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Your Child's First Clinic

Horse and Rider

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Summer 2025

A clinic can be a great way to learn, but before you invest, consider these tips.

- BY SHYANNE SMITH, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON

Your Child's First Clinic

When your young rider reaches a point in their horse life, it might be time to consider signing them up for a clinic. But before you do, consider these seven tips to ensure that your child is ready and can get the most from your investment.

Test the Waters Online

You'll find many online learning options, from Ride TV to YouTube videos, that can help you evaluate your child’s interest and attention span. See how long they stay engaged with the lesson, notice if they get distracted easily, and ask what they learned after the session. Videos are also a great way to determine if a clinician you're considering aligns with your expectations, values, and horsemanship style.

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