I am beginning to get worried 
I’ve talked to the trainer about lessons etc and I know some of the required equipment (in barn colors). But I have no intention of buying a new saddle (this one was custom made to fit the horse) nor buying a new horse (this one hasn’t been beaten yet). Tho now that you mention it- he has let us ride a couple of his $$$$$$ WBs. Why do almost all trainers think you need a new horse when there isn’t anything wrong with the one you’ve got?
TxJumper - Everyone has given you great advice/questions to think about. One additional thing to consider: If this new trainer would be riding your horse (either occasionally or regularly) but hasn’t even seen him - maybe there’s a way to have the trainer ride your horse while you watch. Could you trailer in for a lesson or training session before making your decision?
I bet that you could tell in a heartbeat how the trainer likes your horse - and vice versa - if you could see him ride him.
Hattie
prayer is good… alcohol is better 
why do trainers want you to buy a new horse when there is nothing wrong with the one you have? easy: They may pay for rent and groceries out of training income, but the new car and house come from commissions…
Also, ask the new barn WHAT is included in the training care. One barn charges for Orvis shampoo every time the horse gets a bath. It also charges for trimming whiskers, pulling manes etc. At other barns the board/training total covers just about everything except for vet/farrier/shows.
Unless you are going to Fla or Indio with this new trainer, my suggestion is to wait 3 - 4 months before ordering all of the tack boxes/coolers etc. in barn colors. If this move does not work out for you, having 1000’s of $$$ worth of the wrong colored items is adding insult to injury.
Oooooh, I like that “test drive” idea.
Would be a real shame to have him dressed to kill in all the latest barn attire, only to find he wasn’t allowed off the property. If you get my drift. LOL
Espcially in the show season months, I DREAD opening that bill…gives me grey hair
My advice…
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Purchase sewing needle (large eyed, if you are over forty and have nearsightedness problems)
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Purchase a nice conservative color of thread, preferable in barn colors.
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SEW YOUR POCKETS SHUT
Lol Cactuskate.
I would have had to “audition” for my trainer except that I was buying a horse from him and he already knew me … normally he requires potential new boarders to ship in for a lesson so that he can make an assessment on both the rider and the horse.
That way there’s an understanding right from the start of what the long and short term goals are going to be.
