I think it is unfortunate that young riders will take a few courses [good riders I might add], and the next thing you know they are handing you a business card telling you they have a training school.
I know saddle makers that have done the same thing...a two week course and they are in business. I taught a 10 month course and couldn't say any one of the students would be capable of building a good saddle.
Experience is what qualifies you, not training!
But we are talking about trainers. Here is a true story.....
I had a potential customer in my shop who refreshingly admitted she was new to the horse world and was open to advice from the experienced.
I showed her and her 12 year old daughter around my shop and gave them a quick lesson in saddle design. This included an overview of how important saddle fitting was and I showed them all kinds of saddles and saddle trees and explained how they worked. I also pointed out the merits of owning a Bar None saddle.
I could tell she was running short of time. She said she had to get her daughter to a riding lesson! So I cut the chatter and escorted her to her car where she wanted an opinion on a saddle she had bought.
On the way I asked, "who is your daughter's trainer?"......her reply.."I can't remember her name, I think it's Jeannie?...she is 16 years old".
I would like to tell you more but I have a dentist appointment. I can't remember his name...I think it's Fred. He's about 16 years old. I sure hope he knows what he is doing!
