My teenager dreams of a career as a rider. As unrealistic (and expensive) as it may be, I want to help her give it her best shot. She's doing fairly well placing at various BSJA shows and is currently at a kids-focused jumping yard that has definitely improved her riding, but she wants to get to the "next level" and I don't think anyone at her yard wants to go beyond recreational riding/low level competing (at least her friends don't and the yard doesn't really have anyone competing at international or even high national level).
She wants to do a clinic or a camp (if that even exists) to be seen by a fresh pair of eyes and for a high-level instructor to really assess her/her pony. Not being from the horse world, I have absolutely no clue what I'm talking about and I can only guess that top instructors have enormous waiting lists and don't take on kids off the street. But how to get to even be seen by one?
Could anyone recommend a clinic that we could sign up for? We're in London but could travel of course (ideally not too far).
I'm also concerned that her current instructor is very well-connected in the BSJA world and would take offence at us trying to be seen by someone else. I'm not sure how to navigate this without burning bridges, as they are a very good (old-school) instructor. A fall-out would also mean we would have to move yards (jumping yards recommendations would also be welcome 😂).
Any advice on how to go about this and recommendations much appreciated.