Getting The Most Out Of A Clinic 

A clinic can be a great place to fine-tune your barrel racing. The concentrated attention can help you focus, identify problems and become a better competitor. You have an opportunity to get personalized coaching from a professional and have the benefit of that professional’s skills and expertise. You also get to work your horse in different arenas and under different conditions. For the beginner, attending a clinic is a way to learn the sport the “right” way rather than relying on trial and error.

            To get the most out of the instruction, you have to plan and prepare. The first step in this process is timing. Consult your own schedule and consider all the variables. Often a late fall clinic is ideal; it gives you time to practice and apply all you learn to be ready for the new season. On the other hand, if you live where weather is a problem, and you are unable to ride much in the winter months, you might choose a spring clinic. Many people prefer to come to a clinic during the time they are actually competing, as a tune-up to keep them on their toes.

            Choosing a clinic involves selecting an instructor. Talk to other barrel racers who have attended a clinic you are considering. Did they feel they benefited from the experience? Would they recommend it to you? Next, decide what you want out of a clinic. You have a goal. It might be as simple as “I want to fix the problem my horse is having on the first barrel” or “I want to take 5/10ths off my time” or you might just want to get yourself and your horse mentally and physically tuned to win.

            The main thing is to have a goal to work towards. If you don’t know where you want to go, it’s a lot harder to get there. Know what you want to accomplish and have a clear picture of the part you want the clinic to play in your barrel racing development.

After you have picked a clinic and set your goals, you should make your reservations well in advance. Some schools fill up quite early, so reserve your place in plenty of time to insure that you get to attend the clinic you want. Some clinics include housing or dormitories. If not, find what facilities are available nearby and make your hotel reservations.

            Find out if there is an extra charge for having someone accompany you to the clinic and arrange to have a friend or relative attend with a note pad for taking notes while you are in class. It’s so hard to remember everything you hear at a clinic. When you get home you can study your notes and it will help you retain all you have learned. If a problem crops up later in your barrel racing, you might find the solution in your notes.

            Bringing a companion makes sense for other reasons, too. The second set of eyes and ears is invaluable. Often, the clinic participant absorbs only the instruction that is aimed directly at him, while a spectator is able to benefit from the tips given to all the participants.

            With the clinic selected and arrangements made, more preparation is in order. The following is a good checklist for attending a barrel clinic.

1.      Have all equipment clean, repaired and ready for use.

2.      Have your horse clean, healthy and conditioned to stand some concentrated work. The constant exercise and drills that will be done will tax the horse and an out-of-shape animal will be subject to strains and soreness.  Ask your vet to provide whatever health papers are needed for the states you will pass through on the way to the clinic or for the clinic’s requirements.

3.      Bring the necessary feed, hay, and buckets for watering and feeding.  It is also a good idea to bring a horse first-aid kit.  As mentioned, horses often need special attention (like rubdowns, liniment, etc.) because of the concentrated demands of the clinic.

4.      Bring adequate clothing.  Most clinics go on in spite of inclement weather.  A raincoat is a must.  If you are staying in a dorm or bunkhouse, bring bedding and sheets.

5.      Get plenty of rest beforehand so you are attentive and alert.

6.      Prepare a list of questions on areas you need help with to discuss with the instructors.

7.      Organize yourself so that you can give your attention to learning instead of trying to find misplaced items or doing last-minute preparations.

8.      If you will be traveling from some distance away, you might consider arriving the day before the clinic in order to allow you and your horse time to rest.  If you choose this option, be sure to notify the clinic officials and get their permission.

One of the most important steps in getting ready for a clinic is preparing your mind and attitude.  You need to go to the clinic with an open mind, ready to try new things and be receptive to suggestions and criticisms.  Always remember you are there to learn and take advantage of the opportunity to try new methods and new equipment.

When you arrive at the clinic, check and find out where you are supposed to go to stall your horse and where you are supposed to park.  Make your horse’s care your first priority.  He is your partner at this clinic, so you want him to be comfortable and ready to work.  He needs quality care and rest as do you.

Find out what the schedule is and when you are expected to be at certain places and be there.  You should enjoy the clinic but keep in mind that you are there on business.  You have paid to learn and you should do everything you can to make sure you get as much out of the clinic as possible.

Be thinking all the time.  Focus on what the instructors tell you.  If you don’t understand something, ask again until it is explained in a way you can understand.

Arriving at the clinic is uncomfortable for some people. A novice can easily be unnerved by the more experienced students and trophy buckles, saddles and horse trailers that they have won.  Remember, though, everyone is there to learn something.  There will be beginners, intermediates, and really tough competitors.  Don’t let the other students intimidate you.  They were beginners once too.

We advise against bringing two horses to a clinic.  One is really all you have time for.  You can learn things that you can take home and work on with other horses.

Many clinics video your first run and your final run which is good because you can study your improvement over the course of the clinic.