The Importance of Following Etiquette as a Dressage Clinician

I originally posted this on facebook as the Willowview Hill Farm Tip of the Week - but felt it was worth re-broadcasting here. I feel strongly ( can't you tell), that some clinicians give the rest of us a bad name and urge all trainers to examine carefully the folks they trust to come to their barns to offer clinician services.

As any trainer knows, we all need good eyes on the ground to keep us progressing and on track. Bringing in a clinician can bring you new students/boarders, give you a fresh look and new approach in solving training issues and also give you guidance in your own career.

If you are a trainer and have developed your talents to the level of clinician, then it is important that you follow clear etiquette when walking in to another trainers horse operation:-
1. It is NOT OK to start back soliciting their clients that are presently boarding/training with them. It is not OK to contact their clients directly without copying in the barn trainer/owner on each conversation, even if one of their clients initiates the contact after the clinic. To do so will rightfully earn you a bad reputation and while you may find barns further afield, say across the country that may have you come clinic, you will garner zero support and word will spread quickly as to your lack of professional respect and behavior.
2. If you have a lesson program at your own facility, you need to develop your own client base independently of your clinic clients and you should not TROLL other trainers members list or followers to do this. Advertise yourself on social media but do not repeatedly 'bump' your postings, or blast on social media on the same page incessantly.
3. You SHOULD be aware that when you present yourself as a clinician, you are taking training $ away from the trainer. It is therefore important that you give back to them some real benefit for their trust in you. We'll assume that you are more educated than said trainer and will bring a lot to the table training wise for them and their students. BUT you must not criticize their training methods to their students but simply show a different approach to the issues you see with horse/rider in front of you. You SHOULD ask the trainer if there are any issues they are having trouble with any particular student training wise ( on the quiet of course), and provide helpful advice and support to the trainer to enhance their approach and understanding.
4. As a clinician you must understand that the trainer of the barn when riding in front of you, is putting you in a position of sincere trust in front of the students. It is of paramount importance you work in a professional and 'go forward' manner with everyone at the clinc no berating, shouting, etc. BUT with the trainer who is in all likelihood riding at a higher level than the students, make every effort to go the extra mile and give them extra 'keys' that they can feel and then start teaching their students.
5. Note the progress of all riders ( not always easy when you don't see them regularly as a clinician), and remember to give credit to the trainer as well as the student for the improvements.
6. Do not shut yourself off from students present. I have been to clinics where the trainer has the clinician sit right next to them, miles away from the students, no interaction even at lunch time and no 1 on 1 opportunity for conversation. The trainer should trust you to have a conversation about the training, travel, the weather whatever etc. As a clinician you do not delve into barn politics. The trainer should trust your judgement and if they do not trust it my advice is find another clinician.

Both Paul and I Work Hard to Ensure a Great Experience For All -

Overall, a clinician should always have 'the trainer's back.' As a clinician you are hopefully very experienced, and can offer private advice to the trainer on anything from soundness issues, to training issues, to rider issues, hep on developing their horse biz etc.