Clinics … are they a lesson?

Lilly-Mayspookatbags

Lilly-Mayspookatbags

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A lot of clinics now you seem to book a time slot and just go … no grouping of abilities or attempt to set a base line prior for the lesson.

You could be jumping 1m20 and be in the same lesson as someone who can only jump 20cm! These aren’t poles on the ground / flat lessons either!

Very frustrating as someone trying to get out with a very green youngster who wants a nice not overwhelming lesson. I suppose my answer is to just go and chance it.
 
I would have thought a call or message to the organiser/person leading the clinic first would be preferable to just chancing it? Otherwise you could end up out of pocket for a not very useful session, or your young horse having a negative experience while you're building their confidence getting out and about.
 
Not done a clinic for some time but yes generally found they have slots re ability or when I was very first taking my ex racehorse out I’d say what I was after so could fit in with others. Occasionally if very small number may find different levels in one lesson but would do a group bit then work on own bit and instructor could still assess and help.
 
Oh gosh … sounds like it’s a local thing ! There’s about 4/5 near me where’s it just time based. Classic poles/jump/gridwork clinic. There’s range from groups of 3 up to 5.

If I travel further a field ( about an hour and 20) I can find height grouped but they tend to start at 60cm + and are more technical which we aren’t quite ready for …. but maybe this is my only option.
 
For jumping, definitely all the clinics I've done have been based on ability. Of course, there might be variances within that bracket - so say at 60cm, you might have a confident rider on a young horse eing aimed long term at much bigger things and you might have a nervous rider or a combination where 60cm is their limit.

Polework and flatwork I've found there can be less ability grouping but I guess it's easier to adjust exercises to suit.

If in doubt, I'd definitely speak to the instructor for clarification before booking.
 
The most sensible option would be to contact the organiser and tell them what you’re after and they can group you accordingly or tell you it’s not suitable
 
Having been caught out recently by something similar I now ask in advance!

You would have thought a clinic saying poles, small x-poles and little jumps would be fine for a young / green horse wouldn't you? Turns our everyone attending had a different view of what that meant....
 
I think it depends on the organiser.
I went to a camp , was told there would be 3 or 4 in each group, ended up being 6 in my group, total mixed abilities for jumping (ranged from hardly jumped before to jumping 90 cm). Total waste of time, would never go to another run by that organiser
 
Reacher said:
I think it depends on the organiser.
I went to a camp , was told there would be 3 or 4 in each group, ended up being 6 in my group, total mixed abilities for jumping (ranged from hardly jumped before to jumping 90 cm). Total waste of time, would never go to another run by that organiser
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I actually avoided a dressage day camp this week because I couldn't get clear feedback as to how they were organising groups. You don't want my young cob who is only just organising his canter transitions in with someone practising their pirouette!
 
Lilly-Mayspookatbags said:
Oh gosh … sounds like it’s a local thing ! There’s about 4/5 near me where’s it just time based. Classic poles/jump/gridwork clinic. There’s range from groups of 3 up to 5.

If I travel further a field ( about an hour and 20) I can find height grouped but they tend to start at 60cm + and are more technical which we aren’t quite ready for …. but maybe this is my only option.
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Maybe worth asking the organisers if they would do a slot that might be more suitable for you if they can get enough people interested? Or maybe put some feelers out on Facebook for others in a similar boat to you that would be interested in clubbing together with an instructor?
 
Many many many years ago, I bought a little ex racehorse horse locally and booked a three day clinic with Dick Stillwell who many older names will recognise as being one of the showjumping great trainers. We had done a handful of local shows and because my horse was out competing we ended up in a group with a three day eventer and a very experienced and brave team chasing person. He was absolutely amazing how he dealt with all different levels and he rode my horse one day as well. The only thing we didn’t do was the very last full course. It was an amazing three days back in the 1980s and my amazing little horse jumped in Hickstead International arena the following year so he definitely helped us on our way
 
When I booked on clinics I would either try to have a 1 to 1 or get a few friends together of similar ability. I booked on a xc clinic a few years ago. Couldn't get anyone to come unfortunately. Whilst I was warming up I could hear another lady, also warming up to do same clinic, shouting over to her friend about all the things she had done. It was my first outing with the new horse and I did think what on earth had I done! Turns out shouting lady Couldn't stay on her horse for toffee!! I had a great time!!
 
Flowerofthefen said:
When I booked on clinics I would either try to have a 1 to 1 or get a few friends together of similar ability. I booked on a xc clinic a few years ago. Couldn't get anyone to come unfortunately. Whilst I was warming up I could hear another lady, also warming up to do same clinic, shouting over to her friend about all the things she had done. It was my first outing with the new horse and I did think what on earth had I done! Turns out shouting lady Couldn't stay on her horse for toffee!! I had a great time!!
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I always under play …. 😁
 
with all the clinics i’ve been to, i just messaged them to say pony was green beforehand and then when we were there if anything was a bit much for us, we just did it at a slower pace for example. all the organisers have been lovely and more than okay with this! the first couple of pole clinics we went to neither of us were fit enough for the full hour, so we just had little breaks and kept out of everyone’s way🤣
 
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