this one day clinic is about teaching weanling and yearling horses the basics. haltering, leading, tying and trailer loading. sounds easy enough doesn’t it? after all they’re just little tiny horses, right? well, little tiny horses have little tiny brains that don’t always want to go along with the program…and sometimes they just can’t. they also have little tiny mouths with teeth, and little tiny hooves that move pretty fast. so, don’t even think there won’t be challenges in this clinic. but it will be lots of fun too!!!
the baby bonanza, taught by accomplished wild and domestic horse trainer angi keitel, will give you the opportunity to work with a baby and learn various techniques for keeping their attention, gaining their trust, earning their respect and staying safe.
no need to bring your own baby – we have plenty of them. you will spend a fun-filled day working with youngsters that have already been gentled to touch, but now need to move on to the next level of their domestication training: ground pre-schooling:
1. baby brain: understanding the young horse’s mind. working with attention deficits can be frustrating for you and your baby…learn how much is too much.
2. babies can object strongly to schooling. learn how to turn their “no” into a “yes” without spoiling the play drive. it is very important to understand different types of personalities and what works best with each.
3. haltering: how to introduce the halter. this is weird for any age horse the first time. they are often resistant to wearing a halter but you can help them overcome their anxiety and get comfortable with their new gear.
4. leading on halter: babies can be very active and reactive. lead with awareness of what is going on around you.
5. respect: all horses should know the difference between your space and theirs, even the youngest of ones. using “please and thank you” techniques, you will learn when and how to ask, and when and how to reward the right answer.
6. upward movement: young horses can go up as a way to resist going forward. learn how to respond to rearing and how to prevent flip overs.
7. backward movement: another way horses will resist leading is to reverse and pull away. learn how to respond to it and redirect their feet.
8. neutral: work on standing still in a specific spot. that’s a lot to ask of a baby’s brain, but with practice it becomes a valuable lesson. learn how to play the neutral game and understand its benefit.
9. introducing tying: hard tying is one of the most common ways to cause a wreck. learn the steps to teach tying in a safe manner
10. trailer loading: you can’t teach this too early in a horse’s life. learn how to use their natural curiosity to encourage them to explore new places.
11. the walk about: keep their schooling playful and interesting. create an adventure that is fun and educational.
space is limited to 6 participants. clinic fee $75.00 per person. bring your own lunch.
you will be in a covered arena – but it still gets cold – dress accordingly.
clinic location: 23809 e. avenue j, lancaster, ca 93535
for sign-ups: angel or email
