Creating the Best Equestrian Clinic Culture: Leave Your Ego at the Gate

From One-Upping to Uplifting: Building a Better Learning Space

Hosting or attending a horse clinic should be one of the most enriching experiences in your horsemanship journey. It’s a chance to learn, grow, connect, and celebrate progress—whether you're refining groundwork, tackling ridden challenges, or simply soaking up wisdom from a seasoned clinician.

But let’s be real: sometimes the vibe gets hijacked. Not by the horses, but by humans.

Personal Experience

I've attended countless clinics, and I feel we should raise the bar of human culture at said clinics, so that everyone can have the best possible time! Let me tell you, there are huge differences I can see and know which ones I will continue to turn up to based on the culture. And yes, I have chosen not to continue attending a clinic, instructor or event—not because of the amazing coaches, but because of the attendees and their "cliques" they create. There is a massive snobby, "we are too good for you", look down on you culture that is frankly, high-school behaviour coming from said "mature-aged" adults.

When I see and hear this firsthand, I go deeply inside myself, retract from interaction and focus almost hyper-vigilantly on the coach to avoid the nasty comments or engagement. Here are some examples of what I have personally experienced:

• "Oh why did she come with her Friesian cross. She isn't good enough to be here" (Yep, overheard two older women talking about me and they didn't realise I was there.)

• People deliberately sitting so you can't join them and are forced to sit alone. (Sometimes this is actually helpful as it means I can really focus on the coach's education, but it is in its purest form and example of exclusivity/isolation behaviour.)

• "Oh did you know that [X instructor], [Y instructor] and [Z instructor] don't like Friesian's and deliberately coach them in such a way so the owner and horse don't return."

• After asking a coach for clarification in a lesson, said spectator cuts in with "No, you are wrong! I am [insert equine specialist profession] and you should be doing X." (Not only is this an insult to the student as they are trying to seek clarification, but it is also an insult to the coach who is the paid professional in this instance.)

• "Why is she doing a back-up? Our instructor says these are bad for horses and we agree." (Yep, again said in the middle of my lesson. I was lucky in that the clinician respectfully advised that rein-backs are good if they are executed correctly and that I was, in fact, doing it correctly.)

And these are just a handful of the experiences I have personally had. Frankly, it is disgusting. Why do people feel the need to demoralise, brown-nose or talk down about and to people? What are you trying to achieve? To make yourself feel better? Either way, people need to start with a good hard look in the mirror!

In support of my personal experiences, I have also had visiting clinicians comment on certain observed "Canberra cliques" too (as she has observed these students behaving this way only in Canberra, and she has seen this clinician visit her hometown without noticing such "cliquey" behaviours). So I am not alone in my observations and experiences.

It is sad and demoralising to think coaches miss out on students or participants because there is a clique or culture of attendees that completely ruin it for others so much that they don't want to return (even though they want to see the wonderful coach).

Some other people may see individuals as:

• Holding or taking up all the space!

• Center of attention!

• Entitled!

• Know-it-alls!

• Talking down about others!

The list could go on...

You're Not the Clinician—Even If You're an Expert

Yes, you might be a vet, a coach, a bodyworker, or have decades of experience. That’s awesome (and we thank for your professional services). But unless you’re the one being paid to teach in this space and time, this isn’t your stage. You too, are the student, if you have paid to attend a clinic or event. The clinician has been invited for their expertise, and they deserve the space to share it without being interrupted, corrected, or overshadowed. The same goes for the participants.

It’s not about suppressing your knowledge—it’s about respecting the learning environment. You’re there to participate, not dominate.

Why Do People One-Up or Talk Down?

Let’s unpack this. When someone feels the need to:

• One-up others (“Oh, I already do that with my horse, but I do it better…”)

• Talk down (“She clearly doesn’t understand biomechanics…”)

• Gossip or undermine (“Did you see how badly he handled that exercise?”)

…it often stems from insecurity, not confidence. It’s a defense mechanism. But it creates tension, not trust. And it can ruin the experience for others who came to learn, not to be judged. And sadly, then not return, even though they would like to get more from the clinician.

Clinic Culture Goals: Fun, Respect, and Growth

Here’s what a great clinic culture looks like:

• 🎉 Celebrate the wins – Whether someone nailed a transition or just got their horse to stand still, cheer them on and with a genuine smile!

• 👂 Listen more than you speak – Absorb the clinician’s insights. Ask questions with curiosity, not to prove a point. Take a notepad and write down your learning's or questions for the appropriate time to ask.

• 🤝 Support each other – Offer encouragement, not critique. Everyone’s on their own journey.

• 🧘 Leave your ego at the gate – You’ll learn more when you’re open, humble, and present.

• ⏰ Everyone has equal time and support with the clinician – No-one elbows in to get more attention or impose on student lessons, and their times.

• 🛤️ Remember everyone is at different levels and stages of learning in their equine pathway – Be someone who helps and inspires!

How to Set the Tone as a Host or Participant

If you’re hosting:

• Set expectations early. A quick welcome speech can include a reminder to respect the clinician’s space and each other.

• Create a safe space for questions and vulnerability.

• Model the behavior you want to see.

If you’re attending:

• Be generous with kindness.

• Avoid unsolicited advice.

• Focus on your own learning, not others’ mistakes.

• Don't demand others attention when they are deep in learning/watching.

• Write down your questions and when the time presents, select a few to propose to the group question time (when and if the clinician offers this).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be That Person

Let’s be blunt: don’t be a jerk. Don’t be the person who makes others feel small, or who turns a learning space into a competition. Clinics should be about connection, not comparison.

So next time you roll up to a clinic, bring your horse, your notebook, your sense of humor—and leave your ego at the gate. You’ll be amazed how much more you (and everyone else) can learn and enjoy!

If you are the person that reads this post and goes "I don't care"... Well, maybe it is time you should reflect again (yep, I dare you to re-read this), and maybe consider not going to clinics (until you can change your own approach)–maybe you might just be "that person"? Maybe you can do something about it? Put yourself in the person's shoes being demoralised? Feel great right? Pffft...