Like the first Crocus, frisky newborn calves, and dreaded rock chucks, it just doesn’t feel like spring to me until Clint’s Spring Tune Up Clinic.  This year the Spring Tune Up Clinic took place at Piloto Ranch and I cannot say enough about the lovely facility and the extra effort to which owners Stan and Linda Stenstavold went to make sure we were all comfortable. The goal of the Spring Tune Up Clinic is to oil off the winter rust on horse and rider to prepare for the riding season – keeping in mind that spring in Cetnral Oregon means unpredictable weather – so exposing the horses to numerous new situtations is good preparation for spring riding here.

 

 

 

As with all of Clint’s general horsemanship clinics (and with all good riding preparation), we started with groundwork.  In both groundwork sessions and the mounted sessions, flexing, moving out and bending were all emphasized – all keys to gaining Trust, Respect & Understanding (Clint’s horsemanship goals ) between horse & rider.  Since it was Easter weekend, the clinic culminated in an Easter Egg competition to help horse and rider use the skills learned in the clinic.  I think it is fair to say that a good time was had by all.

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