So was full training supposed to be 3 rides/lessons per week, or 6 (so 3 of both)?
It’s crappy that you agreed to 3 lessons/week, but if after week 1, and no 3 lessons, why not say something?
You should also ask for a log of all the rides she’s supposedly been doing…
[QUOTE=Red Barn;8116082]
Sure.
But my original comment was just a general observation - namely, that people seem oddly tolerant of ordinary, non-threatening rudeness/slackness/thoughtlessness on the part of trainers, where they wouldn’t be nearly so tolerant in other circumstances.
Of course, if you’re already on bad terms with someone and exiting the situation, then that’s something else again.[/QUOTE]
I know in my case, the lack of certainty on time, for example, is actually a good sign. My trainer takes however long he takes in every lesson. Especially when my mare was new under saddle we had many 20 minute lessons because we wanted them to be as short as possible. Other times, particularly on my gelding, I have had lessons go for an hour and a half if necessary. It means we can not expect lesson times to be exact, but that’s a plus.
In addition to that, trainers have to deal with clients scheduling last minute or cancelling last minute, which makes it harder for them to keep a set schedule.
On the other hand, that doesn’t excuse and of the many and varied types of misbehavior we often see reported here!
[QUOTE=netg;8116285]
I know in my case, the lack of certainty on time, for example, is actually a good sign. My trainer takes however long he takes in every lesson. Especially when my mare was new under saddle we had many 20 minute lessons because we wanted them to be as short as possible. Other times, particularly on my gelding, I have had lessons go for an hour and a half if necessary. It means we can not expect lesson times to be exact, but that’s a plus.
![/QUOTE]
There’s a difference between what you’re describing and either going to a lesson late and teaching for fifteen minutes, or just plain not showing up at all.
23
[QUOTE=Red Barn;8116213]
I understand your point.
But, as has just been pointed out, this trainer has apparently been slacking off for three whole months, while charging full price for training.
That’s not a trivial amount of money.
Do you really think the OP should keep on paying fees for nonexistent lessons, just to avoid “bad feelings”?
:eek:
That sounds a lot like extortion to me.[/QUOTE]
I didn’t say it wasn’t. 
but I’ve seen it as a factor in decision making.
I feel like you’ve kind of been unsatisfied in general with the trainer, so just consider this the final straw. Move on, find a place that suits your needs better. Good luck, and glad to hear that you got things sorted out with your mare.
This story sounds very familiar to me, as I had the same issue with the horse I had just bought not getting the training sessions I had paid for. When I would try to meet with said trainer, she was a no-show with a poor excuse. If my guess is correct, this no-show trainer is your current trainer (small world, huh?). Cut your losses, I left after a month of phone tag and other games that were ultimately a massive waste of time and money.
[QUOTE=Synthesis;8116336]
I didn’t say it wasn’t. but I’ve seen it as a factor in decision making.[/QUOTE]
Yep.
I’ve seen it too. I just wonder why people keep doing it, since it only re-enforces crappy behavior.
Sounds like the OP’s over it now, though, so YAY. :yes:
Just confirming that sugar rush is in fact talking about the same person as dontskip.
Wow. I’m all for giving notice EXCEPT in the case of major, major issues such as fraud or abuse. This is fraud. Leave. Without paying another dime, assuming you have paid for April and can move by the end of the month. Heck, I’d even send her a letter after I moved my horse and threaten to take her to small claims court.
ETA: I would also report her in the form of bad reviews, getting the news out, etc. She will continue to defraud people if nobody stands up.
[QUOTE=netg;8116285]
In addition to that, trainers have to deal with clients scheduling last minute or cancelling last minute, which makes it harder for them to keep a set schedule.[/QUOTE]
As a professional, I expect to be on time for your lesson. The only exception will be that there was an emergency. If I’m unable to make your lesson I will notify you in advance. I send out a general email before the last week of the month about scheduling issues for the next month. This is called being professional.
So, I expect the same notice. I keep a full schedule of riding and lessons and more often than not I’m on time. Of course some lessons are shorter but, I seldom go longer. If you can’t get it done in an hour then it probably isn’t going to get done.
I’d not give a trainer a pass for being uncommunicative. The OP asked for lessons not training rides and I think she should have gotten them or been told why.
Trouble communicating, and trouble scheduling - it’s easier for your trainer to ride the horse because that’s 100% on her schedule. She doesn’t need to actually show up “on time” to give you a lesson. Heck, you say yourself she’s impossible to pin down because she’s not at the barn when you expect her.
This does not sound like a person who’s likely to be a reliable teacher for you.
Did you sign a boarding contract that says you must give 30 days notice?
I missed that part. If not, just go. She would have no problem walking out on you or tossing you out if she needed the space.
I usually don’t advocate leaving like this or burning bridges, but I don’t think anyway is going to work out perfect with her and everything will end up with a pissing match. Avoid pissing matches, just leave as quietly and with as little drama as possible.
Just leave.
It’s not a bridge worth maintaining, anyway.
I agree, what bridge? Nobody built a bridge of trust, or professionalism. You don’t want to be associated with this one, so there’s nothing to stay for.
As for 30 days notice, if you had a contract with her, please note: she has broken your contract. You don’t have a contract with her any more. Leave.
Honestly, OP, I don’t understand the confusion. You have no contract. This person is unreliable and unprofessional. You have no reason to stay. Save your money and find regular board somewhere else until you find a trainer you want to train with. Until then, its a no brainer. Why would you continue to pay this woman?
Also, do not pay her any more training board! I would only pay her board for any days I am physically there. Otherwise, she’s SOL and she can blame herself for it.
34
Oh, well then that’s fine, just pay for board, no training or lessons, and let things settle. If you want lessons, truck out to someone else or move then. That would work. As long as you trust her to stay off your horse and not ride it, then ask for fees. BTDT.
[QUOTE=meupatdoes;8116996]
Just leave.
It’s not a bridge worth maintaining, anyway.[/QUOTE]
In this case I think the trainer already burnt it
[QUOTE=ako;8116696]
Wow. I’m all for giving notice EXCEPT in the case of major, major issues such as fraud or abuse. This is fraud. Leave. Without paying another dime, assuming you have paid for April and can move by the end of the month. Heck, I’d even send her a letter after I moved my horse and threaten to take her to small claims court.
ETA: I would also report her in the form of bad reviews, getting the news out, etc. She will continue to defraud people if nobody stands up.[/QUOTE]
Whoa there! This is NOT a fraud case!
The OP has a reduced rate for boarding and got more rides from the trainers than what she is paying for.
No, she didn’t get the lessons BUT the trainer still trained the horse plenty enough to cover whatever the OP is paying.
OP, if you want those lessons, talk with the trainer and make it happen.
If not, then move both your horses.
No big deal.
[QUOTE=SugarRush;8116491]
This story sounds very familiar to me, as I had the same issue with the horse I had just bought not getting the training sessions I had paid for. When I would try to meet with said trainer, she was a no-show with a poor excuse. If my guess is correct, this no-show trainer is your current trainer (small world, huh?). Cut your losses, I left after a month of phone tag and other games that were ultimately a massive waste of time and money.[/QUOTE]
Not even related to the topic at hand but you owe me a coffee… I saw your location and cackled into my drink… :lol: It may have earned me some inquiring glances.
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