Canterbury: Private On The Trail Horsemanship Clinic
Private!Ā
This is a private clinic booked by a group who have all attended clinics of Bens before. There may be the possibility that a space opens up. If you have attended a clinic of Bens in the past and want to join the waitlist – please fill out the below form.Ā
On The Trail Clinic Format: This is a unique clinic, as rather than being based in an arena, it will be based out āon the trailā on a stunning beef & sheep station with diverse terrain for us to ride over. You will be working with your horse on a variety of practical, real life situations using horsemanship principles and foundational communication. We will be addressing common situations people face while on the trail trekking out and working as a group to help individual horses and riders navigate problems with feel, respect, trust and encouragement.Ā
Date: Sun 16th – Tue 18th, February, 2025
Time: 9:00am ā 4:00pm
Cost: US$390 (approx. NZ$650) per participant (for all 3 days) + arena/farm fee
Arena/Farm/Accomodation Fee: US$90 (approx. $NZ150) (for all 3 days)
Where: Castleridge Station, Canterbury
Spectators: No spectators for this clinic, it is private and based out on the trail
Clinic Description
The emphasis in all Clinics is always on learning to communicate more effectively through āfeelā, timing, and balance, building a working relationship based on respect and trust between horse & rider. All Clinics are flexible based on participantās skill/experience levels.
Some time during the mornings may be spent in the arena on the ground doing foundational ground work followed by transferring those lessons learnt to the ridden work out on the trail.
Subjects covered may include (but are not limited to)
ā¢ Discussing the feet/mind/leadership connection and other foundational Horsemanship principles
ā¢ Learning how to be safer around your horse and develop a great partnership
ā¢ Understanding why you need to be the leader and how to become the leader
ā¢ Understanding the relationship of pressure, release, and timing
ā¢ Foundational Groundwork and how it prepares the horse for real life experiences
ā¢ Training and learning to āfeelā and read the 4 areas of the horse both on the ground and under saddle ā Head and Neck, Shoulders, Ribcage and Hindquarters
ā¢ Opening gates while mounted
ā¢ Working as a team in helping riders that may have āposition problemsā (horse wanting to lead/follow and not settled)
ā¢ Building confidence riding outside
ā¢ Practical skills to address various situations that may be encountered (bogs, river crossings, steep terrain, animals etc)
ā¢ Different terrain, hills, water crossing, wildlife encounters, farm machinery, bush and more may be encountered
Canterbury On The Trail Horsemanship Clinic: 16-18 Feb, 2025
