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 The
Best Week You Will Spend With Your Horse!
We proud to offer you an exceptional combined
clinic with friend and exceptional mentor Donna Snyder-Smith. Donna
has spent over 35 years teaching the equestrian arts to students on
both the East and West Coast. In 1991, the American Riding
Instructor's Association acknowledged her accomplishments by
honoring her with their first Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2004 we
will again be offering several extraordinary clinics - this year
combining Donna’s talents with Ultimate Foundation trainer Charles
Wilhelm. This is a rare chance to spend a week studying with two
highly respected national clinicians. Work will focus on better
communication with your horse through improving your mounted skills
and learning the foundation training skills to make your horse a
calm and willing partner.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Days are divided into morning sessions with Donna Snyder-Smith and
afternoon sessions with Charles Wilhelm.
 Sunday: Arrive
at the training center by 4PM and settle in (if staying there).
Monday 9 AM: (Rider Biomechanics with Donna Snyder-Smith)
Instructional Video - 1 hr Lecture: The choices we have about how we
ride. Exercises: Discovering an accurate body map and learning a new
relationship to gravity. Exploring the biomechanics of the rising
trot. Mounted: Continuing explorations of the rider's relationship
to gravity, balance and efficient bio-mechanics on the horse's back
at halt and in motion. Finding "feel". Monday PM: (Charles
Wilhelm, "Foundation Training" techniques). The nature of the horse,
herd dynamics, survival instincts and pecking order. Training
philosophy. How foundation training relates to horses and their
nature. Demonstrations of Foundation Training.
Tuesday AM:
Instructional Video - 1 hr. Lecture: Exploring the interactive
biomechanics of both horse and rider during collection and downward
transitions (the half-halt explained). Examining the rider's role
and responsibility as the horse's "personal trainer". Exercises:
Learning how to rebalance, slow or stop your horse through the use
of the seat, without pulling. Mounted: Exploring your new set of
biomechanical tools with the practice of transitions with the focus
on the "feel," of the horse and his responses. Tuesday PM:
Short lecture on ground manners. Hands on work with teaching the
horse respect for your space. Developing "leadership," how to gain
your horse's respect and build a relationship.
 Wednesday AM:
Instructional Video - 1 hr. Lecture: The Six Doors Of Control
(exploring and learning how to isolate and control the various
directions and expressions of the horse's energy). Exercises:
Discovering and releasing body tension patterns on the mini tramps.
Mounted: Continued work on transitions, work in the 3 seats at trot,
learning the geometry of the riding arena or training pen.
Wednesday PM: Review of Tuesday's work. Groundwork which sets
the stage for riding; back up, go forward cue, standing still to
mount and groom; moving the horse's hips over and side pass.
Thursday AM:
Instruction Video - 1hr. Lecture: The dynamics of bending line
(lateral) balance in both rider and horse. Exercises: Where should
you sit on your horse's back during a turn and why. Mounted: The
importance of riding accurate figures, including balanced bending
lines (circles, serpentines, etc.). Straight lines, the key to
power. Thursday PM: Review of Wednesday's work.Focusing on
responsiveness; teaching the horse to be supple to the bit and obey
the natural aids. Emergency stop. Teaching the horse to go over
objects on the trail.
 Friday AM:
Instructional Video - 1 hr. Lecture: The biomechanics of the canter
and lope. Exercise: Training your hips to "glide," instead of
bounce. Mounted: If all students are ready, transitions to
canter/lope and work in canter/lope will be addressed today and/or
basic lateral work will be introduced. Friday PM: Working
review of previous days ~ 1 hr. Advancing to trot and canter
transitions, circles, balanced stops, collected back- ups, turn on
the forehand, and turn on the hindquarters.
Saturday:
Departure by noon for flights, or as necessary.
CLINIC LOCATION: The
Charles Wilhelm training center is a 60-acre ranch, known for its
picturesque setting as well as its friendliness and hospitality. The
center has 40 stalls; a 100' x 250' covered arena; two outdoor
arenas; two round pens; large outdoor turnouts; several outdoor
paddocks, and a bunkhouse which can accommodate up to 10.
MEALS
Meals are not included, but there are numerous cafes and restaurants
in the immediate area. A map and list of suggested places to eat
will be provided at the bunkhouse. At the bunkhouse, shared kitchen
facilities are available. You are welcome to bring supplies and make
your own meals.
RIDER REQUIREMENTS:
All levels of riders can benefit from this instructional program.
Riders groom and tack their well- mannered horses during the week.
Assistance and instruction is available upon request.
HORSES AND TACK:
Limited school horses (well-trained Quarter Horses, Mustangs &
Arabians) or bring your own horse. Both English and western saddles
are used. Please specify which you prefer.
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RATES: Five-day Monday to Friday clinic $ 1,850
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ACCOMODATIONS: Available at the onsite
Guest Lodge or at nearby
local hotels by arrangement
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2005 Dates
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March 21-25
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August 8-12
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October 17-21
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