I’m so happy to be going to a Bryan Neubert clinic next weekend! I’ve actually never been to one of his clinics, although I have a friend who has ridden with him many times and very highly recommends him.
Anything I should know beforehand? Like do this and don’t do that? Any specific exercises he focuses on? Any specific tools he uses? Any tack preferences or no-nos? (I likely will have a new western saddle on trial, but if it doesn’t come in time then I’ll be in my dressage saddle)
Probably a snaffle with your choice of reins and a halter if he does ground work. 
Have fun.
Snaffle bit, with a rope halter for ground work.
The saddle doesn’t matter, although you’ll mostly see Western saddles.
Listen to him. He rambles on, but his stories often relate to what is going on around him. Someone with bad ground work skills may be stuck on his water obstacle, but instead of confronting them he’ll go into a story about how his friend once got run over by a horse running through it’s left shoulder by a creek, etc.
Don’t be afraid to ask him to help you, he won’t volunteer people out to do things – if you want help or suggestions, make your move!
with a rope halter for ground work
A rope halter is generally the preferred equipment, but you’d find that unless there is a big problem going on, Bryan (or Buck) will leave the horse in his usual equipment. Bryan will see how things are going with your regular tack, and if he thinks you NEED to change for some reason, he’ll probably say so, so you can change it.
I just LOVE Bryan and his stories. I haven’t ridden with him since 2003 (only that once) but I like his ‘Horseman’s Gazette’ videos. You ask a question, you get a story…one that might seem sort of sidetracked. But your answer is in there, and by really thinking about it, you’ll have realizations about your ‘answer’ for months.
Take charge of your own learning. There will be Things To Do, the riders will be doing exercises. But if you ONLY do the exercises and ‘get them right’, you will miss out on another, deeper level.
I don’t think it’s an issue for you (based on your other clinic posts), but don’t worry about what other people think, about how it looks, about getting it wrong, or right.
And yes, if you are having any trouble, or have a question, ride right up and ask (at an appropriate time, of course).
I see sometimes in these clinics (which are NOT like a George Morris clinic), that the people who ‘prepare’ and make sure their horse will be able to do all the exercises, who focus on making sure they don’t draw attention to themselves…and expect to be recognized or praised for it (which probably won’t happen), don’t get a whole lot out of the clinic. Participate, don’t be afraid to try and get it wrong, don’t be afraid to ride up and ask about something that’s bothering you.
Be polite, meet new friends, and tell us ALL about it next week!
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