Clinics
Rider First Clinics
Better understanding. Better riding. Better partnerships.
Every horse is responding to something.
The question is... what?
My Rider First Clinics are designed to help riders move beyond simply correcting mistakes and begin understanding the conversation they're having with their horse. Through thoughtful coaching, practical exercises, and individualized feedback, riders learn not only what to change, but why those changes create lasting improvements.
Whether you're an eventer, jumper, dressage rider, or simply looking to become a more effective horseman, my goal is the same:
Help you ride with greater balance, clarity, softness, and confidence.
What Makes a Rider First Clinic Different?
Many clinics focus on fixing what's happening in the moment.
I focus on uncovering why it's happening.
My coaching begins with the rider. By improving balance, timing, body awareness, communication, and feel, we create changes that naturally influence the horse.
Instead of relying on stronger aids or quick fixes, riders leave with a deeper understanding of how to communicate in a way their horse can understand.
The result is riding that feels lighter, easier, and more enjoyable for both horse and rider.
What Riders Can Expect
Every clinic is tailored to the riders attending, but common focus areas include:
• Rider position and biomechanics
• Creating balance without restriction
• Developing a horse that stays naturally light and responsive
• Riding from your body instead of your hands
• Building relaxation without losing power
• Improving rhythm, straightness, and connection
• Jumping with confidence, consistency, and better distances
• Understanding the "why" behind your horse's responses
Rather than overwhelming riders with dozens of corrections, I focus on the few changes that create the biggest improvements.
Clinic Formats
One-Day Clinics
A full day designed to assess each partnership, identify the root causes behind common challenges, and give riders practical tools they can immediately take home.
Two-Day Clinics
Two days allow us to build on each ride, reinforce new habits, and create meaningful progress through repetition and thoughtful coaching.
Watching others ride is an important part of the learning experience, and riders are encouraged to stay engaged throughout the day. Some of the biggest breakthroughs happen while observing another partnership.
Available Topics
Every clinic is customized, but popular themes include:
• Rider First Fundamentals
• Balance Before Brilliance
• Jumping with Rhythm and Confidence
• Creating Softness Through Better Communication
• Understanding Contact and Connection
• Building a Naturally Light Horse
• Flatwork for Every Discipline
• Rider Biomechanics and Position
• Confidence for Horse and Rider
Hosting a Clinic
Interested in bringing a Rider First Clinic to your barn?
Clinic hosts receive support with planning, scheduling, and promotional materials to help make the event a success.
To inquire about hosting, please include:
• Barn location
• Preferred dates
• Expected number of riders
• Discipline and experience level
I'd love to work with you to create a clinic experience that fits the needs of your riders and facility.
Ready to host a Rider First Clinic?
Let's start the conversation.