Become an Irish Horsemanship Trainer

The register of Irish Horsemanship trainers contains a list of some of the most talented horse trainers in Ireland today. To become an Irish Horsemanship trainer, you will have an expertise in a chosen area – showjumping, starting youngsters, solving advanced issues, flatwork, etc.

You will also have a complete knowledge of how to nicely bring on a ridden horse and be able to explain, demonstrate and pass this knowledge onto others.

Irish Horsemanship trainers use what is best described as ‘good horsemanship’.

With good horsemanship, does not matter what tools or equipment is used. What matters that the trainer uses a thorough understanding of how a horse works – physically, emotionally and mentally, and can use this knowledge to work fairly and empathetically with the horse in the horse’s time.
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What do I need to become a Irish Horsemanship trainer, based in Ireland?

Firstly, you need to be amongst the most talented horse trainers in Ireland.

Secondly, you need to be able to teach in a nice way, to explain the concepts with patience and good humour, and to want to help your students as much as possible.

Thirdly, to be a great horse trainer you must be doing this because you love horses. As a good horse trainer, you will also be aware that horses are a never ending education, and approach all the horses you deal with bearing this in mind. Along with this, you must also have a hunger to keep learning more.

Lastly, remember horses are unlikely to make you rich, so becoming a horse trainer is not a path for wealth.

Can I become an Irish Horsemanship trainer if I am based aboard?

Yes, this is by invitation only. Any canvassing will disqualify.
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Specifically, what do I need to be able to do?

1. Ridden work. You must demonstrate that you have the ability to train a normal riding horse to a high ridden level.

2. Remedial work. You must display the ability to work with horses who have issues. This involves both the knowledge of what may causes various issues, and also the skills to handle and read a horse who needs remedial work. Cases can range from bargy ponies to highly dangerous horses who have the potential to hurt people badly so trainers will need to have the skills to deal with both ends of the spectrum. You never know exactly what type of horse you are going to see until you are at the yard.

3. Teaching ability. You will need to have the skills to patiently and kindly demonstrate and explain what you are doing to the horse’s owner. This requires good humour, patience, diplomacy and not to be watching the clock. You need to be able to get along with people as well as with horses.

4. Insurance and first aid. It is highly recommended that all instructors have coach insurance and a valid first aid certificate.

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Irish Horsemanship Trainer Assessments

New trainers plan coming in February 2010.

In exceptional circumstances highly talented & experienced horse trainers who fulfil all of the criteria above may be invited by Irish Horsemanship to join our list of approved Irish Horsemanship instructors. This is solely at the discretion of Irish Horsemanship. Canvassing is not permitted.

For more information on any of this, please contact Irish Horsemanship directly.

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