Favorite clinicians?

[JimmineyCricket]

I want to be really intentional about my learning and riding development this year. In the past, I generally sign up for clinics when I happen to see there’s someone I know of coming to my area (ie it’s usually just based on name recognition). I’d love to instead learn about clinicians that have made a big impact on people, and follow their schedule or even try to organize a clinic for them if they don’t have plans to come to my area. I’m looking for clinicians who aren’t just trying to get you over the biggest fences or most intimidating cross country questions…I’m curious about the clinicians you have worked with who inspired how you think about horse training or who helped you have a lightbulb moment that has stuck with you.

What clinicians do you recommend and why?

[Demerara_Stables]

Caveat: I’m usually found in the jumper ring and have only evented once.

I’ve audited two David O’Connor clinics, and found him incredibly insightful (unfortunately I didn’t have a horse that I could ride in a clinic). What I liked about his clinics was that:

He wasn’t just there to get people to jump bigger. If there was a hole in the basics, he fixed it.

He was relentlessly focused on the horse, their perspective, and how they were learning the exercise. He pulled someone off a horse to teach it about a ditch without a rider, and multiple times required people to use grab straps so they’d stop interfering with their horses.

He said over and over again how important it was for the horse to think for themselves and for the rider to let the horse do its job. As a trainer, auditing his clinics made me want to take a year off and go learn his training methods from him directly because it’s clear that he puts the horse first.

If you’re looking to improve yourself and move up, I don’t know if he’d be the right person for you, but if you’re wanting to learn how to train a horse, I’d 100% recommend him.

[Blueeyedroan]

I did a Holly Jacks clinic and it was outstanding. She’s pretty straight and direct without a ton of “fluff” in her instruction and I really appreciate that. Set up some very cool technical questions and explained the purpose thoroughly.
Definitely the best clinic I’ve attended in recent memory.

[Dr_Doolittle]

IMO all eventers should do a Lucinda Green clinic - at least once. Highly recommend her!

She teaches riders to be brave - to focus on line, balance, engine, accuracy, and staying out of the horse’s way. There is no “counting strides” permitted.

She sets up progressive questions – starting on day one with footwork exercises (lots of skinny jumps set on an angle, and accuracy questions) then x-country is the second day - building on the skills from day one.

The tough exercises she has riders do are set at lower than competition height, making it easier for the horse to read and respond without being and feeling overfaced.

She is very enthusiastic when you do things right, but does not suffer fools gladly; you really have to listen to her!

I have a student doing Novice (and hoping to move up to T this year) who would really benefit and I’ve been nagging her for the last couple of years to put this on her “to do list” for 2025. She already accomplished her other bucket list item last year which was doing the Waredaca 3-Day at N - which was a fantastic experience for her and her horse.

I told her I would be sure to “prep” her, having ridden in three clinics with Lucinda on two different horses (mother and daughter) at three different levels.

My student started out in Hunterland, but has become a strong, balanced, tactful and bold rider over the past three years because I insist on “mastering the basics” before moving up; I think she will rock a Lucinda clinic, will love it, and will get a lot out of it – as will her horse!

She still finds the prospect a little intimidating!

[skydy]

A lot of the value that you get from each clinician, depends on your current level of riding. Some are great with helping riders at the lower levels and with some it will be a waste of money to do anything but audit if you don’t really have the basics down.

I assume you have a competent trainer to help you between clinics. They should be able to give you an honest assessment about what you need to work on most, and help you to choose a clinician to compliment your needs. Your location also matters in getting in a good clinician for a reasonable fee if you are hosting.

Which clinicians did you enjoy riding with in the past? What level or goal are you aspiring to reach this year?

The answer to that question will help people make recommendations.

[leighbo009]

My favorites currently are Hilda Donahue & Jim Graham. I am lucky that Jim is local to be and I am able to jump into lessons/clinics with him regularly. I typically ride with Hilda 1-2 times per year (I’m the one organizing the clinics here).

Both are similar in their theory, and pretty old school in there thoughts. They are not just pushing you to jump bigger and love having the riders ask questions, they want to teach! (which makes it great to learn from).

[beowulf]

I think this is so personal and what works for one might not work for the other. I loved Peter Grey and have been waiting for him to come back to my area. He gave me a huge confidence boost I really needed.

Might I suggest a bootcamp instead of a clinic? The cost is often about the same, for more riding time. I have enjoyed just about every clinic I’ve ever gone to, but often I wish I could have one more ride in front of them. You spend the first ride getting to know each other and the second practicing new tools, but I find my best rides come the day[s] after. Riding daily in front of a new set of eyes has been much more constructive/meaningful for me than one or two rides in front of a clinician. YMMV.

I’d clinic more often but the price of clinics has really gone through the roof. I miss my $150 clinic days.

[Janet]

My favorite clinicians are
Lucinda Green
Jimmy Wofford (RIP)
Mike Page (Is he still doing clinics?)
Ernest Dillon (UK based, not sure if he is doing US clinics nowadays)
Beth Perkins

I have never cliniced with Carol Koslowski (sp?), but people I know, who have, rave abour her.

I also agree that a “bootcamp” where you ride with a variety of different people can be very useful.

[clburnham11]

@Janet

Ernest Dillon (UK based, not sure if he is doing US clinics nowadays)

I know he is at least in Leesburg VA every year

[Live_Wire]

Lucinda is a wealth of knowledge. I’ve never had a chance to ride with her, but I don’t miss an opportunity to audit. I have taken away so much from her teachings.

I really enjoy Daryl Kinney. She provides a lot of explanation and insight in a way that’s easy to digest for both horse and rider. She treats each pair individually and methodically, whether it’s one on one or within a group. I think the horses walk away happier and more confident and I’ve carried her logic into my own program.

[Janet]

@clburnham11

@Janet

Ernest Dillon (UK based, not sure if he is doing US clinics nowadays)

I know he is at least in Leesburg VA every year

If you see him, please give him my best wishes, and you can tell him that I recommended him on COTH.

[Blugal]

I’ve done clinics with both David O’Connor and Holly Jacks and echo the recommendations for them.

[skydy]

The Chronicle article on a recent Laura Collett clinic:
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/double-olympic-gold-medalist-laura-collett-shares-her-eventing-wisdom-in-us-clinic/

[LCDR]

I learned a lot riding in a Bruce Davidson cross-country clinic. I’ve not done one with Buck. And though I am not an active rider any more, I’d go to audit a Lucinda Greene clinic just to hear her talk and get snarky with someone other than me. I was fortunate to ride in a Jimmy Wofford clinic just before he became ill.

[Salty]

Lucinda Green and Jim Graham gave me the most valuable clinic experiences, along with Jimmy Wofford (RIP).

Boot camp can be fantastic with the right instructor, and really awful if it’s not a fit.