Daisy

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CLINICS

"I'll walk where my own nature would be leading; it vexes me to choose another guide" ~Emily Bronte

There are several core ideas in which Kathleen believes that form a foundation for her approach to horsemanship.

1.     Horses are smart, willing, hardworking creatures.

2.     If a horse is having trouble doing what we want or need, he either can’t (physically and/or mentally) or doesn’t understand the request.

3.     Horses desire clear, concise communication and leadership.

4.     A quiet mind is the optimal mental state for horse and rider.

5.     Build on the good that is already present.

6.     The five basics that a horse and rider will take with them into everything they do are: go, turn left, turn right, stop and back.

All disciplines of riders and breeds of horses are welcome at Kathleen’s clinics. Some of the topics often covered at clinics can include (but are not limited to):

Ground work: leading, boundaries, ground “manners”, catching, trailer loading, lunging, ground driving/long lining

Ridden work: stopping, transitions, lateral work (moving the feet), softness, dealing with fear, collection, lead changes, rider symmetry, developing feel and timing, jumping, saddle fit, and physical issues that may cause or contribute to training issues

Kathleen is happy to help clinic participants with young horses or restarts, but does not do first rides or “colt starting” at clinics. Young horses or restarts can absolutely benefit from ground work at clinics, but Kathleen feels that because every colt only gets one first ride in his life, that the clinic setting is not necessarily the best time or place for this important experience. If you have any questions about this, e-mail Kathleen.

Clinic Formats

One-on-one: This is the most common and popular clinic format. At a one-on-one clinic, each participant works with Kathleen for about an hour each day, addressing their individual goals and questions. This allows all seven participants to work on different topics if they wish. Spectators are welcome at these clinics and questions are encouraged. Participants of all abilities are welcome at one-on-one clinics.

Workshop: These clinics usually run five days, are a group format and accommodate only six riders of intermediate ability or over (must be able to ride safely at the walk, trot and canter unsupervised). There are no spectators at Workshop clinics. At some locations, horses may be available for loan during the clinic for participants who cannot bring their own horses. This format allows participants to discuss and explore in depth such ideas as breathing, intent, clarity, leadership and feel through mounted and unmounted work. Workshop clinics are noted as such on the clinic schedule to differentiate them from one-on-one clinics.

Training: Kathleen spends her winters at Timber Creek Farm in Camden, South Carolina. At Timber Creek, she offers horse training and colt starting services, private lessons, private study opportunities and workshop clinics. To read more available about what is available in South Carolina every winter, click here.

Participating in a Clinic

If you would like to participate in a clinic with Kathleen, first check the Clinic Schedule, then contact the sponsor of the clinic directly for registration and pricing information.

Sponsoring a Clinic

If you are interested in sponsoring a clinic with Kathleen, email here.

photos top to bottom: Teaching a jumping clinic in the UK. photo courtesy of Ruth Dickens. Kathleen and Isha working in Massachusetts. Photo by Joan Gemme. Learning about saddle fit. Photo by Joan Gemme. Working with all kinds of horses and riders in Rhode Island. Photo by Joan Gemme.

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