What It Takes: Getting Into the Clinician Academy

While there are plenty of people who dream of attending the Academy in hopes of becoming Method Ambassadors, only a handful of horsemen have the grit to turn their dream into a reality. For many, finding the funds necessary to enroll in the course, cover living expenses for seven weeks and ensure that they have all the tack, equipment, feed and supplies they’ll need for two horses while at the ranch is a daunting thought. Add in the stress of finding two healthy horses that don’t know the Method, and for some, there are too many challenges to overcome.

For those who find their way to the Academy, overcoming those challenges makes shaking Clinton’s hand at graduation and receiving their Method Ambassador belt buckle all the sweeter. When it comes right down to it, Clinton’s favorite quote from his mentor Ian Francis says it best: If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.

Our newest Method Ambassadors share their biggest struggles getting to the Academy and how they overcame them.

Decide What You Want Most
Money was the biggest challenge for me. I had a couple jobs working at a clothing store and feed store and then trained horses in my free time. I did whatever I could to raise money. If the neighbor wanted me to scoop dog poop, I did it. I also sold my heart horses. They were a huge part of my Method journey, and it was a difficult thing to do. I wish I could have kept them forever, but I wanted the Academy just a little bit more. Luckily, they’re in very good homes where they’re being taken great care of and making their new owners happy. – Method Ambassador Serena Bowman

Make Every Second Count
My biggest challenge was finding time to earn enough money to attend and to study the videos and training materials so I was prepared. I worked extra hours to pay for the course and also to take lessons to improve my horsemanship. Finding the time to work extra and also study was challenging. – Method Ambassador Josue Celis

Pivot Quickly When the Unexpected Happens
The are specific requirements for the horses you’re allowed to bring to the Academy, including they can’t know the Method and they must have at least 60 rides. I sent one of the horses I was supposed to bring with me to a trainer to ride and the horse never got ridden. Two weeks prior to me coming to the Academy, I had to find another horse, and the horse market right now is crazy. The horses I could find were either too old or had never been ridden and there was no time to get the required rides on them. Luckily, a friend had just put his 2-year-old through training and let me borrow her. – Method Ambassador Anjellica Katzing

Do What You Gotta Do
Doing all the preparation and making sure I had enough money were the biggest challenges to getting here. I’m a big homebody, so leaving my family and friends was the hardest part. You have got to do whatever you can to turn your dream into a reality. – Method Ambassador Carson Bise

Figuring Out Logistics Internationally
Just the logistics of trying to get everything lined up and organized from another country was the biggest challenge for me. Your top priorities are your horses and tack, and then you’ve got to figure out your accommodations and transportation. All the while, you’ve got time zones playing games with you and you want to be sure you have everything sorted out so you’re ready to go when you arrive. – Method Ambassador Steven Henderson

Find a Way
Finances were definitely my biggest challenge. The Academy is not a cheap endeavor and then you’ve got to figure in that you won’t be working during the course, so there are seven weeks when you’re not earning anything. If you work hard and want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to make it happen. – Method Ambassador Kailey Perkins

Learn all about the Academy and how you can make your dream of being part of the Downunder Horsemanship team true on the Clinician Academy website. There are a couple participation spots open for the 2024 course that begins on April 1st.