Step 3 - Sequencing Clinic (2024)

Step 3 -- Sequencing Clinic (2024)

Sequencing is an extremely important foundational part of your training. It includes efficient tool and equipment management during trimming; effective and humane horse handling and communication skills; and optimal body positioning of the horse, trimmer and (if participating) handler. Sequencing, in other words, includes those strategically important things that we do that are supportive of the practitioner’s efforts to trim the horse. Sequencing is so important in its own right that it is taught separately from trimming until such time that the student is sufficiently skilled and prepared to bring both together in Step 4 (Live Horse Trim Clinic).

Clinic Fees

Step 3 Sequencing clinics may be taught by any ISNHCP Instructor listed on this website (click on "Locate An ISNHCP Instructor" menu).

Fees are set by Step 2/3 Instructors and may vary by the number of students participating and the number of actual training days per student. Contact the Instructor of your choice for their fee. Fee is paid directly to the Instructor. Do not pay the ISNHCP.

Sequencing Video Submission Instructions

There are a number of requirements here, so read this section closely.

Before advancing to Step 4 ("Live Horse Trim Clinic"), you must produce a video for the ISNHCP to evaluate your sequencing skills. In the video, you must be able to demonstrate on one horse that you are physically in shape and can sequence according to NHC standards taught by your Instructor. You may sequence with a Handler or "free rein" (sequencing without a handler).
This video is important because the Step 4 Live Horse Trim Clinic will require that your sequencing is confirmed if you are to trim effectively, efficiently and safely while under the horse. Students who cannot sequence to ISNHCP training standards may be required to return to another Step 3 Sequencing Clinic. However, if the ISNHCP's opinion is that only practice is merited, and students can bring their sequencing to standard without further training, the ISNHCP may or may not require a second sequencing video.
Many years of instruction have taught us that sequencing requires practice, practice, practice! For this reason, the ISNHCP will not accept videos filmed at the Step 3 Clinics. Students are required to return home and practice on their own horse/s to confirm their sequencing according to NHC standards before preparing and submitting their videos. The ISNHCP, of course, does not expect graduate level performance, but does require that the basics of sequencing are both understood and confirmed at the Step 3 level you were taught by your Instructor. If students find they are unable to sequence on their own, they should schedule additional training with any authorized ISNHCP Instructor posted on the ISNHCP website.
You must sequence on your own (or friend's or client's) horse. Have someone shoot the video so we can see you clearly in all positions and transitions.
Post your video online (on either a private Facebook page or on a private YouTube channel. Email a link to the ISNHCP and include the date of your Step 3 clinic as well as the name of your Step 3 Instructor.
After submitting your video, register here for the ISNHCP evaluation. After payment has been received, your video will be evaluated by the ISNHCP. Normally, this can take up to a week, but every effort will be made to get it back to you sooner if possible.
The ISNHCP will provide a critique of your performance and email it to you.
If your sequencing is to standard, the ISNHCP will authorize you to proceed to the Step 4 Study Hall Quiz #6. If you fail the Step 3 video evaluation, you will be required to register again until you do pass. You cannot move forward with your training until you have met the sequencing requirement. Sequencing is that important to your success as an ISNHCP practitioner. The best way to assure your success is to practice your sequencing as explained above, and review the related reading assignments in your syllabus.