Re: Distance Riding Clinic Input Desired

["Becky Huffman" <tos@htcomp.net>]

Bonnie, I've done a few clinics over the years.  I have a few of my
favorites pages out of my booklet uploaded at
http://www.htcomp.net/huffman/introdocs.htm  All standard disclaimers apply,
it is just some basic stuff I put together from reading and learning.  I
know there is a lot of good stuff out there, you are welcome to use anything
of mine that you feel would be helpful.

I use those pages along with Susan's Tevis Study Summery, and a printout of
the Body Condition Scoring information.   I also include information and
membership apps for AERC and the local clubs.

I have found what works best is a one day clinic, go over the papers in the
morning and hands on with the horses in the afternoon.  (Talk about it, then
do it)

We spend the most time talking about how to evaluate their horses condition
so they'll have an idea how to start and progress with a conditioning
program and how to understand a vet check - (the parameters).  Also some
time talking about why they want to ride endurance.  I don't preach at them
not to race, but I do explain that it takes at least 3 years to physically
prepare a horse for a heavy competitive schedule, and that most horses can't
do it too many years in a row.  I see a lot of problems where people start
out 'just to have fun' and end up getting caught up in the excitement.  I
try to prepare them for that, and get them to think about it beforehand.

I use a sample horse to do a vet check, going over each parameter slowly and
carefully, then they bring their horses up and I put them in pairs to do
their own vet checks and spend a few minutes with each couple making sure
they are understanding and doing it correctly.

 After that, we go for a ride.  We usually have a short loop, depending who
is attending 1-3 miles.  I like to do three loops, doing a cardiac recovery
index on each horse between the loops and another one after and another
complete vet check.

I have had wonderful luck with this format.  If you can have a two day, I
would cover more information on the first day and ride the second day.

One thing that I think is very important is to not overwhelm people.  I try
to give them the most important basics, what they *really* need to get
started...  what they need to know in order to prepare for and complete
their first 25. - these are the clinics I really enjoy.

Becky Huffman, Cleburne, Texas
Huffman's Arabians ~ The Original Series ~
http://www.htcomp.net/Huffman/

"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from
doing something worthwhile." Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865--1940)


----- Original Message -----
From: Snodgrass, Bonnie <snodgrab@ncr.disa.mil>
To: Ridecamp (E-mail) <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Cc: <ectra@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 11:04 AM
Subject: RC: Distance Riding Clinic Input Desired


> I'm thinking seriously about organizing a clinic  for the beginner
distance
> rider. I know several people who are interested in getting started in the
> sport and they have so many questions. As a member of the OD, AERC, ECTRA
> and ridecamp, I know there are lots of fine human resources to tap. I'll
> certainly need to tap a few shoulders to make this happen.
>
>  Here in MD/VA we have both AERC sanctioned endurance rides and ECTRA
CTR's.
> It occurs to me that there is no reason that a single clinic couldn't be
> used to acquaint the beginning distance riders with both organizations and
> their similarities and differences. Obviously, how you ride, train, feed
and
> care for your horse is pretty much the same regardless of the venue. As
I'm
> only now considering the "how to" of putting on a clinic I'd love to get
> suggestions for topics to cover. Consider this from the view point of a
> beginning or novice competitor. Some people have their horses entirely in
> their own care but many in this area board their horses. Many have never
> camped with their horses. Some are even looking for a new horse, a new
> saddle, etc.
>
> Please take a little time to give me suggestions, be as specific as you
> want. Have you ever participated in a similar clinic? What did you find
> helpful? What went wrong? What format did it take? Would you consider
> helping with a clinic here in the Southern MD/Northern VA area?  Hope to
> hear from you folks!
>
> Bonnie Snodgrass
>
>
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