Think ... learning retreat!
Lots of the folks who've come to the clinics here come back
time and time again. Mendin' Fences is a rustic but
beautiful setting ... just right for you to relax, make new
friends, and take home some great tools to help you and
your horses!
All of our clinics are designed for students with and
without horses. Students without horses are "auditors" and
have access to the clinician for questions and
participation in any ground activities presented. We
usually encourage people to check out a clinician prior to
deciding to actually riding in a clinic. We do realize that
the schedule of many clinicians can make it difficult to
observe in advance so check with friends you trust for
their recommendation based upon your particular needs and
learning style. And, definitely, call and discuss with us
your needs and expectations. We want to help you find a
good match and for you to leave here learning as much as
possible and with a feeling of optimism about your
horsemandship.
We have heard that there are some clinic formats where
folks simply show up and participate during their assigned
session. At Mendin' Fences, you should expect a good
mixture of "classroom-type" discussions and presentations,
as well as actual work in the round pen or arena. We hope
you will take advantage of all the situations presented and
watch and participate in the ENTIRE clinic.
What To
Expect
Participating in a clinic can
bring out nervousness in just about anyone. We have a lot
on our minds ... tack, supplies, truck & trailer
maintenance, family or work obligations ... PERFORMANCE
concerns! Okay, so, first thing ... breathe, breathe,
breathe. It will be okay!
The clinicians who come here are great teachers. They are
respectful of the horse AND the human. Our clinics always
seem to attract the friendliest and most supportive group
of participants and auditors, so try not to worry too much
about eyes being on you. Most everyone here has been in the
same position at one time or another. We all recognize that
the REASON we're here is TO LEARN!!
Since we prefer formats with lots of DISCUSSION and
INTERACTION, you'll find that the clinicians here either
work one-on-one with students or in very small
groups. The length of the sessions
depends upon what is needed for each student and
horse,
as well as how many sessions we have lined up for the day.
We do our best to limit the number of students to the least
number possible while still keeping the registration fees
accessible to folks. This isn't always easy ... matching
registration fees with the clinicians' fees and travel
expenses -- so, bottom line, we try to find the balance
there ... to keep it affordable and to give you plenty of
time for your work.
As a "regular" or soon-to-be-regular (we hope), you may be
asked to help out around the facility. Everyone gets an
assignment from Vic. Not to worry, it's nothing that will
interfere with your clinic time. The chores run along the
lines of taking the meal trays up from the pavilion to the
Cook Shack or making the drinks for the meals or getting
the coffee ready for the next morning. See, nothing
stressful but it helps us out a great deal and since people
kept ASKING to help we, yeah, yeah ... decided not to look
a gift horse in the mouth.
What To
Bring
As a
participant, you will receive more detailed information
when you register, but here is some general information
about what to bring:
- Coggins - YOU MUST HAVE YOUR ORIGINAL CURRENT COGGINS to participate in the clinic. You will need to send a COPY of your Coggins with your final registration packet. Have your original available when you arrive.
- Tack - Please bring the tack that you normally use with your horse. This includes halters, lead ropes, pads, saddles, bridles, bits, etc. If you have a question about any other tack you have, please feel free to bring it so that you can address that with the clincian.
- General Supplies - You will need to bring water buckets for your horse as well as any feed and feed pans for your stay. Remember fly spray. You'll want to make sure that your horse is sprayed, especially on the legs, before each session so that flies are not a distraction.
- Hay - If you would like hay (orchardgrass and fescue), we will provide it to you at the current rate.
- Stalls - You are responsible for cleaning and maintaining your own stalls. Shavings are generally available for purchase. We will also have a wheelbarrow, scooper, and manure wagon located by the stalls.
- Weather - The clinic is rain or shine so bring rain gear and keep your fingers crossed that we have the pleasant weather we expect. There will be some seating but bringing a lawn chair is a good idea. You will also want to plan for cooler mornings and evenings here. (Bug spray and sunscreen are helpful in the summer.)
- Clothing - In addition to rain gear, it's often a good idea to bring something in case the weather turns cooler. You'd be surprised -- even in June! Also, if you are staying in the bunkhouse or bunkroom, linens and a pillow are supplied for the beds but you will need to bring towels. There are two laundromats within ten minutes of here, if you happen to need one. There are a number of stores, including a WalMart Supercenter.
- Videotaping - Please check with us beforehand to see if the Clinician allows taping. Note: Harry Whitney does NOT permit videotaping but encourages plenty of digital or still photography.
- Food - We serve breakfast and lunch each day during clinics. During Whitney Camps, dinners are included in registration for Sunday, Monday, and Friday evenings. Taking your meals with us is optional. There is a grocery store about 7 miles from us if you need any items. We have a refrigerator in the pavilion for storing any snacks or drinks. There is also a small fridge in the Bunkhouse.
Note: Adult Horsemanship Camps are all-inclusive so all meals and snacks are provided.