Clinics
Our Clinics are designed to help horses and their riders of all ages build
confidence and trust as well as respect. We believe that if the rider does
not have control on the ground, then he or she will not have any control
on the horse’s back either. Keeping that in mind we have incorporated
ground work as well as under saddle work into all of our clinics, regardless
if they are a couple of hours or several days long. We use several obstacles
to improve communication between horse and rider. The obstacles are set
up in our riding ring which we consider a safe controlled working environment
without distractions. Once Horse and rider have gained confidence in a controlled
environment the uncontrolled environments, such as trails or horse shows
with lots of distractions, will become easier to maneuver.
Below is a list of some of our obstacles.
The Tarp - Step Up - Cones -
Tires - Cavalletti - The Teeter-Totter -
Barrels
Come and Join the Fun!
The tarp simulates a water crossing. If the horses get used to crossing
unusual scary objects in the ring then it becomes easier on the trail or
in a jumping course. Most horses refuse to cross water out of fear and by
teaching them that they can trust in their rider the horse will become less
fearful. 
This obstacle will improve the horse’s confidence as well as balance.
The box has been proven to be one of the most challenging obstacles due
to its small size. The goal is for all of the horse’s feet to be
on the box eventually.
We use the cones as a tool to help the rider focus on something while they
are teaching their horse to give to the bit. A horse learns how to turn
fluently and be soft on the bit by turning. A course or pattern of cones
helps make this repetitive exercise more fun for the rider.
Cavalletti help the horse learn how to pick up their feet and teach the
horse to watch where they place their feet. We also use them in advanced
riding as well as training Jumpers and Dressage horses to help the horses
become more fluent.
This obstacle is a great confidence builder for both horse and rider. I
helps the horse get used to bridges which may be encountered on a trail
ride. Since it moves it also strengthens the trust of the horse in the rider.
We use the barrels to teach the horse to be confident to jump over unusual
objects. Beginners let their horses jump with them standing on the ground
only, but advanced riders jump under saddle as well.