I decided a 3 day clinic (one day semi private, 2 day group) with Bernie Traurig in March with the 5 yr old is going to be our first big outing (this year/ for her, since buying as a 3 yr old/ for me in a while). It’s been a while since doing a clinic, and my first one on my greener, younger mare so now I’m anxiously studying up on Bernie and trying to remember everything to bring to or prep for clinics (acclimate pony to spurs and a crop, start riding in my jump saddle after spending the past few months in the dressage saddle, etc). So far from what I’ve read BT is big on sharp transitions (both up and down), mild bits (hopefully a Mullen baucher is okay), and moving the shoulders with an indirect rein + open outside rein. What else can we work on to prep? We will be in the 2’3 and below group as the horse is green.
Also am I crazy not to clip? (Clinic is late March) I’m worried it will come off as “unkempt”, but with no indoor and horsey living outside I don’t want to clip unless I really need to.