Getting the Most Out of a Horse Training Clinic: A Guide For Success

By Ryan Pfouts | rdpfouts@gmail.com
4 Star Licensed Parelli Professionals & Horse Development Specialist | Ocala, FL 

So, you’ve signed up for your first horse training clinic—hopefully with one of our Parelli Professionals! Congratulations! Your commitment to never-ending self-improvement is a huge advantage and will accelerate your progress with your horse. To ensure you make the most of your experience, follow these essential tips for success.

1. Choose the Right Clinician

Not all horsemanship clinics are created equally. That’s why Pat Parelli has dedicated years to developing a global network of Licensed Parelli Professionals. When you see the Licensed Parelli Logo, you know you’re getting pure Parelli—authentic instruction straight from the source.

While Parelli Professionals follow a consistent curriculum, each instructor has their own unique teaching style. It’s essential to find a clinician whose personality and approach resonate with you. If you're considering a clinic outside of the Parelli Network, research the instructor thoroughly. Audit (spectate) a clinic beforehand to familiarize yourself with the format, facility, and teaching style before bringing your horse.

2. Prepare Ahead of Time

A clinic should not be the first time you're hearing the material. Ideally, you should already be studying in that Level of the Parelli Program via the curriculum in the Parelli Community. This prior knowledge allows you to focus on applying what you learn, rather than potentially struggling to grasp new concepts.

The better prepared you are, the more confident and relaxed you’ll be, helping you stay engaged and get the most value from the clinic.

3. Stay Relaxed and Open to Learning

It’s natural to feel nervous in a new environment, especially when working with your horse. Remember, everyone else is in the same boat. Don't worry about being the "worst" in the class—every student has their own journey. The instructor's role is to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all participants.

At the end of the clinic, you may feel mentally full of information, and that’s a good thing! Take detailed notes and give yourself time to digest the material at home. Even if your execution wasn’t perfect during the clinic, you now have valuable tools to refine and improve with practice.

4. Trust Your Knowledge & Stay Engaged

While you’re at the clinic to learn from an expert, don’t discount the knowledge you already have. If your horse needs immediate guidance and the instructor isn’t available at the moment, apply what you know. This also helps the instructor understand your current skill level and tailor their feedback accordingly.

Be proactive in your learning:

• Ask questions when you need clarification.

• Engage with other students during breaks to share insights and experiences.

• Observe how others handle similar challenges with their horses; you can learn a ton by watching. 

5. Practice Between Clinics

Clinics are an excellent way to learn, but they should not be your only training method. Consistent practice at home is crucial for long-term progress. If you attend clinics without reinforcing the lessons in between, you’ll find yourself repeating the same information rather than advancing.

Tip: In addition to studying the Parelli Levels Program, join The Savvy Club or a Parelli study group to stay motivated and accountable!

6. Bring the Right Horse for Your Goals

Deciding which horse to bring? Consider what you want to gain from the clinic:

• Want to learn new techniques? Bring a horse that allows you to focus on new skills rather than problem-solving.

• Want to develop your feel and timing? Bring a more challenging horse to refine your abilities with direct feedback from the instructor.

7. Communicate with the Clinic Host

Most clinics have a host who manages logistics. Whether it's the instructor or a separate organizer, reach out in advance to clarify logistics such as:

• Stall requirements (shavings, hay, buckets, stripping stalls, etc.).

• Facility amenities (Meals, RV hookups, water access, etc.).

• Equipment needs (special gear, multiple horses, etc.).

• And more!

Knowing these details ahead of time will make your experience smoother and stress-free.

8. Enjoy the Experience & Reflect on Your Learning

A clinic is more than just a learning event—it’s an opportunity to deepen your relationship with your horse. Spending uninterrupted time together, even in simple tasks like feeding and watering, strengthens your bond.

Don’t be surprised if the biggest lessons from the clinic click weeks later! If your instructor did their job well and you stay engaged in the Parelli Network, you’ll continue discovering insights long after the event.

9. Continue Your Learning with the Parelli Program

The Parelli Program, developed over 42 years by Pat Parelli, is designed to help riders succeed in learning environments just like this. The Parelli Levels Program provides a step-by-step system for ongoing development. While clinics accelerate your progress, daily practice and structured learning will keep you moving forward.

Find a horsemanship program that empowers you to continue your education beyond the clinic. The Parelli Network offers online resources, community support, and world-class instruction to help you and your horse succeed!

Ready for Your Next Clinic? Check out our upcoming Parelli Clinics and Events at Parelli.com and take the next step in your horsemanship journey!