I was contacted last night about a last minute opening came up for a clinic on Sunday and I took it. Has anyone ridden with her?
I’ve never ridden in a clinic before, and am very excited. Anything I should know? Planning on conservative attire for myself and horse.
It’s been a few years since I’ve ridden with Heather a couple times, but I would not turn down a chance if asked! She attends the same shows we go to in our area and is always friendly.
For clinic attire, wear what is comfortable. You don’t want to feel bothered by your clothes if you’re even the slightest bit nervous! Conservative is best. A matchy outfit would look nice. I have a burgundy/grey outfit with matching breeches, saddle pad, and brushing boots for clinics.
My horse and I are very green. I don’t mind being the lowest skill rider and horse pair (surround yourself with greatness and all that), but I do hope she doesn’t feel we’re a waste of her time.
Horse is 4, and I do ok but certainly am not what would be considered skilled or “good”.
She still shows green horses at first level. So she’s not all about FEI levels. If someone asked you, then they thought it was appropriate for you to attend. 
Don’t sell yourself short! Just talk to her at the start of your ride. Tell her where you are at with the training and what you would like to work on and that your horse is young.
I clinic quite regularly in the summer and always tell the clinician I’ve been working on such and such or prepping for a show in two weeks or something. I tend to steer away from my problem spots because I don’t want to focus a whole weekend on that thing. It’ll fry my horse and I will get more out of a clinic if we touch on other things. Like for example I would say, “I’ve been working on getting my horse more in front of my leg” and not “my horse has been sucking back when I ask for a flying change”. The first one would tell the clinician to focus on exercises to make the horse more responsive. The second would have the clinician focus on flying changes. So think it over what you want to work on and what you think would be good to focus on considering you have a young horse with a limited attention span (been there!).
I don’t know Heather McCarthy but most good clinicians are happy to work with anyone who is serious about learning. For attire, I think the most important is that you’re neat and tidy. Can be difficult depending on the weather this time of year, but many prefer you not wear loose/bulky clothes so that they can see your position. Have fun!
Can I say something like “I want to work on a longer neck in her canter transitions” or is that too specific?
Really I just want to live through the experience, she’s been a lit keg of dynamite lately haha
I’ve ridden with Heather for a long time and will be participating in the clinic as well. Heather is wonderful and will definitely help you and respond to your particular issues. She is easy to ride with and does not care if you are matchy-matchy–only if you are warm enough when it is cold! We joke a lot about “don’t die,” and Heather will make sure that you are not put in a bad situation. There are others riding young horses as well. There are always wide ranging horses participating. Heather is really a nice person, and she won’t put you in any danger. Come early if you can and watch some of the earlier lessons.
That would be a good goal for the clinic!
I hear ya - I have one that would throw down almost every ride. I had to make quite a few allowances just to stay on and not push those buttons. He finally came around, but I still ride him with some of those training band-aids. Funny thing is that he is half brother to one of Heather’s horses. They almost look like twins!
I ride at 4, and was asked not to show up before 2. Is it acceptable to ask to hand walk her around the arena once or twice before getting on, or is that taking it too far?
I’m very excited. I don’t know what specifically I want to work on per-say, outside of the longer neck in the up and down transitions to canter (which might be too much to work on in a new environment with a 4 year old, won’t know that until the day comes). Otherwise, I’m totally open to whatever holes she sees, and whatever horse I’m sitting on that day.
The barn is very busy on weekends. You should do whatever you normally do before you get on your horse. Everyone is very mindful of what the rider ahead of them is doing and staying out of their way. Heather is very good at diagnosing and will watch you ride for a bit before she begins with you. We can all go in there with a plan for the lesson, but it can all go away with the issues that present on that particular day. You seem to understand that already. Heather always asks what you’ve been working on and where you are having problems. She is easy to talk to and will listen to you.
Awesome, thank you so much for the insight. Hopefully my lovely mare isn’t a stick of TNT but we shall see. 
No rider who wants to learn is ever a waste of a true horseperson’s time. If you’re going to learn, you’re all good. Ears open, mouth closed (apart from questions) and you’ll be fine.
With most good clinicians I have ridden with, the question of “what would you like to work on today?” is something of a formality. It does give them an idea of where you think you are, but they will watch you and work on what they think will be most useful to you, so I wouldn’t worry too much about that.
If you can possibly get someone to video your rides, its incredibly helpful to watch your first day ride before you go back for the second day.
For me, the second ride is always where I will learn the most and make the most progress. Particularly if I have been able to watch and analyze the first day video.
It’ll be fun. Its so good for young horses to get out and do this kind of stuff. She will probably be fine because she is being kept busy. And if she’s obnoxious, you’ll learn some new tools for dealing with it!
Heather is just not like that. She values everyone. Every rider has days when they can’t get around the arena. It is not a failing but a new opportunity to learn. We’ve all been there at one point. Last winter, my mare could not go past any gate in the arena (there are five of them). Every day was a struggle. I look back and think “at least I didn’t die.”
I’m only riding on Sunday, but I’m sure a lot will be learned! I’m a sponge for instruction, even if I don’t get to lesson as often as I would like.
Is the clinic at Paddock?
Krol Equestrian.
Great opportunity! Glad you jumped at the chance. Let us know how it goes.
Is the clinic on Saturday also? Can you go audit some of it? I’d do that if you can.
I’m not sure! I can’t find a pamphlet on it or anything.
In addition, I have a jump lesson scheduled for Saturday (we jump teeny tiny things, so she won’t be over tired). Poor mare is going to have her mind blown this weekend going to two new farms lol
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
