When you ask for credentials what exactly are you looking for? Show records? Number of horses trained? Degree/Certification?
I'm actually not sure of the details of the nomination process. Maybe Ramon will fill in...if not I will find out.
Here's my bio:
I have to say that I was just as surprised as the next person that I was nominated. I do not train horses for a living. I do not advertise myself as a professional horse trainer. Frankly, I've never advertised to train horses. The horses that need me, always seem to find me.
I have worked with a variety of different breeds including Saddlebreds, Arabs, Morgans, Tennesse Walkers, Warmbloods and now Paso Finos. My background is Dressage. I learned the basics on my Arabian gelding and I purchased my Warmblood @ 5 months and rasied/trained him myself through 2nd Level. I only showed him locally thru 1st level, but we were schooling 3rd level when I sold him. (I sold him to buy a small "herd" of paso finos!)
I worked at a Morgan breeding farm for a few years which I handled/rode their stallion, assisted with breeding, worked with the babies - haltering, tying, standing, leading, etc. I also started the youngsters (3yrs+) under saddle and got them solid on the trail and "green broke" basics. I have also worked at a Tennesse Walking horse breeding farm and finally a Paso Fino Farm where I did much of the same...handled/rode ther 3 stallions, assisted in AI breeding, handled the babies and started youngsters under saddle - solid basics and trail.
Along the way, I have started countless (too many to name and many not registered) youngsters and fixed many "problem" horses. I guess my area of "expertise" would be rehabilitation....both physical and mental. Most horses come to me via word of mouth for one reason or another. Sometimes the horses is ready to kill their owner (bared teeth, kicking other dangerous behavior). Sometimes the horse is just "off" and the owner needs help making their horse happy and comfortable...and helping the owner continue that process! I do not train gaited horses any different than non-gaited horses. Everything is based off the simple idea of Self-Carriage and Self-Balance. Allow the horse to travel straigt, free and relaxed. Flexibility and dexterity are key. All horses work in all gaits (including canter). When I work with a horse, it is so much more than riding/training; it's always about understanding the horse. Developing that clear communication and mutual respect. Every horse I've ever worked with has always appreciated my work. I can't say the same for people...which is why I don't advertise and train professionally.
That's it. No fancy titles or credentials or show record. Just a bunch of horses who are hopefully better off.
That sounds like the best kind of trainer to me Mandy. Sounds like you go in ready to battle and come out riding.....kudos. I see what my horses trainers do and I sure could not do it...Thanks for helping all those horses and owners....
Well...I wouldn't call it battle! It is actually a whole lot of listening to the horse! Horses are actually very easy if you understand their language and thought process. It is all about effective communication, developing a relationship and trust. I can honestly say that I've never had a "problem" horse. The "problem" is always man-made in one way or another. I have seen the devastating effects of improper riding and training. I own an 25 yr old Arab that I couldn't fix as a 12 yr old because he was too far gone. He is so sway backed...about 4 inches down from wither to mid-back, all from years of "forced" or false collection....which is unfortunately very prevalent in the paso fino world. It is so very sad for the horses, because they are always willing to learn if there is a better way...one free of pain and torture (again...mental and physical). The problem usually lies in the fact that the owners aren't willing to learn, or worse...they think they already know or out for the "quick-fix"!
Here you go…you need to be a member of the PPRPFFA to be able to vote. I just want to give you all a peek into the federation process for this award.
The PPRPFFA Trainer of the Year Award was develop last year to recognize and honor the hardworking people behind the scenes, not only for successful show results, but also for their outstanding team spirit, commitment to sportsmanship and ability to promote our breed on and off the competition stage; the hard work by those who prepare and maintain our most valuable team members - our horses.
PPRPFFA Trainer of the Year Eligibility Guidelines:
1. The individual we honor must be a member of PPRPFFA. They should be offering up their expertise in their place of business, and actively involved in our organization.
2. This award is presented to the year most successful trainer who best cooperates with members and the federation.
Qualities Considered:
The recipient must have the following qualities to be considered for this award:
1. Horsemanship
2. Good sportsmanship
3. Promotes the breed
4. Friendly attitude
5. Well respected within the federation (PPRPFFA).
A trainer meeting these requirements and having these qualities should take precedence over someone lacking in these qualities, but winning several classes. However, class winners will not be excluded from consideration for this award.
Selection and Presentation:
Nominees for the award are selected by committee members of current federation members. These committee members may include past winners and/or nominees. Committee members attend the Celebration and Fall Classic shows as well as other Regional shows and Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino functions throughout the year. The Winner is awarded a beautiful trophy at the Celebration Show.
Mandy! all sounds great! keep up the GREAT JOB! I think you have truly defined the word TRAINER! in my opinion. Wow.......................... that was deep, and i enjoyed reading word by word...
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