What's the average price of a horse trainer?

Yes, that does seem fairly inexpensive, but younger and less well-known trainers do have to cut their prices to compete in this economy and market. I usually charge around $65 for a forty-five minute lesson, more if I have to travel, and less if the owner pre-purchases a certain amount of lessons. For training rides, I usually charge a flat rate of $50 a horse. Sometimes I do discounts for multiple horses over a long period of time. And the prices are steeper if I'm riding or coaching at a show. But I didn't start out charging this much. I started out basically like your friend's trainer, charging $20 a horse because I didn't have the name or reputation to compete with the big trainers in my area yet.

Wish I had read Kicking Bear's reply last spring before my 2 went for training. I paid $30.00 per hour plus board. I made appointments to see them worked 3 times but he was a no show. Terrific idea to see the trainer work someone else's horse. I brought one home after 30 days as she had been trained 2 years ago. She chewed the bit and stumbled constantly. The other mare hurt her hip and I really don't know what he did with her. She is scared of the saddle and surcingle so I haven't ridden her. I had a lady that does Monty Roberts training give the first mare 2 round pen lessons and she really improved and is doing great now. The second mare went for a 5 day clinic from the same lady. She bucked the first 2 times but the lady rode her the last 2 days with no problems. If only a horse could talk they could probably tell some terrible stories about what was done to them. Don't take anyone's word check the trainer out yourself. I found out the hard way and my horses suffered for it.

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Me personally, I would think they have little experience. The good trainers I know all insist on seeing the horse first before setting a price. Mostly to make sure they are not undercharging for the services requested.

I would watch her/him work with the other 3 horses first. The price alone is enough to send up a red flag. The fact that she is not known in the area because she just moved is another red flag. And frankly, any trainer that advertises by the hour for horse training - not riding lessons, actual horse training - that sends up some huge red flags also.

That's pretty close...

Think of it this way...if you sent a horse to a trainer for '30 days' training...that would equal out to $600 for 30 days. Which is about average for a professional and experienced trainer.

She also is saying $20 per session. I'm guessing that's "per" horse too. And being up front about the time spent per horse is very 'up front' about the trainer. Because sometimes the 'lessons' are only 15 or 20 minutes...or as long as it takes to get what the trainer is after...which could be 2 hours or more.

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In my area the going rate is $800-$900.00 per month If someone is inexperienced don't have them train anything