What is a Full Immersion Horsemanship Clinic?
I developed the "Full Immersion Clinic" as an opportunity to address a variety of topics with participants learning during both unmounted sessions and while in the saddle. These safe, fun, and supportive learning opportunities offer an in-depth full immersion experience.
The Friday through Sunday clinics focus on Equine Behavior Assessment, Clear Communication & Effective Aids, Ground Work, and Riding. We also cover a variety of topics such as anatomical lectures, tack fit and appropriate usage, "finding a feel" exercises, group discussions, and much more!
Who may participate?
From novice to advanced riders, I encourage participants of all ages, disciplines, and experience levels. Horses may range from un-started colts to experienced competitive horses, and everything in between. This is not a "discipline-specific" clinic. Maximum of eight participants.
Can I bring more than one horse?
Yes. One horse is included in the participant fee, if you would like to bring an extra horse to "split" sessions with, there is a $10/day fee.
Can I participate if I don't have my own horse?
At this time I have one lesson horse available that is offered on a first-come basis (depending on the order registration is received.)
Why no predetermined "format"?
This is an opportunity to learn about behavioral patterns in you and your horse and to address "holes" in the foundation of your equine partnership. These may be influencing the quality of the relationship with your horse and are preventing you from achieving your goals. The clinic offers a safe, non-critical, supportive opportunity where you are encouraged to take the time to recognize how what, and why you're communicating with your horse. By watching other participants, people begin to see similarities in their own horsemanship.
These horsemanship clinics can be a great way to offer perspective and offer participants both short and long-term realistic direction for them and their horse. Beyond this basic outline, the structure and focus of the clinic will depend on the participants and their interests. Whether you are a trail rider, jumper, pleasure rider, or endurance rider, and everyone else, there is much to be discovered!
How long is a session?
A clinic day begins at 8 a.m., with about an hour lunch break midday, and ends around 4 or 5 p.m. I do not work by the clock but individual time is roughly 45 min to 1 1/2hrs several times in a day and potentially group horse sessions are longer. There is a lot of group discussion in between rides further discussing things that arose in each person's session.
Is the instruction individual or group?
Both. Initially, everyone gets one on one time and then depending on the student and their horse's needs, they will continue to have individual time and/or group instruction.
What tack do I need?
The only requirement is that all riders must wear an ASTM-approved riding helmet. There are helmets available to borrow for the clinic for a $10 fee. Otherwise, tack is often assessed, adjusted for proper fit, etc. throughout the clinic.
How do I register?
To register online click HERE.
What does the clinic cost?
The cost to participate in the three-day clinic is $600.
What is included in the price?
Daily unmounted theory discussions, tack/equipment fitting & usage, individual and group instruction and activities, and pasture board (grass hay) for your horse. There are four 12x12 uncovered stalls available on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be reserved at the time of your registration submission. (You are responsible for cleaning your own stall.)
When may I arrive/depart?
Horse arrivals are to be on the Thursday prior to the first day of the clinic, after 4 pm pst. Local folks typically head home Sunday evening. Those traveling long distances stay through Sunday night, (extra $10/night board charge) and depart Monday morning.
Accommodation options
Free dry camping (sorry, no hook-ups) is available on the property whether you're in a tent, motor home, camper, or horse trailer. There are many options via AirBnB, and plenty of name-brand hotels and motels in Sandpoint (about a 15 min drive south of the facility.)
Food/Grocery Options
Participants must provide their own food and lodging. A fantastic mom-and-pop store is just a few miles away, The Pack River General Store, offering basic groceries to a full dining menu that changes daily.
Property Rules
There is NO SMOKING policy on the TEC property.
All cell phones must be on vibrate for the ENTIRE clinic. If you must take a call, please do so to not interrupt the other participant's experience.
You may not ride your horse outside of clinic activities unless otherwise given permission.
Dogs must be well behaved (no barking) and remain on leashes at all times, and owners must pick up after them.
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