So after the latest “whip the horse into the water” video scandal, and after watching a large symposium presentation this weekend where a trainer did a pretty regrettable job of sending the riders into refusal, after run out, after refusal (Seriously, I think there were almost as many stops as actual jumps) what is to be done ? The instructor this past weekend was a competitive success, but seemed to be way out of depth for the situation they were in. It was not a recognized/sanctioned event of any sort, so I am not sure any official organizations could have helped.
Stick to proven clinicians you have audited & been pleased with what you saw ?
Sometimes taking an inexpensive or lesser- known or unproven option, you end up paying in ways other than money.
I’m curious…
Who organized the Fail of a clinic you witnessed?
How was the clinician chosen?*
*aside from the obvious competitive record
I always audit before I do a clinic or lesson.
Also clinics have alot of potential to go sideways if instructor does not gauge things right or feels pressure to do it fast. And clinicians change over time. Some get better and some lose the plot,
Easier said than done but you need to be able to walk your horse away from a developing shitstorm of a clinic.
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Agree that if it is a returning clinician, always audit before you choose to clinic with them. Otherwise, be willing to waste the money and suffer the embarrassment of walking out of a clinic if things go sideways or you feel a clinician is not being kind or fair to your horse. I’ve stepped out of a clinic before. I got a lot of eye rolls from spectators and for sure the clinician was not happy for me but I do think I would have done the same if it ever happened that way again.
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Getting some clarity in advance regarding the level the clinician expects the horses and riders to be is always a good idea.
Best response ever, from an Eventing friend to a clinician he was unhappy with:
He dismounted, walked over to clinician & said “You’re fired.”
Then left with his horse.
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The event I was watching was more of a demo, I doubt the riders felt that they could do that. In any case, they did not do so.
Well that’s my point. Regardless of what the clinician expects, they need to be capable to deal with what actually is in front of them in the ring. Even if that means saying “this isn’t going to work for you and your horse today.” If things go off the rails, the “expert “ should have the know how to redirect appropriately. Not the much less experienced students. Directing/redirecting appropriately is the clinicians entire job.
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So… “Demo” of how poorly a horse/rider can be schooled?
Can I assume the riders had volunteered for this debacle & knew the clinician in a way other than as a Pro?*
*i.e.: friends of clinician wanting to help? Or?
Clinician was working to remember who was who. Apparently equines had been quite overwhelmed by atmosphere the day before, and had settled on the day I saw.
As trainers as a whole are totally unregulated, theres nothing you can do except walk out or don’t sign up in the first place. Cant imagine why these riders came back for day #2 when day #1 was a SS but the reins are in their hands, figuratively and literally. Riders had a clear choice, something the overfaced horses lack.
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