I have an OTTB that I would ideally like to ride on trails and maybe fox hunt, and I would like to find a trainer who could evaluate him for those disciplines and train him to be a solid, safe mount for me if he is suitable. Anyone know of such a trainer? I am in Florida but willing to consider trainers anywhere. Looking for someone with solid reputation and integrity. Thanks!
Take him to an event trainer. I have had several of ours trained by an event trainer in Ocala. Their schedule was usually trail rides on Mondays, show jumping on Tuesdays, dressage on Wednesdays, cross country on Thursdays, dressage on Fridays, compete on the weekend. My horse’s learned to work alone and in a group. The horses learned about trailering and behaving inew places. Eventing at the lower levels is good preparation for the trails.
Elisa Wallace
Most of what’s done on the trail or in the field is the application of basic stuff taught in the school. There’s really not “secret stuff” that requires a “specialized” trainer.
First question is the horse, it’s combination of temperament, conformation, and way of going. It is suitable or not? If not what’s the deficiency and can it be remedied with reasonable in put of time (and money)?
If it’s suitable to hunt field or trail then you set the basics (stand quietly for mount and dismount; establishment of quiet movement at various gaits; smooth transition between gaits; the ability to move laterally and backwards; etc.).
Once this is done then you can actually go out, best with an experienced horse and rider, and learn about crossing water, narrow trails, deer, bear, dogs, bikes, people wearing backpacks, etc. If the temperament is right these things won’t be much of an issue. If they are then maybe temperament isn’t right.
It’s really all about intelligent application of the basics, not the acquisition of some set of specialized skills.
G.
What “G” said.
As a lifelong trail rider, I can say he is a LOT more PC about it than I would have been.
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It’s really all about intelligent application of the basics, not the acquisition of some set of specialized skills.
G.
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^^^Yes, that is bottom line, coupled with a lot of common sense on the part of the rider.
There is good reason why this thread has 190+ hits and less than a handful of replies.
There are active groups in Florida in both the competitive trail and endurance riding worlds who might be able to help you. You didn’t mention wanting to do distance riding but nobody knows more about riding in the great outdoors than these people do. I’ve done both endurance and competitive trail and have found most of the people involved to be very helpful and generous with advice.
I just checked the SE Distance Riders website - www.distanceriding.org - and under their “mentors” tab there are 12 mentors listed in various parts of Florida. Someone may be able to recommend a trainer, or possibly talk you into trying to do the necessary training yourself, possibly with their help. Hope you find what you’re looking for and have fun doing it!
Thank you to you and all for your input. Can you give me the name of the trainer you used in Ocala?
Thank you, I will look her up.
Yes, agreed, thank you for your thoughtful reply and to the others as well. I agree I need to have my horse evaluated in terms of temperament, in particular, in regards to what career path may best suit him. Any suggestions on who I might take him to for that? In Florida, preferably. Thanks again.
Thank you for that link and your kind wishes!
Yes, and thanks 
I think the suggestion to consider an event trainer is a good one, but be sure to ask how much hacking out they do (if getting actual trail/out and about miles is important to you as part of the training). Some event trainers do a ton of hacking and others very little depending on location, time and other constraints.
