The Downunder Horsemanship Ranch is bustling with activity as we prepare for our second annual Ranch Rally! Our biggest event of the year gets started Friday, October 21st and goes through Saturday, October 22nd. We’ve got a full schedule of training demonstrations and behind-the-scenes looks at Clinton’s training facility and will cap the event off with a go-until-you-drop party.
Ranch Rally Schedule of Events:
Friday, October 21st
7:00 AM GATES OPEN
9:00 – 9:15 WELCOME TO THE RANCH RALLY!
Clinton welcomes you to the ranch and gives you a quick rundown of the instruction, inspiration and fun to expect over the next two days.
9:15 – 11:15 COLT STARTING
Working with a 2-year-old colt, Clinton demonstrates how to safely put the first ride on a horse.
First Saddling
Working with a colt that’s never been saddled, Clinton walks you through his step-by-step process of introducing a saddle to a horse.
First Ride
Working with a 2-year-old colt, Clinton demonstrates how to safely put the first ride on a horse.
Second Ride
A colt that has already been given his first ride is brought out for this demonstration so Clinton can explain what he looks for in a horse’s second ride.
Third Ride
The training progression of starting a horse under saddle continues with a session with a third colt that has been ridden twice before. In front of attendees, Clinton will share what he looks for in a horse’s third ride.
11:15 – 12:15 LUNCH
Take an hour to grab some food and sit back and visit with a great group of horsemen. Concession stands will be open on the ranch grounds all day, serving breakfast, lunch, refreshments and snacks.
12:15 – 1:45 HOBBLING AND LEG RESTRAINTS
Clinton trains all of his horses to hobble and believes the practice is a must for a horse’s safety and well- being. The clinician demonstrates several different types of hobbles and how to safely train a horse to accept leg restraints.
1:45 – 2:15 BREAK
2:15 – 3:00 REINING TRAINING WITH A 2-YEAR-OLD
While riding 2-year-old futurity prospects, Clinton and Ian Francis explain how they begin training a 2-year- old for reining competition. Emphasis will be placed on gaining control of the horse’s five body parts and daily suppling exercises.
3:00 – 3:45 REINING TRAINING WITH A 3-YEAR-OLD
Building off the session with the 2-year-old horses, Clinton goes into more advanced training detail in this demo. 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.
3:45 – 4:15 BREAK
4:15 – 4:45 Q&A SESSION
Clinton’s ranch manager and veterinarian as well as his sponsors will be available for Q&A sessions. This is the perfect opportunity to ask your ranch management, preventative care and equine nutrition questions from the experts Clinton places his trust in!
5:30 – 7:30 HAPPY HOUR TOUR
Hang out with Clinton as he walks around the ranch, explaining the features of his world-class training facility. This will be your only opportunity to visit Clinton’s personal property.
Saturday, October 22nd
7:00 AM GATES OPEN
Please have your wristband visible when pulling into the ranch driveway. You will be greeted by parking attendants at arrival and escorted to the parking area.
9:00 – 10:30 TRAINING ON THE OBSTACLE COURSE
Working with four horses—a weanling, a yearling, an adult horse and a horse that has never been introduced to obstacles—Clinton will demonstrate how obstacles challenge a horse and increase his responsiveness and trust in you as a leader. You’ll learn how to include variety in your training program and give your horse a purpose for doing groundwork exercises.
10:30 – 11:00 BREAK
11:00 – 1:30 TRAINING ON THE TRAIL
While his clinicians demonstrate training on the trail techniques, Clinton leads a walking tour of the training areas around the ranch. You’ll be escorted around the ranch, getting to see where Clinton 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.
1:30 – 2:30 LUNCH
Take an hour to grab some food and sit back and visit with a great group of horsemen. Concession stands will be open on the ranch grounds all day, serving breakfast, lunch, refreshments and snacks.
2:30 – 4:00 WORKING COW HORSE
Clinton and Ian Francis share the ins and outs of training a working cow horse. Learn how to introduce a horse to cows and the finer details of training a prospect to read cattle.
4:00 – 4:30 BREAK
4:30 – 6:00 ADVANCED GROUNDWORK
Learn how to take your groundwork and the partnership you share with your horse to the next level. The demo covers advanced groundwork exercises as well as trick training and liberty work.
6:00 – 7:00 HAPPY HOUR
Visit with fellow horsemen and discuss the day’s training demos as you enjoy a variety of hors d’oeuvres and sip beverages.
7:30 – 2:00 A.M. RALLY PARTY
Live music sets the stage for a night of fun Downunder Horsemanship style! Mingle with Clinton, the Downunder Horsemanship team and other horsemen into the wee hours of the morning. Bring your own beverage (alcohol is welcome) and a sense of humor. A best costume contest will be held for those wanting to get into the Halloween spirit. The winner gets a Clinton Anderson saddle!
Learn more about the Ranch Rally on our website.
