The rider is the foundation

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The training of a trail riding horse begins with the rider.
Before a horse can travel calmly and confidently, it must feel secure — and that security comes from the person handling and riding it.

Or, as Parelli puts it:
“Play with the horse, work on yourself.”

This clinic focuses on exactly that.

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What this clinic is about

In the Foundation Clinic, you bring your own horse, and we start by working in the round pen.

This allows me to:

• see where you and your horse are at

• understand how you communicate

• recognize strengths, gaps, and habits
   

There is no pressure and no agenda to “perform”.
The goal is to observe, understand, and adjust.

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What we work on

We focus on:

• how you communicate with your horse

• how your body language and emotions influence responses

• timing, clarity, and consistency

• how to provide calm leadership instead of control
   

Often small changes in the rider create big changes in the horse.

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What riders learn

Riders learn how to:

• become more aware of their own influence

• communicate more clearly and simply

• reduce tension instead of managing reactions

• give their horse the confidence to stay calm

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This clinic is not about techniques alone — it is about responsibility and awareness.

 

Who this clinic is for

• riders at the beginning of their trail riding journey

• riders who feel something is “missing” in the communication

• horses that are tense, insecure, or inconsistent

• riders who want a solid foundation before moving on

This clinic is the starting point for all further trail skills.

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Format

• You bring your own horse

• Work takes place mainly in the round pen

• Small group setting

• Individual feedback
   

Why this clinic matters

Trail problems rarely start on the trail.
They start with missing clarity, trust, or communication.

This clinic builds the foundation that everything else depends on:

• Trail Skills Course

• Ultralight Trail Riding

• GPS Navigation

• Trail Rides

 

Recommended Reading before you come to the Foundation Clinic.

• The Trail Horse

• Trail Riding Basics your horse

• Trail Riding Fundamentals the rider

• Energy and Comfort Zone

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👉 Request Foundation Clinic