2010 Camp Dates

Camp 1 (Stages 1&2) May 17-21 (5 days)

Camp 2 (Stages 2&3) May 24-28 (5 days)

Camp 3 (Stages 3&4) May 31-June 8 (8 days)

Camp 4 (Stages 4&5) June 11-19 (8 days)

Camp 5 (Stages 5&6) June 22-30 (8 days)

Stage 1 Camp Natural Horsemanship Foundation July 2-5

Leads & Lead Changes and Advanced Liberty July 17-21

Download 2010 Camps Application, Dates & Fees

Download General Info

The following is a general overview of some of what is covered in the various Stages taught within the camps.  However; each camp is unique .  For a list of tasks representative of each stage see:  Assessments & Tasksheets

Partnership Stages 1 & 2 • Respect, Safety, Fun • Mental Collection

Go Way Beyond Riding

Being able to read horses is one of the greatest skills a horseman can have. It tells you what approach you need to take and helps you resolve problems quickly. Stage 1 is where 'horse savvy' begins, creating a positive balance of trust and respect, eliminating many common problems and safety issues.

The Camps that involve Stage 1 & 2 will help you develop a firm understanding of how to achieve respect and safety, and give you a chance to put them to practice with hands on help. You'll learn to play the 7 patterns horses play with one another, break down the prey-predator barrier, create a language with which to communicate with your horse and teach your horse on the ground the things you want him to understand when you are on his back. We will also be preparing for Stages 3 & 4 and covering other topics such as saddle savvy, the critical elements of how saddles restrict or promote movement, trailer loading, and powerful strategies for building confidence and overcoming fear in both the horse and the rider.

When you have Stage 1 & 2 Savvy:

• Your horse comes to you. You don't have to "catch" him.
• His ground manners are great. He is willing, cooperative, calm, more confident, compliant, friendly and adaptable.
• He is easy to control. You don't have to use a bit to force him to stop or slow down.
• He is willing to move forward. You don't have to kick or use spurs.
• He stands quietly for saddling and willingly picks up his feet for cleaning.
• His attitude toward you is positive and responsive rather than negative, moody or resistant.
• You can teach your horse to do new things because you understand how to communicate with him.

Harmony Stages 3, 4, & 5 • Respect, Impulsion, Fun • Emotional Collection

Reach A Deeper Understanding of Your Horse and Yourself.

Can you imagine knowing the secrets of control without force and communication without ropes? This is where the magic of horsemanship starts. Stages 3, 4, & 5 takes horsemanship into realms far beyond what people do with horses every day. Learn to tell the critical difference between a lack of understanding or confidence vs. disrespect and the different ways to deal with each. These stages also explore impulsion, (where go=whoa) which is why you'll feel less and less need to use the reins for control.

Stages 3, 4 & 5 Camps

• On Line (22’ Line)
• Liberty
• Freestyle
• Finesse
• Equine Relationship Skills
• Natural Riding Principles
• Four Responsibilities of the Horse
• Four Responsibilities of the Rider
• Secrets of Impulsion, Impulsion Programs
• Positive Reflexes
• Canter Leads
• Simple Lead Changes
• Supporting Rein
• Diagonals
• The Soft Feel
• Trailer Loading from a distance
• Fluidity Concepts
• Simulations on Mighty Broncy
• Trail Riding Safety can lead to fun; challenge your savvy and riding skills on our challenge course, trotting track and river valley trails

Stages 4, 5 & 6 Camps

Explore Your Mental, Emotional, and Physical Potential

Advance your skills as you learn to encourage positive reflexes on the ground and in the saddle, more exercises to develop an independent seat, and what it takes to smoothly accomplish leads and lead changes. Build an advanced liberty connection. This is where the fun begins!

 

Stages 4, 5, & 6 Camps:

• On Line (22’ & 45' Line)
• Liberty
• Freestyle
• Finesse
• Equine Relationship Skills
• Natural Riding Principles
• Four Responsibilities of the Horse
• Four Responsibilities of the Rider
• Secrets of Impulsion, Impulsion Patterns & Programs
• Positive Reflexes
• Supporting Rein
• Diagonals
• The Soft Feel
• Bridle-less Riding
• Carrot Stick Riding
• Continuing with Mighty Broncy
• Leads and Lead Changes
• Riding with Fluidity
• Transitions
• Sideways, Backup; Key Maneuvers, Essential ingredients
• Psychology of getting horses to ‘offer’ more
• 45' Rope Skills
• Introduction to Stage 6 Liberty and Online
• Driving from Zone Five using Long Reins
• River Trails to further Develop Foundation
• Advanced Trailer Loading

Refinement Stages 6, 7, & 8 • Respect, Impulsion, Flexion • Physical Collection

Continue to Explore Your Mental, Emotional, and Physical Potential

Build accuracy, more feel and precision. Your communications will become subtle, almost invisible to the observer, finding a new level of grace and finesse. You will discover the benefits of Vertical Flexion and how to achieve the early stages of collection through respect, impulsion and flexion, properly and naturally combined.

To prepare a horse for Vertical Flexion, it is critical to have him mentally and emotionally prepared so he is free of tension and anxiety. The savvy it takes to bring a horse naturally to this point of mental, emotional and physical collection is profound. It involves a high degree of understanding and preparation both on the ground and in the saddle.

Explore the concept of voluntary involvement from your horse and advance your intellectual understanding of how maneuvers are built, and to first be able to perform it in your own mind and body before accomplishing it on the horse.

Stages 6, 7, & 8 Camps:

• Four Savvys
• On Line (22' & 45’ Line)
• Advanced Liberty
• Freestyle
• Finesse
• The Soft Feel in Motion
• Refinement of Speeds Within the Gait
• Long Reins
• Flank Rope
• Bridle-less Riding
• Refined Simple and Flying Lead Changes
• Secrets of Impulsion, Impulsion Patterns & Programs
• Flexion; Lateral, Vertical, Longitudinal
• Finding Balance - "The Stretch"
• Vertical Flexion to add Power, Suspension and Dimension
• Riding Positions that Enhance Collection
• Lateral Movements at the Trot and Canter
• Movement "Within a Frame" without brace and tension
• Graceful Transitions and Snappy Departures

Download the Camps Application, Dates & Fees Form (PDF)

Download the Camps General Information (PDF)