Think ...
learning retreat! Lots of the folks who've come to the
clinics here come back time and time again. Camp in your
tent or trailer, check into our bunkhouse, or zip down the
road to one of the hotels. Bring your own food or join us
for meals. We have a rustic but beautiful place here. Just
right for you to relax, make new friends, and take home
some things 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 this difficult to
do. DO 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 future
progress.
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), we'll ask
you 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. Someone will be
responsible for taking the meal trays up from the pavilion
to the Cook Shack, someone else might make the drinks for
the meals or get 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.