Welcome to Trainer Tuesday! Each week we ask trainers a question and gather their answers for you. These trainers have a range of experience, backgrounds, and focus points of their programs, so the answers have as much variation as you would expect and also probably much more similarity.
This week’s question posed is: What are your expectations for parents of your students who choose to stay and watch a lesson or the warm up at a horse show?
Here are their answers:
“My expectations would include parents finding the balance between providing emotional support and not interfering with the learning process and the educational environment the trainer is creating.” -Rob Van Jacobs
Read more from Rob and listen to him on The Plaidcast here.
“I love when parents are supportive and a huge part of their kids’ lives! Saying that, they also need to respect that they pay me to be their kids’ trainer! They should watch and not be on top of me or their kid. Water is for before and after the lesson, and discussions and questions are the same!” –Dana Hart-Callanan
Read more from Dana here.
“My expectations are for them to have an encouraging word and a sip of water for their kid during breaks. If they are capable of helping jump crew and/or manure clean up, extra bonus points! Sideline coaching, negative remarks about anyone’s performance, or poor sportsmanship are a major no-no. Parents are there to be support crew. As a coach, setting a good example and having clear expectations for parents creates a positive culture in your program that helps everyone thrive in a positive educational environment.” -Allyson Hartenburg
Read more from Allyson here.
