Should I attend a Fundamentals Clinic?
Yes. The Fundamentals Clinic will form the foundation of your horsemanship skills. This is the most basic clinic you can attend that utilizes Clinton Anderson's Method. You will use the exercises you learn at this clinic with every horse that you ever work with. It is important for you to fully understand the concepts taught in this clinic before attending an Intermediate or Advanced level clinic.
What do I have to do to be able to attend the Fundamentals Clinic?
You must be able to walk, trot and canter on a loose rein in a group situation. This clinic is not designed to teach you how to ride. The curriculum for this clinic will teach you how to gain control of your horse on the ground and under saddle and to stay safe while building your confidence.
Do I really need to be able to canter?
Yes. If you can't confidently canter on a loose rein, then you're not ready to come to this clinic. We will be doing exercises at the walk, trot and canter. You should only sign up for this clinic if you are confident cantering at the time of signing up.
What happens if I sign up for the clinic but I can't canter properly?
It is your responsibility to make sure that you and your horse meet the clinic requirements. Only sign up if you are confident cantering on a loose rein with a large group of horses. If you can't canter when you get to the clinic, you will be asked to sit out the riding portion of the clinic. The progress of the class cannot be held up because you do not meet the riding requirements for the clinic.
Will Clinton Anderson be my teacher at the clinic?
Clinton will be the instructor at every Clinton Anderson clinic. He will teach at least 50% of the time at the clinic. The remaining time will be taught by Shana Terry. They will be accompanied by two of his apprentices who will help ensure that every participant is doing each exercise correctly and get all the help they need. A Professional Clinician will be the instructor at the Professional Clinician clinics.
Is there a difference between the clinics that Clinton teaches and the clinics that a Professional Clinician teaches?
No. The Professional Clinician is a graduate of the Clinton Anderson Apprenticeship Program. She will teach the exact same coursework that Clinton teaches at his clinics. The only variation is the start and finish time of the clinics.
How many participants attend each clinic?
Up to 30 participants may attend a Clinton Anderson clinic. Up to 12 participants may attend a Professional Clinician clinic.
Who is the Professional Clinician?
How do you become a Professional Clinician?
Professional Clinicians are graduates of Clinton Anderson's Academy.
Can I be a spectator at a Clinic?
Yes, only during the October and November 3-Day Fundamentals Clinics held at the ranch in Stephenville. In an effort to provide a distraction-free learning environment and to promote the most concentrated training of the method to our participants, spectator clinics are not sold for any of our other clinics held at the ranch in Stephenville.
Can I share my participant spot with another person?
No. This is a one rider/one horse clinic. The person and horse that starts the clinic must finish it. Participant spots are not transferable at any time to another person.
Do I have to use a western saddle?
No. This clinic is for both English and Western riders. Bring the saddle that you usually ride in and are comfortable in.
Can I swap horses during the clinic?
No. This is a one rider/one horse clinic. You must use the same horse throughout the entire clinic.
Will the clinic be in an indoor or outdoor arena?
The Downunder Horsemanship Ranch has both outdoor and indoor arenas; weather will determine which are used.
Can I buy my lunch at the clinic?
Meals will not be available at the ranch. You will have 2 hours for lunch each day. This is your free time to relax, let your horse relax and get to know the other participants. In your information packet you will find a list of nearby restaurants. Professional Clinician clinics may or may not have a concession stand depending on the facility. Check with the host facility to see if they are providing a concession stand.
Will Clinton or the Professional Clinician be available to talk with me at lunch?
No. There is a lot of behind the scenes paperwork to be done at a clinic. Lunchtime is when Clinton and the Professional Clinicians get their paperwork done. They will stay after the clinic each day to help you better understand a concept or answer any questions you may have.
Can I bring a helper with me?
Yes. Participants are allowed to bring one adult helper to the clinic. We recommend that the person you bring is prepared to help you and act as your runner. The helper is not allowed in the arena during the clinic, however if you need something when you are working in the arena, such as a bottle of water, you can have your helper hand it to you so that you don't miss any of the lesson. The helper must be 18 years or older.
How fit do my horse and I need to be?
This is a physically demanding clinic. You will be on your feet (or on your horse!) for about 7 hours per day. Please take this into consideration if you or your horse have any health issues.
What happens if my horse can't do all of the exercises that are in the clinic?
The horse is not required to know any of the exercises prior to the clinic. However, it is highly recommended that you become familiar with the Fundamentals Groundwork and Riding DVDs so that you know what to expect and are not so overwhelmed with new information.
How broke does my horse need to be?
Your horse must have had at least 60 days riding before you bring him to the clinic. The clinic progress will not be held up if your horse has not had enough riding.
Can I bring my stallion to the clinic?
No. You may only bring a gelding or a mare to a clinic.
Can I bring my donkey or mule to the clinic?
No. This clinic is for horses only. Mules and donkeys require different specialized handling and training techniques.
Can I bring a problem horse to the clinic?
Your horse must be at least reasonably manageable. It would not be fair to the other clinic participants if Clinton had to spend the entire clinic working with only your horse because he's out of control. An example of an unmanageable horse would be one that you can't saddle, one that you can't lead or one that you can't canter without him bucking you off.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the clinic?
You will get more out of the clinic if you are already familiar with the exercises in the Fundamentals Level Groundwork and Riding DVDs and Arena Mates. By having an understanding of the exercises, you won't be so overwhelmed with new information at the clinic and will be able to concentrate on improving your technique.
Can I buy products at the clinic?
The corporate offices will be open 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday for purchases. We encourage you to pre-purchase the Downunder Rope Halter with 14' leadrope and the Handy Stick and String because they are required clinic equipment.
Can I keep my horse on the grounds?
Yes. Each participant fee includes one run with 2-sided shelter, waterer, mounted hayrack and feeder.
Do I need to bring feed for my horse?
Yes. Every participant is responsible for the care and feeding of their own horse. We recommend that you bring enough feed for your horse for the entire stay. No shavings or additional bedding allowed. Your registration packet will include local feed store information.
How are the payments made?
Half the clinic cost is due upfront at sign-up. The other half is due 60 days prior to the clinic. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, check or money order.
Can I cancel my participant spot in the clinic?
Yes. In the event of a cancellation, Clinics are eligible for a 50% refund if cancelling up to 60 days prior to the start of the clinic. A 25% refund will be issued if you cancel 30-60 days prior to the start of the clinic. No refund will be given if you cancel less than 30 days prior to the start of the clinic.
What if something happens and I can't complete the clinic?
Unfortunately we cannot refund the clinic cost or any additional fees if you do not complete the clinic.
