This is not a “desensitization” clinic. Desensitize means: to make less sensitive. That is not my goal. My goal is to develop a sensitive horse that follows my feel. I want my thoughts to become his thoughts. 

Improving one’s horsemanship is reliant upon changes within ourselves rather than in our horses. The Confidence Course was created to work on both the human and the horse. When the human is consistent and clear with their communication, it helps the horse to feel confident. When a horse feels confident they become courageous. This clinic uses sensory, audio, and visual obstacles to help the human develop a clear plan in their mind of what they are asking of the horse. It’s creating a job for the horse using obstacles that helps the human communicate their intention to the horse. When we clarify our intention and how we are asking, we become more in tune with our timing and feel. With better feel, we get better timing and this combination creates more balance. We will find the horse becomes more confident in the relationship and thus, more courageous in the partnership.

The Confidence Course is a two day clinic that starts out with groundwork both mornings, with a break for lunch, followed by a riding session. By using a scaffolding technique that continuously adds layers to the foundational building blocks, the human begins to develop a strong foundation that helps to develop a partnership with the horse. 

When you enter the arena gate you will notice an “EGO” bucket. EGO means: a person’s sense of self importance or self esteem.  All “EGO”s are left at the gate, and the focus placed squarely on the relationship you desire to achieve with your horse. Sara helps the human to become present with their horse and works from where the horse is coming from on that day. There are no silly questions and Sara creates a warm, welcoming environment that aids in deepening partnerships with the horse. 

These clinics are fun, encouraging and full of laughter. New friendships are often formed.  We work on building each other up and strengthening our relationship with our horse. We work together to troubleshoot problems and find solutions.  All levels of riders are welcome in these clinics, and we use the current ability level of a horse and rider to determine a starting point to build from.