quite serious 4th level amateur who will be starting the “L” program myself soon (i.e. possibly the kind of client you would want in your barn.) Seeing the “L” program on a resume does look good. It isn’t all that impressive as far at education - most decent pro’s have probably picked up an equivalent level of education somewhere along the way. But it does show a willingness to work with others, a belief in the USDF program, and possibly some plans to give back to the sport in the future through schooling show judging, judging, etc.

Also, the “L” program does give you the possibility of judging schooling shows – which is a great way to make yourself more known in the local community. Usually, that is a good thing for your business. I have been quite favorably impressed by several local professionals who I met by riding under them, scribing for them, or hiring them (at shows I was managing.) Of course there are a few where the impression was the other direction. Either way, word gets around, and people get to know more about you.

As for the resume - don’t worry about looking like you are bragging - the level you have ridden at (or # of GP horses), any regional championships or high placings, people you have worked with/for SHOULD be listed, no mater how long ago they were. But do it succinctly in a list. Then put another paragraph about what is important to you in this sport, and one about what it feels like to ride at your barn – those are as important as the medals.

[ladyj79]

Success developing horses and riders comparable to me and mine. I’m not a young rider and my horses generally start green. And tend to be smart but weird. So has to have some flexibility…Which generally means not overly German. With my horses, can be German with me haha

Ability to develop horses plural to or above the level I am aiming for. Not one horse. Not medals on horses others developed.

Honestly this may sound bad, but doesn’t harp on about Klassical dressage and the evils of competitive dressage. Those people tend to be awful. And have students who are awful and never get anywhere. And horses who are awful.

[JLR1]

A resume is the one place where you should brag…and be proud of any accomplishments you have had:). Highlight championship classes/scores, any medals, who you clinic with, if you are willing to work with all breeds. A video of you riding either schooling at home or a show would be helpful. I do value trainers who have taken the time and expense to go through the L Program. To me it not only shows a seriousness and commitment to the sport, but as a student I benefit particularly when it comes to show prep.

[Magicboy]

I like to see a trainer who has continued her/his own development and continues to participate in a clinic once in a while. Students success and progress is important to me, too

[CFFarm]

I think it depends on the clients you are looking for. I don’t teach much anymore but when I do teach I concentrate on beginning or returning adult riders. Most have anxiety problems and we work on making riding fun again. I also teach them horsemanship/horse care skills looking forward to when they have their own horses. There are several trainers in the area I recommend for those that want to progress in showing and getting their metals.

For those looking the go up the levels I think going for your “L” is good for you. German, French, Spanish programs don’t mean much to me. A good video speaks volumes.

[MysticOakRanch]

I want to see a trainer who has brought up horses - I don’t care if you have 68% at Grand Prix - I want to know YOU brought that horse up to GP! And I want to know that your students are advancing too. If your students are perpetually at Training Level, it doesn’t really matter what you have done.

I do think the L Program and other educational programs are important - it shows that you continue to invest in YOUR education, which translates to more information you can pass on to your students. I went through the L program and found it to be a very useful program - lots of good info and it helped me become a more savvy show rider. As a trainer, it can also help you explain to a student why they got a 6, instead of a 7 or 8, and that is part of teaching. I want to know who you ride with - I want to know you continue your education.

The other thing I want to see is how you actually coach students - in a lesson, at a show. So that may be a video on-line, or more likely, I’m going to want to come watch you. If you do have students who are showing, you could add a schedule of shows you are coaching at, then add updates after the show on how your students did. I would find that very valuable. BTW - that could even be done on Facebook - so perhaps a FB link on your regular website.

I also want to see a nicely maintained barn - doesn’t have to be new, but needs to be safe, clean, and comfortable. I want to see happy horses in the barn, and turnout for those horses. The horses need to be in decent weight, and if I get serious about leaving a horse with a trainer, I want to see the hay…

[Dutchmare433]

[QUOTE=Magicboy;8911443]
I like to see a trainer who has continued her/his own development and continues to participate in a clinic once in a while. Students success and progress is important to me, too[/QUOTE]

Yes, definitely this! Definitely don’t want to see someone who isn’t taking advantage of learning opportunities. Even if they don’t ride anymore, going to symposia, auditing clinics, furthering their education through the L program etc is a great sign.

I’ve enjoyed taking lessons with people who are both judging and actively competing, especially before shows they can give real insight on what they want to see from the judges box and how it might vary a bit from your average ride. I’ve also learned some tips/tricks for making certain movements/transitions look more seamless and have been able to pick up points that way.

I think what we’re looking for depends a lot on where we’re at in our riding/training. I’m currently on a young horse, and trying to find someone local who has experience bringing young horses up through the levels. If you’re looking at going for your silver or gold, you want someone who has students whom they have helped achieve those goals.

On your resume, do go ahead and brag (as long as it’s true), include people you’ve trained with, show results, particularly regional/national championship results. And results with scores…I’d much rather see someone who got 4th on a 75% in a competitive class than someone who won on 59%. Including big name people you’ve trained with can give a potential client insight on how you teach and treat horses and riders.

[Scribbler]

[QUOTE=ktedressage;8910351]
I know this probably a much talked about topic in the past, however I’ve been off of this board for years.

I have been training and riding for many years, and have had a few websites, business cards since then and have always struggled with writing my resume/accomplishments. To me, it seems a lot like bragging, and reading every other trainer’s write-up gets redundant. I’ve been working with an amazing publicist who mentioned that, “…all you former young riders write the same thing!”. It’s true.

So, what do you guys like to see on a trainer’s write-up?

Also, as a side note… I’ve been going through the L Program recently and have wondered, does this really make a difference in whether I get clients or not? Isn’t my riding ability and show accomplishments enough? It’s so expensive, I think by doing this I’m trying to talk myself out of it! Lol

How highly regarded are the USDF programs in your eyes? German riding programs, etc?[/QUOTE]

I haven’t gone out deliberately shopping for a new coach with an educated eye. I started out re-riding at a barn that was convenient, and luckily had a good coach, and switched over to my current coach when I leased a horse somewhere else. I know why I stayed with both these coaches, but not how I would go about finding them

However, I do read the resumes and websites of all the local trainers.

I’ve also been on a number of hiring committees at work, for instructors, though in a very different field. And I’ve applied for many, many, different kinds of jobs in my life! So I have some thoughts on CVs.

First, the CV is where you give people the clearest condensed version of what you have accomplished. It is not “bragging”; it is the basic data that people are going to use to decide whether to hire you or not. A CV should include your relevant education and certification, your relevant past work history, and your accomplishments, including those of your students. It should also include any education or certification currently in progress, which should be updated when it is completed.

It may be useful to have a brief chatty “write up” with a link to a point-form CV that clarifies details. It may also be useful to have a link to any verifying or supporting material, such as on-line horse show results, or articles you’ve written for local publications, or the credential or educational organizations you’ve mentioned.

So this would definitely include: medals levels, any high points awards, who your own instructor is, clinics you’ve taken, your students’ success, etc.

As far as what to include: include it all. But be truthful and accurate, and specific. Don’t say you’ve “trained with” if you’ve only done a two day clinic with a BNT. “Consistently in the ribbons” doesn’t mean much if it’s consistently a 5th place in a schooling show with five people per class. Etc.

Also show some well-edited video clips of you and your students riding their best. By well-edited, I mean under 4 minutes, all three gaits and some flashier moves, not ten minutes of trot. And not blurry or dropped camera, etc. A video of a good student doing an actual test would be great.

if I personally were shopping for a new coach, my number one question would be “how well do the long-term students ride?”, which is not exactly the same as “how much do her students win?” And I would evaluate this by the videos I could find. A coach that lucks into students with money to buy well-trained horses might have better luck in the show ring than one who is trying to bring up riders on green horses.

On the other hand, if I were looking for a show barn, I would want to know that I was entering a functioning show barn, where the coach was going to be able to get me out and about in a reasonable time frame.

And if I were looking for a program for a friend’s tween, I’d want evidence of kids having fun.

On the other hand, here are some things that I find are real red flags on coach websites:

Chatty write ups that start out “Suzie Trainer has had a lifelong love of horses, starting from her first Shetland pony Fuzzy Bear, with whom she shared many adventures including …” and then goes on for 2000 words.

I figure that means that Suzie Trainer has no real credentials, and is just trying to fill space on her home page.

Small name local coaches who say they have “trained” and “ridden with” all the biggest BNTs, when they can only have been short clinics.

It is of interest to know what trainers have influenced a coach, and what particular training philosophy they therefore follow. But someone who lists every single BNT clinician who has come through the region in the last 15 years, presents no clear picture of that. Perhaps list long-term trainer, and then clinics as well (maybe with dates).

People who fudge “qualifying” for the Olympics or the Pan Am Games into being “shortlisted” or “waitlisted.”

As far as how to package all this, that depends on the market you are planning to reach.

You can have a personable, chatty, well-edited bio written in paragraph form on your home page, where you talk in general about your aims, philosophy, achievements, and current project. And then you can link to a point form CV for the details.

[Calhoun]

Agree with others who mentioned continuing education or a trainer with a strong mentor.