Monday, July 20, 2009

Horse Training Clinics - Surviving Your First Equestrian Clinic

By Faris Collins BHSI

If you have recently purchased a new horse and want to get to know them better then horse training clinics are a great way to build confidence and learn how to work with each other. You will learn new skills by participating in various equestrian clinics, and will get the opportunity to be taught by experienced horse trainers.

Equestrian clinics are open to novice and experienced riders alike, and most horse training centers will offer a variety of horsemanship training to cater for all levels.

Some tips to make your first clinic a success;

1. Make your booking ahead of time. Many horse owners are nowadays interested in horse training and so training clinics are regularly completely booked or else reserved.

If you miss out on a clinic, speak to the venue and reserve your place for the next one.

2. Look for horse training clinics close to home initially. Don't make a commitment to travelling your horse long distances if you are not sure how they travel.

3. If you need to transport your horse to the clinic they should be familiar with the trailer you are using on the day. You could have problems with loading them onto a strange trailer on the day of the clinic.

To make sure that you both arrive relaxed and calm, try out loading them onto the trailer a few days before. If they load OK, try travelling short distances as well.

4. It might be possible to find a clinic close to home that you can ride to. Ask around to see if anyone else wants to attend the clinic as well. Riding in company will help if either of you are nervous of riding out on your own.

5. It is best to book a recognised equestrian clinic as the quality of their training should be good. For example, does your local riding stables run clinics with guest horse instructors? What about a local equine college? They usually have excellent equestrian facilities and often hold public horse training clinics.

6. If possible, make contact with the instructor before the day of the clinic. If you are able to have the instructors phone number, phone them to introduce yourself and your horse. They should be happy to let you know what to expect from the clinic, and if there is any preparation you can do beforehand.

If you are completely prepared, you will be able to make the most of all of the various activities and exercises on the day.

7. Aim to leave early on the day of the clinic. You never know what may happen to delay you. You could have problems loading your horse, of you may hit heavy traffic. Leaving plenty of time will ensure that you drive safely are not stressed!

In addition, leave yourself loads of time to settle your horse once you get there because your horse may be ill at ease with the new surroundings or by the other people and horses.

8. As well as taking water and feed for your horse, also pack yourself lots of healthy snacks and water to drink.

Keeping hydrated throughout the day will enable you to remain alert and focused. This will help you get the most from your training sessions.

9. If you want to maximise the benefit of the clinic you will need to practice the lessons learned during the day. Back home go through the exercises again and see how much you improve over time.

To get the most from your first experience at a horse training clinic, do your planning in advance so you don't have any unpleasant surprises!

Use these tips, get lots of great training, and best of all - have an enjoyable time :)

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