How to choose someone to back your horse?

[Cariadxx]

I have a 3 year old section d filly who I will be getting backed next year. I'm also due DC2 in January and only rent a field with zero facilities so doing it myself is not an option. I've never had to choose a trainer before as when I've had the section As backed I've done most of it myself and then there's very few people small enough to finish them off but now there's a huge number and I've no idea what to do!
She's a typical d, bit bolshy but kind and has an anxious streak. Not sure whether to go for the local person who does lots of bitless and bridle free riding with clicker training etc and loads of mountain hacking which replicates our area more (she's happy to train with a bit as well) or someone a bit more mainstream with less off road hacking but more facilities and good reviews. I wonder if I'm pandering to the fact she's a bit anxious and actually she needs someone no nonsense? Or maybe she needs someone more NH. There is a monty person but she's too far to take myself with a small baby, and I can't really afford £250/ week on maternity pay when the others are £175-200.
Some advice would be appreciated!

Whereabouts are you based? I can recommend a couple of good people in Cheshire?

Ask to go and watch them training. Lots! Ask for several references from clients who have had their horses sent there. Ask lots of questions. Make sure you are really comfortable with whoever you choose.
Personally I would also want open access to going and watching them training my horse too.

I would also prefer to wait six months or a year longer if it meat being able to afford the right trainer over saving money and getting it wrong. An extra year won't make a huge deal of difference to your horse. I don't have mine started properly till 5.

We're in south Wales. I'm not sure waiting a year would be of any benefit because then I'll be paying a small fortune on nursery fees 😪 so may still not have the money, plus the monty person is about 70 miles away so I can't exactly pop there to check up. I just don't know what to do.

Go watch them work other peoples horses

I'm more traditional, i'd avoid bitless if you want to do any local showing etc.

When people come to me, i can give them references, they can see my own youngsters work and get an idea of the vibe of me and how my ponies behave with me etc. i mostly have repeat clients though and try not to do it as often any more as it take away time from doing my own

I occasionally take horses in for boot camp and backing. I'm miles away so no help but I thought I'd pass on advice that has helped to make the experience cheaper for owners.

Horses normally come without the basics being done. Sometimes they're not even halter trained so this dramatically slows things down. So I suggest lots of in hand leading and if it's safe leading out in traffic as much as you can. Brushing up on manners and if you're confident get your cob lunging gently and bitted. The more you can do at home the time will be cut down at livery.

Next be very clear about what you'd like to do with your cob in the 12 months following backing. Will they be turned away or will you want to hack and or compete? This will help
You narrow down which yards are suitable. Also if you can get a saddle fitted to your youngster ready to send with her and ask that this is used, get her teeth and back checked and her feet done. This stops any delay incase she has wolf teeth or needs some treatment. It would be easier for this to do at home before they go off. £200 is what I charge and this does include lessons from me so you have a smooth transition to ridden work. I would t consider a yard that doesn't do this. I would also ask to speak to customers that have had work done or view horses they are currently working on and how they are going. Best of luck, happy to answer any questions if I can x

Thanks both, I've narrowed it down to a few people and will do some more research and meet them before deciding.
The bitless person does back with a bit as well so although I'm not a showing person we would definitely use a bit!! Although it is sometimes useful to have the option, my section A is currently bitless due to a dental issue and if she didn't take to it then DC couldn't ride and the pony would be a lot more bored (her mood vastly improved when we started to ride her after not for 2 months).

Defo echo @crinkletits

Get teeth, back etc all looked at, make sure your tack fits, and do as much groundwork as possible before they go. This should speed things up and make it easier for your pony to transition to ridden life.