***standby - we'll be updating this page with NEW info by Dec 10***
These clinics feature 2 Instructors to maximize your 1 on 1 time!
Jody starts these clinics off by exploring the inner workings of your horses muscular and skeletal systems. Delve into the workings of your horse by putting together a real horse skeleton, watching detailed muscle movements on a painted horse and learning more about your own horse.
Jody also spends time teaching you equine stretching exercises - a valuable skill for those on the trail and more than welcomed by your horse after a day's riding!
An on to the trail...
Exploring the trails in our beautiful country is an adventure we can all enjoy. And it's sure more fun when you and your horse are relaxed and communicating like a team...and particularly when you have the confidence to handle the unexpected!
Getting out and riding introduces a number of variables that you need to be prepared for. Our Trail Riding Clinics prepare you for the reality of getting out on the trail in a safe, controlled environment.
Your confidence is your horse's convidence. When your horse views you as a solid, trusted leader, then he will seek you when he is unsure or afraid.
You'll learn how to:
Our clinics are about having FUN with your horse, increasing your skill and enhancing your relationship with your horse through the application of solid horsemanship principles. Clinics are also limited to 8 people for maximum one-on-one instruction.
Our clinics start off with a short classroom session on our style of horsemanship and trail riding information.
We'll work through exercises in the arena and round pen designed to build your leadership and communication skills with your horse and make you a solid team. Then, we'll move to our exciting trail obstacle course. It’s outdoors in a natural environment. Hills, trees, trails and other natural obstacles exist, but we have over 100 obstacles and challenges to make the course as interesting and fun as possible.
Just like on the trail, we end each night with a campfire too!
Each horse and rider has a different skill set. Some people have been riding for years; some are new to horses. Some people are starting a colt. Some people want to develop their skills with an experienced horse. Some are kids, some are adults. We would more than welcome potential riders that have no experience with horses at all.
Rather than having every horse and rider perform the same exercise at the same time, we work with you and your horse individually, focusing on what you and your horse need in the moment.
Every rider is guaranteed one-on-one time with an instructor on the obstacle course and also in the round pen.
Fun on the Obstacle Course
In a word: everyone!
If any of the following interests you, you'll have a great time:
Overall, there are only three objectives at Amazing Horse Country:
Amazing Horse Country
Scott teaches the fundamentals of horsemanship in an enjoyable and interactive way. Together we work on how to present ourselves in a way that encourages our horses to try for us...because we've shown them, though a solid application of the principles of leadership and athleticism, what it feels like to succeed.
You'll learn to create, shape and inspire the thoughts and motions of a horse, resulting in the horse finding peace, fluidity, balance, confidence, success and pride.
Scott's goals are:
To bring a greater awareness of the potential we can reach when we work with the horse's mind and body together - in all equine pursuits - and the importance of horses in our lives;
To create a world of FUN and EXCITEMENT for riders and their equine partners through creative and challenging obstacle courses, mutual encouragement and camaraderie.
To help riders create an awesome world for their horses where anything is possible.
Scott's articles appear in several online and print magazines; you can read some of them here.
Creative Obstacles
Fun Games
Broken Spur Equine Therapy
Hosting the Anatomy and Biomechanics portion is experienced Equine Sports Therapist Jody Schulze McMann. Jody will discuss how the mechanics of your horse's anatomy dictates his ability to reach a maximum athletic potential - and have a greater likelihood of staying sound.
Anatomy and Biomechanics sound quite complex. But a solid understanding of how your horse's body works is essential to horsemanship - everything ties together. In today's world there are common words used to describe how a horse should move under saddle. You'll learn what many riders don't know: the mechanics of those motions; what they actually looks like under the horse's skin. Your new knowledge of the equine skeleton (yes, Jody will be bringing a real horse skeleton for demonstration!), muscle groups and how they move is directly beneficial to your training and riding.
Why and how are certain movements easy or hard for a horse? Through the examination of the horse in motion, you'll learn what it physically means for a horse to truly be collected, engaged, driving from behind, and many other common terms and descriptions. There will also be a painted horse - an entertaining visual to tie everything together.
Jody's instructional method is friendly and easy to understand and questions are always welcomed. Regardless of your experience level, you will come away knowing something new about your horse.
Does your horse struggle with something? Does he seem weak in a certain spot? Jody will also be demonstrating exercises and stretches on individual horses: easy things you can do to improve and support your horse.
Limited spots will also be available for Jody to work on your horse, offering a full package of Massage, Structural Balancing, Red Light Therapy and Applied Kinesiology.
Jody is a contributor to the Amazing Backcountry magazine, and you can read her articles here.
Challenge Yourself!
Camp with your horse - Individual Stalls
Scott and his mare, Belle, compete in a Cowboy Challenge
That's great. We have more answers! If you have any questions regarding anything about the clinic, location, facilities or the instructors, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll get back to you within 24 hours or less.
That's easy. You can post a link to this page on your Facebook page or email it to people you think might be interested.
Simply sign up for an Amazing Horse Country account, then when you're signed in, visit the schedule page and click on 'sign me up!'. That's it!
Courses generally begin at 9AM SHARP. You might consider arriving the night before. We start off the first day with a classroom portion so you won't need your horse initially.
Not at all. We welcome everyone from experienced riders with experienced horses, to people with colts, to people that have never worked with a horse before. The only prerequisite is that you're open to learning something new and having a good time doing it.
We encourage families to attend. This is also a great opportunity for a Father/Son or Mother/Daughter getaway weekend!
Both and neither! All disciplines and breeds are welcome.
No. The goal is to learn and to take away a few tools to put in your horsemanship toolbox. Your standard is one that you set yourself. You might find that you'll be exploring areas of learning with your horse that you may not have realized existed.
Nope. Put gas in truck, put horse in trailer, and head on up.
Skills such as reading your horse, developing a soft feel and showing your horse how to relax, balance and use his body effectively apply to all disciplines, all events, and all riding scenarios. This is about improving and developing your horsemanship. Not only is the obstacle course a great way to put what you have learned to the test (and have fun!), it's a perfect way to expose minute areas that you and your horse need to develop. We work on those areas and then revisit the obstacle.
Not a problem! Opportunities are available to partner up with one of the ranch horses. If you've never worked with a horse before this is a perfect place to get started. Training and one-on-one lessons are also available outside these clinics with the individual instructors.
We'll send maps and driving directions out in your registration packages. A variety of amenities are available in the towns near both locations.
Free camping is available and strongly recommended. There are no hookups available.
You'll have a paddock for your horse free of charge. Water is available. Bring your own hay and please clean up after your horse.
We have evening campfires - a great way to unwind and chat about your day. We also host a pot luck dinner on Saturday nights. You are responsible for your own meals, beverages and snacks.
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