“Lindsey is a phenomenal problem solver. I have never seen an equine issue she couldn't fix quickly and with kindness. It's amazing. That's what sold me on Natural Horsemanship”. PaigeT.

NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP CLINICS WITH LINDSEY FORKUN

• Clinic Uses and General Information
  
• Clinic Formats
  
• Common Clinic Topics
  
• Clinic Pricing
  
• Steps to Hosting a Clinic with Lindsey
  
• Kolb’s Learning Styles

CLINIC USES AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Clinics are when a group of people get together to learn in a group setting. Clinics provide an opportunity for the group to learn from Lindsey for an extended period of time.

Clinics are generally one or two days long, with each day having approximately 7 hours of instruction. Clinics can also be a ½ day or tailored to suit the needs of the group and facility.

Generally anywhere from 5 to 15 horse/handler combinations can participate with many more participants able to watch and learn from the sidelines during the instruction that requires interaction with the horses.

Lindsey works with each facility and group independently to tailor a clinic that caters to the needs and desires of all involved.

Reasons to attend or host a clinic are to:

• Change up your daily routine
• Diversify both you and your horses skills which can mentally stimulate your horse and make you better equipped to deal with variety of situations
• Expose a green or new horse to a new event
• Explore different instructors and methods
• Give you inspiration
• Have a fun and learning filled day with your horse
• Have an event with a group of people you know
• Have an opportunity to learn from an instructor you may not normally have the chance to (due to distance, scheduling conflicts, etc)
• Help make some solid progress with your horse and/or learning (due to all the practice and learning experiences)
• Learn from other horse/handler combinations
• Learn what ‘fresh eyes’ notice about your interaction with horses
• Meet new people
• Teach you new tasks to work on
• Test your relationship with the horse
• Try something new

Participants benefit from clinics for the following main reasons:

• The ability to observe other students: this allows participants to see what could happen, and how to address the situation
• The ability to have instruction from Lindsey when otherwise it might be too far a distance to come for just a group lesson
• The ability to have a mix of learning from the many different clinic formats
• The length of time is sufficient to allow participants to explore concepts and teachings, so that problem areas can be addressed
• The opportunity to benefit from questions and answers that other participants ask
• The opportunity to brainstorm and learn new ideas from other participants

Clinic Formats

Clinics can have many different formats. When teaching groups, it is important to cater to every learning style. Clinics can contain a variety of formats to help meet the learning needs of the group, and to provide rest periods to the horses if it is an all day clinic.

Clinics are specifically tailored to each facility and group to make sure the needs of the learners are being met and that the format works with the facility set up. People can learn from two main ways: watching (involves both visual/auditory observing) and doing (hands on practice). People also have two main ways in their approach to learning: thinking (reflecting, allowing time for abstract thought and thinking through each step), and feeling (just jumping right in and using all senses rather than logic to guide actions) — taken from ‘Kolb’s learning styles’.

To learn more about learning styles to see where you fit in, scroll below or CLICK HERE.

Lindsey offers the following clinic format pieces (clinics can include as many or few combinations of the following formats):

• Demonstrations: Lindsey can work with a horse that is participating in the clinic, or bring a different horse to demonstrate the correct actions and cues when executing a task. Lindsey may use short demonstrations throughout the clinic to help show new tasks or to clarify a current task. This can really help learners that like to see how things are done and/or think their way through a task before they try themselves. Lindsey also explains as she works with the horse which helps the learner that likes to listen as a method of learning.
  - Learning styles that benefit: Watching and Thinking
• Discussions: Lindsey stimulates a discussion of a particular topic amongst the group members. This is more interactive than lecture style and draws from the experience within the group. Lindsey acts as the facilitator and expert to moderate the discussion, which helps to capture and utilize the expertise from within group. The benefit to this format is the that the group can learn from the lived experiences of others, the downside is that not everyone is comfortable sharing their stories, or this format may have to be modified if the group is very large.
  - Learning styles that benefit: Watching (auditory) and Thinking
• Group Horse/Handler instruction: Generally the majority of the clinic will be spent with group horse/handler instruction. This means there will be a group of participants with their horses in the working area, all learning and practicing the different tasks at the same time. Group sizes range depending on the facility and setting. Arena size needs to be considered because each horse/handler combination needs space to work in. Usually groups are between 5-15 horse/handler combinations. There are times within group instruction that the group may be split into smaller groups and take turns completing tasks; this may be required for tasks that involve using a lot of space such as practicing round abouts (circles/ lunging type exercises).
  Group instruction allows everyone to practice skills while Lindsey observes the group and provide instruction as required, while answering questions that arise. The downside to this type of instruction is that Lindsey only has one set of eyes, so participants have to take turns for receiving specific feedback. Also it can be difficult to learn from the other group members because the handlers are already focused on working with their horse. However a benefit is that while Lindsey is instructing one person, that information may be relevant to another and as a result there is still an abundance to learn. Another benefit is that this group format allows lots of time for participants to practice their skills which means Lindsey can help participants work through the ‘kinks’ that arise. For the participants who are just watching the clinic and don’t have a horse at the clinic, this format is excellent because there are so many horse/handler combinations to learn from, that there is bound to be one similar to a horse they work with.
  - Learning styles that benefit: Doing and Feeling
• Lecture Style: Lindsey presents the information to the group in a classroom like setting which allows the group to absorb information without adding the distraction of having horses present, or the fear of public speaking that some people experience when having group discussions. Power point or flip chart tools can be used with this format to assist visual learners. This format works really well with large groups.
  - Learning styles that benefit: Watching and Thinking
• Simulation Exercises: Simulation exercises provide a safe environment to practice new skills or to get more comfortable and accurate with existing skills. Lindsey gives the group activities to simulate. The activities are ones that we do with horses, so this is a very interactive approach that allows the group to practice practical skills with each other. Simulation has many added benefits because the group has a chance to get comfortable with their tools and cues before working with the horse, and it allows the chance to get verbal feedback from the other participants. Essentially you get to practice with a talking horse (because some group members will act as the horse and other group members will act as the handler; then participants will switch roles) this means you have a chance to hear what your movements and cues feel and look like from the horse’s perspective. Plus you get the experience of learning from the horse’s perspective and learning how other participants approach and work with horses. This format works well with large or small groups and is great for allowing the chance to practice and learn from each other without the pressure or distractions from having real horses present. The downside is that not everyone is comfortable with this method and as a result might not get the most out of this great learning opportunity.
  - Learning styles that benefit: Doing and Thinking
• Private Horse/Handler Instruction: there may be tasks or concepts when it is most appropriate for one-on-one instruction. Examples are when participants are jumping a course or grid, completing a pattern or obstacle, or when playing the game ‘join up’ with their horse. One-on-one instruction allows Lindsey to give immediate feedback, which is important for the success and learning of certain tasks and concepts. Private horse/handler instruction may be just a couple minutes for each horse/handler combination throughout the day, or it could be a longer 10-20 minute session. This also allows the other participants to learn through observation and benefit from seeing many different types of horse/handler combinations complete the same task.
  - Learning styles that benefit: Doing and Feeling for the horse/handler combination completing the action. Watching and Thinking for the other participants observing the combination being instructed.
  Lindsey works with each facility and group independently to tailor a clinic that caters to the needs and desires of all involved.

Common Clinic Topics

Clinics can include a variety of different topics that will meet the needs of the learners. Clinic topics that are of interest, but are not on the following list might be available—contact Lindsey with your needs to find out if Lindsey has expertise in your area of interest. It is recommended that any facility or group interested in hosting a clinic should conduct a short survey to find out what topics are of most interest.

Clinics can include a combination of these topics:

• Can’t We Fix That? trouble shooting all sorts of behavioural problems from biting to kicking
• Communicating Clearly: learn the language of horse and begin your conversation 
• Creating Confidence: how to deal with the scary stuff either on the ground or in the saddle
• Fearless Fences: how to create a brave and talented jumping horse
• Fun on Your Feet: learn how to play with your horse without getting in the saddle
• Gracious Ground Manners: perfecting everyday tasks like leading and tying
• Huh What Does That Mean? learning to read horse behaviour
• Let Your Horse Jump: getting the rider to enhance the horse’s jump
• Lets Calm Down! working with the anxious or ‘hot’ horse
• Powerful Engagement: steps to bending and collecting without the kick and tug
• Starting with Success: approaching and working with the untrained horse
• Terrific Trails: steps to both being safe and stimulating for your horse on the trail
• Trailer Loading: it doesn’t have to be hell on wheels
• What is Natural Horsemanship? introducing the basics

Pricing

Clinics are planned according to the needs of the facility, participants, and Lindsey’s ability and availability. Please contact Lindsey with your needs and Lindsey will be happy to work with you.

General pricing guidelines:

• Clinics where participants do not bring horses:
  • 10-20 people: $5/hr/person*
  • 21 or more people: Flat hourly rates available. Please contact Lindsey for a quote.
• Clinics with a horse/handler combination component:
  • 10-15 horse and handler combinations= $100/ horse and handler combination/ 7 hr day*
  • 6-9 horse and handler combinations=  $125/ horse and handler combination/ 7 hr day*
  • 5 or fewer horse and handler combinations= $150/ horse and handler combination/ 7 hr day*
    
    *Additional charges may apply for long distance travel and/or if overnight accommodations are required for Lindsey. Please contact Lindsey for a quote to your location. The first 200km (round trip) from Uxbridge are free when hosting a 7 hr clinic.
    The facility may charge additional fees to the horse/handler combinations to cover operating costs.
    The facility may set the cost for observers/auditors of the clinic when hosting a clinic with a horse/handler component (participants that don’t bring a horse, but instead just observe from the sidelines).

Steps to Hosting a Clinic with Lindsey

How exciting that you are considering hosting a natural horsemanship clinic with Lindsey! Below are some easy to follow steps when setting up a clinic with Lindsey:

1. Survey: Conduct a short survey of the interested participants in your area/group to find out what date, time, length, format, location, and topic are of interest to the majority of people. This will help you create a clinic that people want. When asking about a date, time and length, it is best to give people only two or three options or you may end up with too many different answers. When asking about location, you may be asking what facility to use or it could be the location within the facility to use if the facility has multiple arenas or settings available. To download a sample survey CLICK HERE.

2. Obtain Support: Make sure you have the support of the hosting facility. It would be unfortunate to plan out a clinic and then realize you have no where to host it. It is best if the facility has an area to learn indoors in the event of poor weather, otherwise a rain date will need to be considered.

3. Consultation: Contact Lindsey for a no obligation consultation to discuss your needs and obtain a quote. Lindsey will review your needs and survey results to help you plan a clinic that will benefit the participants and the facility. Lindsey will provide you with a clinic agreement that will list all the details discussed including the price, date, time, and length.

4. Decide and Deposit: Once you have your clinic agreement, you can take your time to make the decision whether or not to host the clinic. If/once you decide to sign the clinic agreement, a 10% deposit will be due to secure the date, with the remaining balance due the day of the clinic.

5. Market the Clinic: Once you have signed the clinic agreement and paid the deposit it is time to market your clinic to make sure you have great attendance. It is best to advertise early and then have reminders. This allows people to check their schedules and hold the date. Advertising may include posting flyers in nearby horse facilities, tack stores, and feed shops, sending emails and flyers to friends or even including an advertisement in the local newspaper or website. Lindsey has sample emails and flyers available. Lindsey can work with you to create an appropriate marketing strategy for your clinic at no extra cost.

6. Plan the Finer Details: There are a lot of factors to consider when hosting a clinic including: parking, signs, volunteers for the day, food for sale, washrooms, accommodations for the horses, overnight accommodation for participants that are travelling a ways, traffic flow at the facility, seating, etc. CLICK HERE to view a planning template to help make sure all the bases are covered.

7. Draft an Evaluation: Although not required, it is great to get feedback from participants to help with planning future events. Create an evaluation form, usually just one page, to ask questions to participants that will help with planning future events. To view a sample evaluation CLICK HERE.

8. Enjoy the Event: You have worked hard for it! Enjoy the day.

9. Review the Evaluations: It is a good idea to review the evaluations fairly soon after the clinic (within a month or two). Taking notes of common themes or suggestions can be helpful to summarize the results of the evaluation and help you plan a future event.

Here are brief descriptions of the four Kolb learning styles

Diverging (feeling and watching - CE/RO) - These people are able to look at things from different perspectives. They are sensitive. They prefer to watch rather than do, tending to gather information and use imagination to solve problems. They are best at viewing concrete situations from several different viewpoints. Kolb called this style 'Diverging' because these people perform better in situations that require ideas-generation, for example, brainstorming. People with a Diverging learning style have broad cultural interests and like to gather information. They are interested in people, tend to be imaginative and emotional, and tend to be strong in the arts. People with the Diverging style prefer to work in groups, to listen with an open mind and to receive personal feedback.

Assimilating (watching and thinking - AC/RO) - The Assimilating learning preference is for a concise, logical approach. Ideas and concepts are more important than people. These people require good clear explanation rather than practical opportunity. They excel at understanding wide-ranging information and organizing it into a clear logical format. People with an Assimilating learning style are less focused on people and more interested in ideas and abstract concepts. People with this style are more attracted to logically sound theories than approaches based on practical value. These learning style people are important for effectiveness in information and science careers. In formal learning situations, people with this style prefer readings, lectures, exploring analytical models, and having time to think things through.

Converging (doing and thinking - AC/AE) - People with a Converging learning style can solve problems and will use their learning to find solutions to practical issues. They prefer technical tasks, and are less concerned with people and interpersonal aspects. People with a Converging learning style are best at finding practical uses for ideas and theories. They can solve problems and make decisions by finding solutions to questions and problems. People with a Converging learning style are more attracted to technical tasks and problems than social or interpersonal issues. A Converging learning style enables specialist and technology abilities. People with a Converging style like to experiment with new ideas, to simulate, and to work with practical applications.

Accommodating (doing and feeling - CE/AE) - The Accommodating learning style is 'hands-on', and relies on intuition rather than logic. These people use other people's analysis, and prefer to take a practical, experiential approach. They are attracted to new challenges and experiences, and to carrying out plans. They commonly act on 'gut' instinct rather than logical analysis. People with an Accommodating learning style will tend to rely on others for information than carry out their own analysis. This learning style is prevalent and useful in roles requiring action and initiative. People with an Accommodating learning style prefer to work in teams to complete tasks. They set targets and actively work in the field trying different ways to achieve an objective.

© david kolb original concept relating to kolb's learning styles model, and alan chapman 2003-2009 review and code and diagrams artwork.

Lindsey Forkun Equestrian Natural Horsemanship
Uxbridge, Stouffville, Toronto, Ontario | 416-571-5914 | lindsey@lfequestrian.com
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