Whether you’re an advanced rider, new to equestrian sport or are muddling through the middle (where most of us find ourselves), participating in a clinic is an important step for improved riding in any setting.

Clinics are a popular and powerful tool when it comes to passing on the passions and principles of excellent riding. They provide an ideal opportunity to learn from top instructors from all over the world and are an especially important resource for riders without regular access to quality instruction.

Clinics provide an ideal opportunity to learn from top instructors from all over the world and are an especially important resource for riders without regular access to quality instruction. Here, Beezie Madden coaches a horse-and-rider team at a clinic in Wellington, Florida. ©Amy K. Dragoo

Five-time Olympian Anne Kursinski encourages riders to believe in themselves and their abilities during clinics at her Market Street stable in Frenchtown, New Jersey. “I push you in these clinics because I believe you can do more. I believe the horses can do more,” she noted. “I push you to get you out of your comfort zone so you can experience something different.”

With the goal of doing your best and making a good impression, your clinic preparation can be as simple as sticking to your regular warm-up routine, making sure your horse is clean and well groomed, polishing your tack and boots and remembering to pack everything you might need. Here, we look at how you and your horse can best prep to get the most from your next clinic.

How to Prepare for a Clinic

Some riders approach a clinic with the same focus as shows, while others are more relaxed. It depends on what you aspire to gain from the experience. Most riders are there to further their knowledge, improve their riding and expand their and their horse’s comfort zones.

Some riders approach a clinic with the same focus as shows, while others are more relaxed. It depends on what you hope to gain from the experience. ©Amy K. Dragoo

Before attending a clinic, U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver and gold medalist and dressage clinician J.J. Tate suggests ensuring both you and your horse are fit and sound in order to get the most of out of your participation. “I also make sure that if we’ve traveled, my horse is comfortable in the new surroundings so the experience isn’t wasted on getting him to relax,” she advised.

Here are some other simple ways you can prepare for a clinic:

1. Horse and rider turnout: Make sure your horse looks pristine and is meticulously groomed from hoof to poll; while you don’t need to dress in show or formal attire, make sure your appearance is neat. Opt for a solid-colored top, tucked in to clean breeches with a simple belt and make sure your boots are clean and well polished.

2. Tidy tack: Your saddle, bridle, horse boots/wraps, saddle pads and any other tack or equipment you use should be clean, polished, fit well and in good repair.

3. Arrive early: Whether you’re attending a local day clinic or are traveling a long distance for a multi-day event, arrive in plenty of time for your horse to get acclimated to the new environment. You know your horse best; if he tends to take longer to adjust to new surroundings, plan accordingly.

Watching others during a clinic can help you identify areas in your own riding that might need improvement. ©Amy K. Dragoo

4. Savvy warm-up: Don’t overly complicate your warm-up. Focus on sticking with your normal routine that works best for your horse. For example, you might let him trot on longer rein to stretch out a bit before asking him to collect and get on your aids—if that tends to help him warm up more efficiently. Or, if your horse is somewhat anxious in the clinic environment, use your warm-up to ensure he’s relaxed, balanced and on your aids.

At her clinics, Kursinski stresses that clear communication starts on the flat. “The better you get the horses trained off the aids on the flat, the better they will jump,” she said. 

5. Mental prep: Well before you attend a clinic, take inventory of any specific challenges you and your horse are currently working through and be prepared to ask questions on how you can improve.

6. Stay present: Ditch your phone, clear your mind of other distractions and breathe deeply, so you can 100% focus on how your horse feels and are prepared to listen and absorb what you learn.

Remain open to new ways of doing things; you never know what might click for you and your horse. ©Amy K. Dragoo

7. Ask questions: You’ve likely paid a lot of money to attend a clinic, so take full advantage of the opportunity and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you need further clarification on anything. If something isn’t working for your particular horse, speak up and provide honest feedback.

8. Observe others: Carefully watch other riders while listening to the clinician’s instructions. Watching others can help you identify areas in your own riding that might need improvement and learn how to better communicate with your horse.

9. Be open and have fun: Be respectful of differing opinions and remain open to new ways of doing things. You never know what might click for you and your horse. For example, a lot of riders tend to hang on their inside reins especially while turning. At her clinics, Kursinski helps riders become more aware of this by having them hold the inside rein with a turned over hand (like a driving rein). “This makes your inside rein connection softer and is just a different exercise to develop feel,” she explained.

Above all, have fun and enjoy the clinic experience with your horse!

Clinic Packing & Prep Checklist

Use our handy clinic packing checklist to set you and your horse up for success. ©Amy K. Dragoo
  • Registration (and waivers)
  • Stabling for your horse
  • Hotel or other accommodations for you
  • Coggins, vaccination record and health certificate as required
  • Saddle
  • Saddle pad(s)
  • Bridle(s)
  • Girth(s)
  • Halter/lead rope
  • Muck bucket, fork, shavings
  • Hay, grain, supplements, treats
  • Water bucket(s)
  • Cooler/blanket
  • Grooming gear
  • Stall sign with your horse’s name, list of medications or medical issues and emergency contact information
  • Helmet, gloves, crop, spurs
  • Clothes, including extra breeches
  • Food, snacks, water
  • Camera
  • Notebook
  • Basic first aid kit

Participating in Clinics on a Budget

If you’re on a tighter budget these days, but are still interested in reaping the benefits of attending clinic without breaking the bank, consider auditing. Many clinicians, trainers and event organizers offer auditing a clinic at a much lower price than participating with your horse. While auditing doesn’t provide the hands-on experience of riding with your favorite professional, you can still gain a wealth of useful information by carefully listening, taking notes and even recording the clinician’s instructions (if allowed).

Many clinics offer the option of auditing at a much lower fee. This is a great option for riders who are on a budget, but still want to gain the benefits of participating in a clinic. ©Amy K. Dragoo

Watching what works and doesn’t work for those riding in the clinic also provides helpful visual lessons that you can take home and apply with your own horse. Plus, many clinicians also welcome questions from auditors as part of the experience, so you might be able to get advice on anything specific you and your horse are working on.

Clinic Resources

Read more about the exercises Anne Kursinski has participants practice at her clinics here.

To find clinics near you or with your favorite trainer:

  • Check with your local riding association/club, trainer and friends.
  • Google your favorite trainers and check their schedules which are typically published on their website or social media pages. Get on their email lists and follow them on social media.
  • Visit with other riders and local barns.
  • You can also find clinic schedules with the following organizations: U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, U.S. Eventing Association and USDF.