How to Get the Most Out of a Clinic: Preparing for a Transformative Experience

Attending a clinic is more than just riding in a new setting or learning from a different instructor—it’s an opportunity for deep transformation. The experience can shift your understanding, refine your skills, and offer breakthrough moments that shape your entire journey with your horse.

But the key to unlocking the full potential of a clinic isn’t just showing up—it’s how you prepare, engage, and integrate what you learn.

Through my clinics, I’ve seen firsthand the difference between riders who come prepared and those who arrive uncertain, feeling rushed, or overwhelmed. This is why I offer a pre-clinic online course and a pre-clinic Zoom meeting, designed to set you and your horse up for success before you even arrive.

If you’re attending an upcoming clinic (or considering one in the future), this guide will help you maximise your experience—before, during, and after.

Before the Clinic: Laying the Groundwork for Success

Preparation isn’t just about packing your gear—it’s about setting your mindset, your horse, and your goals for the experience ahead.

1. Engage with the Pre-Clinic Online Course

Many of my clinics include a pre-clinic online course, specifically designed to introduce the key concepts, exercises, and foundational work we’ll be focusing on in person.

📌 Why this matters:
🔷 Gives you a clear understanding of what to expect before you arrive
🔷 Allows you to practice foundational exercises at home to feel more confident
🔷 Helps you develop the right mindset for learning and growth

Tip: Take notes as you go through the course. Write down any questions or challenges that come up—this will help you engage more deeply during the clinic.

2. Attend the Pre-Clinic Zoom Meeting

Before each clinic, I offer a pre-clinic Zoom meeting where participants can:
🔹 Ask questions
🔹 Clarify expectations
🔹 Get personalised guidance on how to prepare

📌 Why this matters:
🔷 Eases nerves—you’ll already feel familiar with me, the clinic format, and the exercises
🔷 Gives clarity on what to focus on with your horse before arriving
🔷Builds a sense of community before you even step into the arena

Tip: Take advantage of this call! If you’re unsure about something—whether it’s an exercise, what to bring, or how to prepare—this is the place to ask.

3. Set Your Personal Goals

Before any clinic, take time to ask yourself:

• What do I want to gain from this experience?
  

• Where am I currently struggling?
  

• What would make this clinic a success for me?
  

Having clear goals doesn’t mean you need to achieve them all in one weekend—but it will help focus your learning and allow me to support you in a more targeted way.

Tip: Keep your goals fluid. Sometimes, the biggest takeaways from a clinic aren’t the ones you expected!

4. Prepare Your Horse

Your horse doesn’t need to be perfect before a clinic, but setting them up for success means:
🔷 Ensuring they are comfortable traveling and adjusting to new environments
🔷 Practicing some of the foundational groundwork exercises covered in the pre-clinic materials
🔷 Ensuring they are physically ready—not overworked, but also not coming in unconditioned

Tip: If your horse tends to be anxious in new settings, work on calming and focus exercises at home leading up to the clinic.

During the Clinic: Maximizing Your Learning Experience

1. Arrive with an Open Mind

One of the greatest barriers to learning is the pressure we put on ourselves. You don’t need to “get it right” immediately. The real value of a clinic is in the process of discovery.

📌 How to stay open to learning:
🔷 Ask curious questions instead of seeking only “right answers”
🔷 Be willing to experiment—sometimes, breakthroughs come from unexpected places
🔷 Focus on progress over perfection

Tip: If something isn’t working, speak up! I want you to succeed, and adjusting to each horse and rider’s needs is part of the experience.

2. Engage Fully in Each Session

📌 Ways to deepen your engagement:
🔷 Take notes between sessions—write down observations, insights, and key takeaways
🔷 Watch others—there’s just as much value in observing different horses and riders
🔷 Reflect on how each exercise feels—not just mechanically, but in your connection with your horse

Tip: If an exercise feels unfamiliar or difficult, lean into it rather than avoid it. Often, these moments lead to the biggest growth.

3. Build Connections & Share Experiences

Clinics are not just about learning from the instructor—they are also about learning from each other.

📌 Ways to connect:
🔷 Ask fellow participants about their experiences—you’ll be surprised how much you can learn from different perspectives
🔷 Celebrate small wins—whether it’s yours or someone else’s, progress deserves recognition
🔷 Stay engaged beyond the clinic—exchange contact information or join online communities to continue learning together

Tip: Don’t compare yourself to others—every horse and rider are on their own journey. Focus on what’s right for you and your horse.

After the Clinic: Integrating What You’ve Learned

The real magic of a clinic doesn’t happen during the weekend—it happens after, when you take what you’ve learned and apply it to your daily practice.

1. Review & Reflect

📌 Post-clinic reflection questions:

• What were my biggest takeaways?
  

• What concepts or exercises felt the most impactful?
  

• Where do I need to keep working to deepen my understanding?
  
  

Tip: Write these reflections down in a journal or clinic notebook so you can revisit them over time.

2. Watch the Clinic Replay (If Available)

If the clinic included recordings of key exercises, take the time to rewatch them. Often, when we’re in the moment, we don’t catch all the nuances—but seeing it again with fresh eyes can deepen your understanding.

Tip: Try watching with a notebook and jot down what stands out differently the second time around.

3. Implement Small Changes Consistently

Instead of overwhelming yourself with too many changes at once, focus on:
🔷 One or two key exercises that you can integrate into your regular training
🔷 Observing how your horse responds over time—tracking progress will keep you motivated
🔷 Staying patient—transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but steady, thoughtful work leads to lasting change

Tip: If you hit a roadblock, reach out! Whether it’s through follow-up lessons, virtual coaching, or sharing in the clinic community, staying connected will keep your progress moving forward.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Showing Up with Intention

A clinic is not just about the riding—it’s about the relationship between you and your horse. It’s an opportunity to:
🔷 Expand your understanding
🔷 Strengthen your connection
🔷 Step into the next chapter of your horsemanship journey

When you prepare with clarity and openness, engage fully, and take time to integrate what you’ve learned, you’ll walk away with more than just skills—you’ll leave with a deeper relationship, a clearer path, and the confidence to keep growing.

Are You Ready for Your Next Clinic?

If you’re joining me for an upcoming clinic, I can’t wait to see you there! If you’re considering attending in the future, I’d love to help you prepare for the transformative experience ahead.

Spots are still available for my upcoming clinics! Message me to secure yours.

Lynley