what i should charge to train a horse?

[Natasha D]

Fellow paid horse trainers, how much money do you get per day or week for training a horse? How do you do it? This will be my first paid training job, i've trained several horses, so i know how to do it, but they were all for friends and family. This one is for a friend of a friend, so I was thinking $200. It's just being trained for a trail horse that will be doing some playdays, nothing fancy. I'd be keeping it a minimum of 2 weeks, owners keep feed and hay at my house for it. also should i type up a legal document that would keep me from getting sued if something should happen to the horse and have both me and the owners sign it? if so, what should it say, thanks

[Gypsy Girl]

Consult a lawyer about the legal document. It will be well worth it if something does happen. As far as what to charge, that will be different depending on the part of the country you are in (assuming you are in the US). Call some trainers near you and pretend that you have a horse you want to train. Ask them your questions.

How much do you charge? Do you have a contract? How long does it take? and any other relevant questions that an owner would ask. Ask them about methods of training so you can determine if they are a reputable horse trainer or just a back yard trainer.

Search on "market research" and "horse training". You might find more information to help you.

[K'miri Minx]

I would charge 250.00 for the 2 weeks or 400 for the month.

[mike093068]

Training fee's vary greatly from area to area. around where I am 15 minutes from a heavily populated area Trainers get $450 to $2250 per month depending on the level of training.
We charge $450 to green break for trail riding.

20 miles farther out it drops to $400 - $650 unless its one of the better specialty trainers.

It depends on what your area market will support. and how well you are known. Just starting out I would undercut everyone else by at least $50 per month and make a good name for myself, Get that reputation of giving the customer what they pay for and being honest and you will have no shortage of business. Get that bad reputation of half assing a horse and cheating your customers you wont be able to give free training.
As for your liability use a attorney that understands the equine laws in your state, sure it cost a bit but one lawsuit and you will be glad you have your bases covered.

[Leenc]

The best thing to do is call different stables in your area and get a round about figure then go below that.