"I have had horses running through my blood for as long as I can remember. I don't have a long glory filled history of shows and ribbons. I do have a history of getting up every morning for the last 33 years and mucking stalls and feeding horses. I even cleaned stalls with each of my two children on my back in backpacks. I'm really not much different than most hard working moms out there.

I did have a very bad accident where I injured my neck in a fall from a rearing horse. Long road back… Please let Clay know he has made a difference in my life with my horses through long reining: I saw Clay at the Equine Affair in Springfield, MA and I have one of his DVDs, Advanced Long Reining. I'm sending some pics of my 7-year old American Paint doing some of the tasks Clay put to us. He picked it up faster than I did!

Clay inspired me by showing me that something so grand and beautiful was in a word — possible!"
— K.L.

"Working with Clay Maier and his long lining techniques has added so much to my skills in the training of my driving horse.

Early on in my driving career, I thought that long lining was only used as a way to introduce a green horse to the concept of driving without the danger of being in the cart. I have since learned from Clay that long lining can be a very effective ongoing aid throughout the training process up to advanced levels.

When I first tried Clay's heavier lines, I discovered that, because of their weight, I could just rest them in my hands rather than grasping them. This gave my hands a much softer and lighter touch which lead to my horse being so much more willing to accept the bit. From that point, Clay has shown me how to teach her to develop a lovely frame, rhythm, freedom of movement and self-carriage.

The surcingle he recommends is ideal with all of its rings which offer a wide variety of options, high or low, for developing the proper frame. Along the way, with Clay's help, I have learned to be observant and to direct her to be precise in her movements and transitions to, for instance, a lengthened or collected trot.

Long lining has really broadened and improved my communication with my horse. From the ground, I can quietly ask for these things and, since I can see how she's doing, I can make careful adjustments to help her achieve my goals. Also if we are having some sort of issue in the carriage, we can often work it out through excercises with the long lines.

Clay has opened up a whole new world of training possibilities. My horse and I have come a long way! Best of all, it is really fun and so rewarding!"
— E.H.

"Again, thanks for an excellent clinic! You have a very understandable way of explaining concepts that have escaped me for years. Your building blocks (or layering) of driving techniques really make a lot of sense."
— P.P.

"Hi Clay,
Just a short note to let you know what a grand clinic you did for us last weekend. Not only do you have such a gift and connection with horses, you definitely have the same ability in dealing with a variety of people.

I was so impressed with your proficiency to explain everything, and to have the patience and take the time with every single one of us with our different grasps of the subject in making it easy to understand. The 3 days went so fast it left me wanting more. I'm practicing with the long-lines and look forward to more clinics in the future with you.

Thank you so much again, it was such a pleasure and we had a great group. Everybody was very impressed and learned so much."
— S.T.

"I have participated in several of Clay Maier's long reining clinics and each time come away with new skills for both my horse and myself.

Long reining has been beneficial for my horse at all stages of her development and I continue to use it on a regular basis as she progresses. I have understood my horse's movement better from the ground and watched her balance and rhythm improve. I have learned to have better timing with my aids because of the visual vantage point long reining provides.

I implement the long reining intermittently with riding and driving and find that the long reining has been helpful for enhancing both of the other activities. I have also used long reining to teach my horse new concepts such as bending, lateral movements and rein-backs.

The surcingle and long reins I purchased from Clay have made the whole process work better. I love the weight and feel of the long reins. They are a perfect diameter to get the best communication with my horse. Half-halts are more precise than when I used web or lighter-weight lines.

The surcingle has so many options and is of such good quality that I am able to use it on both horses and large ponies. There are a number of "terrets" which makes it possible to deal with all types of conformation and training challenges.

Clay has truly been a gift to the Northwest horses and horsemen with his clear and precise training methods. My horse and I are grateful to Clay for the knowledge he has imparted to us and consequent pleasure we share in our working relationship."
— S.M.