How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Clinic Experience

Between high-performing genetics and the advancement of horsemanship knowledge, the horse industry has come a long way over the past five decades. Despite the undeniable growth, there are certain foundational principles that have not changed. One such principle is the learning experience that a trainer must go through in order to help their horse(s) reach their full potential. One thing to remember about the horsemanship journey is this: Bad experiences are learning experiences. Those times when you are being challenged and tested are the times when you have a chance to grow. When you look at each experience from a growth perspective, all experiences become good experiences when you have the opportunity to learn something. One of the biggest changes in the horse industry is how accessible horsemanship knowledge has become. These days, there are tons of free resources, online videos, and outstanding clinics, seminars, and expos that are available to spread the wealth of knowledge. At my clinics, I always say that your biggest goal at a clinic should be to leave with a new perspective. Sometimes, the slightest change in your mindset toward a particular situation can be the missing piece that bridges the gap between struggle and success. You may train 10 horses, and 9 out of 10 times, your method of communication with your horse works—but that tenth time, your horse may not respond the way the others did. In situations like this, it is easy to become frustrated. If you want to continue moving the needle forward in your training career, you have two choices: 1) be patient and continue to ask for the response, or 2) change your communication slightly to help your horse understand better. No two horses are exactly alike. They each have different personalities, tendencies, and abilities. Therefore, each horse is going to require a slightly different pattern of communication from you. Until you open yourself up to new points of view and new ways of solving a problem, you will likely struggle to improve your horse’s performance and understanding. Once you embrace this mindset, your training program will escalate rapidly. Anytime you are working with a horse, remember to be less concerned with perfection and more concerned with your application and execution of a concept. Progress will come with consistent, correct repetitions.