When horsemen enroll in the Clinician Academy, they receive hands-on instruction five days a week from Professional Clinician Kristin Hamacher. With only nine other students in their training sessions, each horseman receives personalized help to make the most of their time at the ranch.
While everyone’s goal is to receive certification as a Method Ambassador by the end of the course, personal growth and horsemanship achievements are celebrated along the way. Our 2021 Method Ambassadors share their proudest accomplishments during the Academy.
I am the proudest of how Sage, my 6-year-old Thoroughbred mare, went from being hot and reactive to calm and slow. The first time I roundpenned her, she was crazy. She was hotter than a pistol. By the end of the six weeks, she was calm and very quiet. She almost loped too slowly! – Amber Benjamin
I’m proudest of keeping a positive mental state and showing up every day to give my horses my best effort. It’s an intense program, and while you’re getting to do what you love, it’s definitely not all fun and games. It will test you physically and mentally. – Audrey Liddle
I’m the proudest of my personal growth as a horseman and the improvements I’ve made in my feel and timing. Downunder Horsemanship created an environment for us to grow and learn in and become the best that we can be. – Devin McKee
I loved seeing my mustang Bodi blossom over the six weeks. He was horribly behaved when I got him, but he is very willing and gave me his all every day. He’s not the most naturally talented horse, but he showed up every day and tried his heart out for me. – Jennifer Jones
Getting Mia, my grey Quarter Horse mare, to lope slowly was a huge accomplishment. She was very hot and sensitive, and I had to do a ton of Post ’N Circle to get her to calm down and relax. – Madison Feller
My proudest accomplishment is the progress Tonto, my extremely cold-blooded horse, made. He was a bucker and very dull and scared of humans when I got him. By the end of the course, he was quiet, willing and safe. I’m proud to have taken a horse with that mindset and trained him to want to work with people and be a partner. – Rachel Westran
My proudest accomplishment was passing the theory test, which covers the philosophy of the Method, on the first try. – Tanja Voss
My proudest accomplishment was being able to demonstrate to Clinton that I have what it takes to be a Method Ambassador and a member of the Downunder Horsemanship team. – Wade Wickman
Limited participation spots are available in our fall 2022 Clinician Academy. The course will take place at the ranch in Farmington, Arkansas, October 3rd through November 18th. Learn more about the opportunity on our website. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
