Clay's thorough program of long reining is a collaborative, participatory, and fun approach to develop better communication, suppleness and versatility. Clay openly shares his techniques and theories in demonstrations and clear hands-on exercises that focus on a training process that leads to solid results.

These techniques open a new perspective from the ground that will also bring a new understanding in the saddle. Together, you and your horse can benefit from insights that long reining brings to whatever discipline — from dressage, to trail riding, to driving.

This 3-day clinic will cover long reining topics for horses of various ages and levels, according to each participant's current level and goals.
Topics covered are likely to include:

• the advantages of perspective and training from the ground
• starting a young horse safely and confidently, including introduction to reins
• a lesson series for teaching your horse forward motion and contact with the bit
• an action plan for developing flexion and collection with an experienced horse
• lengthening stride and developing collection
• the steps leading to the first hitching in training a horse to drive
• fundamentals of training the passage and piaffe more effectively from the ground
• the training program for teaching a horse to bow, lie down, and rear

From the ground, we will become better able to observe some of the causes of challenges our horses have, for instance, "one-handed-ness," and learn techniques to gain suppleness in lateral movement from head to hip, left and right.

All in an atmosphere of participatory fun with entertaining demos. Clay's own horses will be available for students to get the feel of the finished horse.

Review the Student Feedback section to read what students think about Clay's clinics.

Participants will receive Clay's detailed DVD Tutorial, Introduction to Long Reins, upon registration to prepare for the clinic. By becoming familiar with the skills on this 2-DVD set, participants will be able to start with informed questions and progress further, thereby maximizing their time with Clay.

Details
$575 includes:
3 days of instruction,
Stabling for the nights of September 24, 25, & 26,
Introduction to Long Reins DVD Tutorial,
Monday's Dinner, Orientation and Demonstration.

The clinic immediately follows the Draft Horse Classic expo and will be held at the same venue, the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, CA.

Equipment
A Surcingle, a pair of Long Reins, and a Training Whip will be the equipment used by students. Clay will have several sets available for use by all students during the clinic. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase any of these items prior to the clinic. Rein Dance is offering a 15% discount on a set, or partial set, of long reining supplies to registered participants.

Auditing
Clinic Auditors are welcome:
$25 per day, or $60 for 3 days.

Auditors and Guests are also welcome at Monday evening's Dinner and Demonstration:
$20 for individuals, or
$15 each for up to 2 guests accompanying a participant.

Registration
This clinic is limited to only 12 person-horse pairs, who will be registered in the order that deposits are received. The $200 deposit is non-refundable.

Please call or email to start your registration with Caitlin: caitlin@claymaier.com, 888-357-0808.

Download a low-resolution copy of the 2-page flyer for this clinic. (this website page has a few more details than the flyer):
1.1 MB printable pdf file