Introduction to jumping- intense weekend clinic

This clinic is designed for riders who are comfortable at least at trot. It is not appropriate for beginners.

During the weekend you will be paired with a horse and you will go through a series of exercises to introduce you to jumping. The clinic is designed to give you an experience similar to being out on a show and competing. Thorough the weekend you are responsible for grooming and caring for your horse. You have to tack yourself, maintain the stall etc.

The clinic schedule:

Saturday

8am- Grooming and tacking

You will groom your horse and we will match you with the tack that you will be using all weekend.

9am-11am- Flatwork

We will work in the arena with the whole group on the fundamentals that you will need later during the weekend. We will work on medium walk and extended walk. We will ride both seated and in two-point. We will introduce side movements, create bend on the circles. We will work on collecting and extending trot. You will learn how to use your seat, two-point, and posting to extend and shorten the stride.

11am- Grooming and lunch

Lunch is not provided but we have some good local recommendations. Or we can all go eat together if the group wants to.

1pm-3pm- Cross rail and learning courses

That's where you will put what you worked on earlier together to go over your first jumps. We will start very low, with poles on the ground and cross rails. At first just a single jump that you will go over in trot. Depending on how you're doing we may go up a little higher.

To give you an actual show jumping experience, we will create courses for you to follow. Jumping high is easy- it's remembering which fence to jump next and turning what get's you!

3pm- Grooming and feeding

You will put your horse back in their stall and get them ready for the next day

Saturday evening- Bonfire

Bring your own drinks and something to throw on the grill. We will hang out around the bonfire with the group.

Sunday

8am- Grooming and tacking

9am-11am- Flatwork, cross rail, and verticals

We will start with the same exercises as we did the day before. Then we will continue through cross rails, and if you're doing well we will then move on to small vertical jumps.

11am-1pm- Grooming and lunch

1pm- MINI GRAND-PRIX

You will end your weekend getting a real taste of show jumping. We will set a course and you will compete against each other in a very relaxed mini grand prix format. The rules will be identical as if you were doing an actual show. And you will go home with a ribbon. This is designed to give you a fun, very relaxed introduction to the sport. It is not meant to stress you out or make it very competitive. We just want to give you a taste of how do the shows go and what do you have to do.

FAQ

1. What if I am progressing faster/ slower than others

That's completely fine. There is no pressure for you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. We want you to have an amazing experience and fall in love with the sport. If you're doing better than the rest of the group, we will add more difficult obstacles/ challenges that you will be going over. If you need more time than others, we will help you take things slow.

2. What are rider requirements

This is NOT FOR NEWBIES. You must have prior riding experience and you must be safe trotting around other horses. If you are unsure about your skills, please book a private lesson with us before signing up. If your skills make it unsafe for you, your horse, or other participants you will be denied participation with no refund. Please, talk to us about your experience and we will make it work.

3. Are helmets required?

Of course, yes. If you don't have your own, we have some you can use.

4. What to wear?

English riding boots and riding pants are recommended. You will be spending a lot of time in the saddle. You want stretchable clothes that will protect your skin from rubbing.

5. Can I bring my dog?

No, sorry. You will have plenty on your hands already.

6. Can you recommend accomodations?

There is a lot of good hotels within 10 minutes away from the ranch. We have heard good things about DoubleTree in Palmdale.

7. What are the age restrictions

We don't have any restrictions, but all minors have to be accompanied by adults during the whole weekend. It's a great experience for kids as well as adults.

8. What are the payment options?

You can either pay in full while booking or only $160 pay deposit to reserve your spot, and the rest 2 days before the clinic. The deposit is not refundable but is transferable.