And One More Post About the Clinic

Some final thoughts on the clinic that just didn't fit anywhere else ...

About this clinic:

• I love Christian's soothing, mellow approach to lessons. For the most part, he sits and murmurs his instructions and ideas into a microphone which only you can hear. Although the auditors do crowd around and listen as closely as possible to his whispers.
• When needed, Christian will join the horse and rider in the arena as he uses a whip or long pole to encourage collection. But for the most part, his stationary presence allows his voice to envelope you completely as you enter your own little world. I absolutely love his methods.
• Rise higher and quicker are four of Christian's favorite words. Those simple words convey a lot of meaning. They say more energy and more forward.
• I love his admonishment to quit looking down at the horse. He's still there! is a regular Christian quip.
• I am overly serious when I ride, and Christian not only sees it, but knows how to diffuse my laser beam intensity. He seems to have a knack for reading a rider's emotions, especially mine. He's quick to make a joke, often at my expense, which always reduces my tension by reminding me to smile and breath.
• I am a hard worker by nature; Hubby frequently pleads with me to just sit down! as I busy myself around the house. I love how hard Christian expects his riders to work. There are no stand around and chat breaks, and for Speedy and me, there are never any walk breaks either. Christian recognizes that we (my horses and me) are fit and have come to work.
• I love that he doesn't listen to excuses, none of the riders offer them anyway. There's no need to make an excuse anyway since you're there to learn what you don't already know. With Christian, there is only right now. Of course you can't do it (whatever it is) perfectly; he's not asking you to show off what you already know. His job is to push you past your comfort zone so that you learn something new.

Ready and waiting.

About other clinics:

• I can't really speak to how other clinicians operate, but I have this piece of advice: don't keep waiting! Find a clinic near you and GO. Don't worry about being good enough since you'll never be good enough. The trick is to research the clinician and determine whether he or she is wiling to work with riders at your current level.
• If you really can't go, then at least audit. It is amazing what you can learn by watching. I totally dug watching Chemaine ride her three-year olds as their problems were the same I am having with my OTTB, tension!
• If you choose the right clinic, the other riders and auditors will become part of your learning experience. Talk with them, ask what they saw and heard. You've paid good money to be there, get out of it everything you can.

Thank goodness for barns with electricity!

What does it cost, anyway?

• If you've never been to a clinic, you probably wonder at the price given how expensive showing can be. I've ridden with at least four different clinicians, and the price has ranged from $75 a ride to $150 a ride.
• For the most part, the clinic host will not be making any money. They are simply providing an opportunity for local riders to ride with a more knowledgeable trainer than with whom they not might otherwise get to ride. Depending on where your clinician comes from (Christian flies over from Germany), his expenses will need to be met. This might include airfare, ground transportation, hotel, meals, etc.
• For this clinic, each ride was $150 and there was no multiple ride discount. 
  
• If you are stabling for a clinic, expect to pay for that as well. In this case, White Birch Farm's owner is very generous (with me at least), and only charged me a flat fee rather than charging me individually for each night. I paid $45 per horse.
• Just like at a show, there might also be a charge for shavings, feeding your horse, or a simple day use fee. White Birch Farm's owner generously allows me to camp on the grounds at no additional charge (I've paid $50 a night at many show facilities) so I am able to feed my own horses and look after them (and the horses of my friends, too!)
• Be aware that just like at a show, a cancellation after a certain point probably means no refund. When clinicians are booked, they are guaranteed a certain number of lessons for each day. Most even have a pre-set minimum. So even if you or your horse gets sick or injured, once you've signed up, consider the money spent.
• Unlike at a show, snacks and lunch might be included with your entry fee. Or, the hosting group might just provide these things as a courtesy to their guests. Sometimes a donation is welcome (encouraged) to help cover the extra expense of the food. Check with the host before assuming a meal is waiting for you. If you plan to spend the whole day watching or riding, you'll be hungry!

White Birch Farm has a beautiful barn for visiting horses.

Some final words:

• So in total, this clinic cost me $690 for 4 rides and stabling for 2 horses for 2 nights. (Not to mention gas and food!)
• I received a text from Jen (email her here), the clinic organizer, that Christian is scheduled to return February 22 - 23, 2014. 
• The funny thing is that as soon as I got back to work on Monday, I had a $90 reimbursement check waiting for me. How could I not plan to go again when the exact amount for stabling was already paid for? I have also already worked out my January/February household budget so that I can take both horses again.
• Since I only have two short months in which to show some improvement, I need to get working!
• Anyone going with me?

Sydney enjoying a room with a view.