Event:
April 30, 2011 - May 1, 2011
Stonewall, MB

Contact:
Penny Coleman
204-467-8789
pfidler@rainyday.ca

Clinic Description
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 a positive balance of trust and respect is created, eliminating many common problems and safety issues.  The Stage 1 Clinic will help you develop an understanding of how to achieve respect and safety.  You’ll learn how to use ground and riding exercises that horses use to play with one another, break down the prey-predator relationship, and create a language with which to communicate and teach your horse things on the ground you want him to understand when you are on his back.
Learn the little things that mean so much to the horse, from how you approach him, how you handle your halter and put it on, the quality (or lack of!) your touch, where you hold the lead rope, easy ways to saddle that are effective and inoffensive.  Because we are working with horses, each and every course will be slightly different, and sometimes excellent learning opportunities present themselves, unique to the group of people and horses.  We will also be developing powerful strategies for building confidence and overcoming fear in both the horse and rider.
Glenn’s clinics are progressive, which means exercises in the clinic are built upon each other - each new task touches on what was learned previously.  All these theories and techniques build success for when you are in the saddle - learn a "preflight check" - how to warm your horse up on the ground before you ride, and what to look for to ensure that he will be a willing, thinking, and respectful partner once you get on.  
Because this is a two day clinic, we will follow a progression of what needs to happen prior to sitting in the saddle to promote success, we may or may not be riding.  Beneficial to all styles and disciplines, from the serious competitor to the recreational rider.
When you have Stage 1 Savvy - which is what we will be working towards in the clinic:

• 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 bigger bit to force him to stop or slow down.
• He is willing to move forward.
• 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.
• Create a more athletic, willing partner.
• Learn how using groundskills can put you in the role of an effective leader for your horse.
• Start the process of understanding mental and emotional aspects of your horse and how it affects the physical.
• You can teach your horse to do new things because you understand how to communicate with him.