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Hopefully, you will be able to gain enough insight into how best to resolve your particular problems. The clinician is there to help you. The last thing in
world you should want at a clinic is for your horse to go perfectly or for you to ride perfectly. You are paying for help, so if you are ever going to make mistakes, this is time to do it. That way you can really get your money’s worth. If clinician never sees problem, there isn’t much they can do to help you take care of it. Don’t be timid about asking questions. I know that when I am teaching a clinic I want questions. That shows me that they are paying attention and have a sincere interest. You may not have chance to work with that individual again so be sure you learn as much as possible. If something is mentioned to either you or another rider and you don’t quite understand it, go ahead and ask. I never want a student to go away from any of my clinics without understanding what was discussed.
In summery let me say that one of aims of an instructor is to impart as much knowledge as they can, in a given period of time, in such a way that each and every rider can improve and continue to grow in their riding and training abilities. As a participant in a clinic you should watch and listen to everything being said. It may not be something that you need right now, but you never know what you might encounter later with your current horse or next one. If you have opportunity to attend a clinic, don’t hesitate. There are many very capable clinicians available today in all riding disciplines. Take advantage of opportunity to work with someone different and if you make it a real learning experience, you just may gain some valuable information that can help you now and well into future.
You have permission to copy and reuse this article provided there are no changes made to article and credit is given to author and link to his website remains in place. Please notify him by email if you are going to use this article. You may contact Bill Dunigan through his website: http://www.BarrelRacingClinic.com
Bill Dunigan has been teaching and competing in excess of 40 years. He has taught and competed in Barrel Racing, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, Dressage and served as President of a local Dressage Association. During this time, he Fox Hunted four days a week with two different Hunt clubs, one of which he served as Joint Master. Bill qualified six years in a row for the World Championships with the National Barrel Horse Association.
