Clay's long reining program takes both the horse and trainer through a series of easy to understand steps, building a foundation for almost any training goal. Learn techniques to develop more sensitive hands, find out how and why to teach lateral movement, lengthen stride or collection.

The limited number of participants allows Clay to give all the necessary time for each individual's goal regardless of their or their horse's level. The intimate group provides the chance to learn from each other.

If you have always been interested in how passage is achieved, there is no better way to find out than with the long reins. For those interested in tandem riding, this is the ideal situation.

For many clinics, Clay is traveling between shows, and not only would you and Clay both work with your horse, you would have the rare opportunity to get a better feel of the reins by long reining Clay's seasoned troupe of Friesians.

Long reining offers the opportunity to create and achieve goals throughout your horse's entire training program.

• Develop confidence and communication on common ground. Sometimes we have a very forward, strong-moving horse, a young horse, or a horse struggling with a new concept. The long reins gives the trainer the ease of confidence to introduce ideas using a safe and easy to understand method.


• See the progress your horse makes. Many dressage arenas include mirrors for the rider to see exactly what that topline looks like, or, when asked for a bend, is the horse actually stepping under or just turning his head. Long reining not only provides effective techniques but also allows a perspective for seeing the horse's progress.


• Everyday is a productive day. These days, time seems to be everyone's most valued commodity. Due to our busy routines, our "horse time" occasionally suffers. More often that not, we can prepare and accomplish more with the long reins in a very limited time frame, which allows us to respect one of the pillars of all good training programs — consistency.

A 2- or 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 will include:

• what to look for in equipment,
• develop the three aids of long reining: the hands, voice and whip,
• how long reining benefits my riding program,
• exercises to improve everyone's reinsmanship,
• soft mouth, nice topline,
• how and why to use lateral movement,
• developing a long-term plan with the long reins,
• and for those interested, special subjects such as passage and tandem riding.

Who Would Benefit from this Clinic?
This clinic is open to all breeds and ages of horses, and to students and horses at all levels. It is an effective training method for driving and all styles of riding.

Review the Clinic & Training Techniques Feedback section to read what students learn and what they think about Clay's clinics. Feel free to call Clay with questions about the clinic (he will return your call as soon as possible).

Second Horse Option
Have you ever "thought twice" about tandem riding?
If a participant would like to bring a second horse (for the purpose of learning tandem riding, or just to school two horses), the horses would share the student's daily time slot. The participant could use either horse during their time in the arena. Or, we work on both horses during their time, the participant and Clay each working a horse.

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, supplies will be available for purchase at the clinic, or you could order supplies online to use in your training before the clinic.

Auditing
Clinic Auditors are welcome and encouraged to comment and ask questions.

Registration
Registration is arranged with the host of the clinic as listed in the Clinic Schedule or Calendar of Events on this site; if you have any additional questions, please contact Meredith: meredith@claymaier.com, 888-562-9959.