Trail Skills Parcour

Trail Skills Parcours – Red Rock Ranch

This clinic focuses on developing practical trail skills for rider and horse in a controlled, outdoor environment.

The Trail Skills Parcour in Palmer Lake, Colorado, addresses situations commonly encountered on the trail by working through them deliberately and at a manageable scale. It provides a structured setting where rider and horse can engage with terrain‑related challenges without the pressure of distance or time.

 

Where real trail confidence is built

Welcome to the Red Rock Ranch Trail Skills Parcours.

We built our own trail skills course because real confidence doesn’t grow in an arena — it grows where horses usually stop, stare, and question your life choices.

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This parcours is designed to gently (and sometimes humorously) stretch your comfort zone while helping your horse discover that logs, water, narrow paths and other “mysterious objects” are actually no big deal.

Real obstacles. Real preparation.

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The Trail Skills Parcours is an integral part of our clinics and features 20+ natural obstacles you’ll encounter on real trails. Nothing artificial. Nothing fancy. Just the kind of situations that usually make horses — and riders — hesitate. For young horses, seasoned horses, and honest riders

 

Whether you bring:

• a young horse still discovering that the world does not end at every rustling leaf, or

• a seasoned trail horse that could use a confidence refresh (or a rider upgrade — no judgment),

this course meets you exactly where you are.

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We work step by step, without pressure or drama — for the horse and the rider.

Because confidence travels best from the rider down.

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More than “getting through” obstacles

The goal is not to force your way past obstacles. 

The goal is:

• clear communication

• mutual trust

• calm problem‑solving
   

Less horse vs. obstacle. More partners on an adventure. We slow things down. We laugh when things get interesting. We celebrate small wins. Uncertainty turns into curiosity.  Resistance turns into understanding.

 

By the end, you won’t just have a horse that goes down the trail — you’ll have a horse that goes down the trail with you: relaxed, willing and confident.

 

In short

We practice real‑life trail skills, build real confidence, and have a lot of fun doing it.

Because the trail should be an adventure — not a negotiation. 🐎🌲

 

Who this course is for

• riders who want to improve real trail skills

• horses that hesitate, stop or lose confidence outside the arena

• young horses learning to understand the world

• experienced horses that need clarity, not pressure

• riders who want to become calmer, clearer leaders

You do not need a “problem horse”.
You need curiosity and willingness to learn.

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How we work

We do not push horses through obstacles.

We:

• slow things down

• read the horse

• adjust the task

• reward curiosity

• build confidence step by step

The goal is not to “get through”.
The goal is to reach a point where the horse chooses to go forward.

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What riders learn

Riders learn how to:

• recognize hesitation early

• stay calm when situations change

• guide instead of force

• improve timing and clarity

• trust the horse without losing leadership

Confidence grows from clarity, not from pressure or equipment.

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What horses learn

Horses learn that:

• obstacles are solvable

• pressure disappears when they try

• their rider is predictable and calm

• stopping to think is allowed

• curiosity is rewarded
   

This creates a horse that is:

• more confident

• more cooperative

more reliable on the trail

Equipment & riding style

The Trail Skills Course is often ridden:

• without a bit

• with rope halter, hackamore or bosal
  
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This helps riders:

• ride forward without pulling

• stop without bracing

• steer with body position

• stay calm without relying on hardware

Riders new to bitless riding are introduced gradually and safely.

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Format

• Small groups

• Practical, hands‑on training

• Individual feedback

• Calm, focused atmosphere
   

The Trail Skills Course can be booked:

• as a stand‑alone course

• as preparation for trail rides

• in combination with:

  • Ultralight Trail Riding Clinic

  • GPS Navigation Clinic

  • 1‑Day Trail Ride

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Why this course matters

Most trail problems do not start on the trail. They start with missing preparation.

This course builds:

• trust

• clarity

• decision‑making

• partnership

It is not about bravery. It is about understanding.

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Recommended Reading for this Clinic

• the Trail horse

• The Training of a Trail Horse

• Basics Trail Skills

• Teaching Foundamentals

• Energy and Comfort Zone

• Bitless Riding

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