Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Ranch

As an added bonus, Clinton and his Certified Clinicians will teach several additional demos, covering topics not discussed in the clinic, for participants and spectators. On Sunday, everyone will be invited to go on a walking tour of the ranch.

Schedule of events:

Friday, September 5th

8 AM – 9 AM: Training on the Obstacle Course *Bonus Session

Learn how to include variety in your training program and give your horse a purpose for doing the groundwork exercises. Clinton will work a couple of horses over his obstacle course, explaining how each obstacle challenges a horse and increases his responsiveness and trust in you as a leader.
9 AM – 10 AM: Downunder Horsemanship Philosophy

The clinic officially begins with an all-important synopsis of the philosophy behind the Method. Before you can truly work with a horse and see results, you must understand how he thinks and how to communicate with him. Clinton will cover the most important points during this session.

10 AM – 12 PM: Fundamentals Groundwork

A successful partnership begins on the ground. Clinton will teach the class desensitizing and sensitizing exercises to gain the horses’ respect and earn their trust. You’ll see the good, the bad and the ugly as the horses are first taught the exercises and their handlers learn how to start effectively communicating with them.

12 PM – 1 PM: Lunch Break

Take an hour to grab some food and sit back and visit with a great group of horsemen. A concession stand will be open on the clinic grounds all day long, serving breakfast, lunch, refreshments and snacks.

1 PM – 5 PM: Fundamentals Groundwork

Clinton welcomes the participants back into the arena for another session of groundwork. They’ll continue building on the morning’s exercises, focusing on gaining better overall control of their horses’ feet and earning the horses’ respect.

5 PM – 6 PM: Working With a Young Horse *Bonus Session

You’ll be amazed at what the young horses on the ranch are capable of doing with the Method and the confidence they have. Clinton will work with a couple of his weanlings and yearlings to show you why he’s so adamant about beginning a horse’s education from the minute they’re born. Groundwork exercises meant to build a young horse’s respect and trust in you as a leader will be demonstrated as well as working the young horses over the obstacle course.

 

Saturday, September 6th

8 AM – 9 AM: Training a Performance Horse *Bonus Session

While riding his 2-year-old futurity prospects, Clinton will explain how he trains his reining and working cow horse performance horses. Emphasis will be placed on how Clinton gains control of the horses’ five body parts and daily suppling exercises. He’ll also cover maneuvers specific to the show pen, such as lead changes, stops, rollbacks and spins. It’s a rare opportunity to see Clinton doing what he loves best.
9 AM – 12 PM: Fundamentals Groundwork

The clinic will begin with a quick refresher of yesterday’s exercises and then Clinton will teach the participants additional groundwork exercises from the Fundamentals Series. The exercises the participants do with their horses on the ground will directly impact the success they have under saddle in the afternoon session.

12 PM – 1 PM: Lunch Break

Take an hour to grab some food and sit back and visit with a great group of horsemen. A concession stand will be open on the clinic grounds all day long, serving breakfast, lunch, refreshments and snacks.

1 PM – 5 PM: Fundamentals Riding

Participants will mount up for the first time and work on several Fundamentals riding exercises that focus on establishing a gas pedal and break on the horses and build the riders’ confidence.

7 PM: Bonfire Mixer
Everyone is invited to this laid-back mixer! Clinton will light a bonfire and crank up some music and mingle with participants and spectators. Bring your own beverage (alcohol is welcome), a sense of humor and get ready to have a night of fun Downunder Horsemanship style!

 

Sunday, September 7th

7:45 AM – 9 AM: Walking Tour of the Ranch *Bonus Session

The morning will begin bright and early with Clinton leading a walking tour of the ranch. You’ll be escorted around the clinician’s private property, getting to see where he rides his horses, his pastures full of young performance prospects and Signature Horses as well as where he trains horses on the trail. You’ll get a firsthand look at how Clinton and his Academy students use the natural environment to train respectful, safe and willing trail partners.

9 AM – 12 PM: Fundamentals Groundwork

Participants will work on fine-tuning the groundwork exercises they’ve been taught so far and learn a few more exercises to continue gaining their horses’ respect and trust. You’ll be amazed at the transformations you’ll see in the participants and their horses as they get better and better at incorporating the Fundamentals.

12 PM – 1 PM: Lunch Break

Take an hour to grab some food and sit back and visit with a great group of horsemen. A concession stand will be open on the clinic grounds all day long, serving breakfast, lunch, refreshments and snacks.

1 PM – 5 PM: Fundamentals Riding
Participants will continue working on establishing a good “whoa” and “go” on their horses and begin introducing exercises to soften and supple the horses’ bodies. The participants’ hard work will be evident as you see the horses relax and become more responsive and the riders develop into confident leaders. The clinic will conclude with participants receiving a certificate of completion from Clinton.
5 PM – 6 PM: Private Viewing of Clinton’s Performance Horses *Bonus Session

For those interested in learning more about his outstanding performance horses, Clinton will take you out to the pasture to meet his most promising prospects. These horses are bred for reining and working cow horse success, and partnering with Clinton as an owner of one of the horses offers a rare opportunity to get a horse trained by the clinician himself.

 

Please note: Spectators must bring their own chairs and sun protection. You may purchase a three-day pass to watch the entire clinic for $100 Member/$150 Non-member. Single-day tickets are not available. The ranch is located just outside of Stephenville, Texas. The town caters to cowboys and has many hotels and restaurants for spectators coming out of town. Tickets can be purchased online. Learn more about Downunder Horsemanship Clinics on our website.