Winter Horsemanship Clinic at Malmo Equestrian, Clevedon

Join us this winter for a horsemanship clinic at the stunning new indoor facilities at Malmo Equestrian in Clevedon.

This clinic is built around a simple idea: good horsemanship sits at the heart of every successful horse and rider partnership.

Whether I’m producing event horses or helping riders build confidence at home, I always come back to the same foundation - timing, feel, clarity of communication, and understanding how the horse learns.

Over the years I’ve been influenced by a range of horsemen and thinkers, from classical groundwork and liberty concepts through to more modern equitation science. I’m particularly interested in how horses actually process information, what motivates them, and how small changes in our timing and intent as riders can completely change the outcome. One of the core philosophies in my training is learning not to take things personally, and instead to ask: “what is the horse actually experiencing here, and how can I explain this better?”

My belief - When I improve myself, the horse almost always comes with me. That approach shapes everything in my training, whether on the ground or under saddle.

My goal in these clinics is to make horsemanship practical, understandable, and achievable. I’m very aware that learning with horses can sometimes feel overwhelming, so I focus on breaking things down into clear, workable steps so riders can feel success quickly and confidently. I also aim to keep the atmosphere relaxed and supportive - learning goes best when people feel comfortable, encouraged, and able to laugh along the way.

Groundwork is a core part of my own training with my event horses and is something I return to constantly. It helps me improve clarity, softness, balance, and communication, and gives me tools to problem-solve when things don’t feel quite right.

Groundwork exercises in this clinic will help you:

• Build trust and a genuine working connection with the horse
• Improve clarity of communication through timing, feel and intention
• Develop softness, suppleness and physical balance in the horse
• Encourage curiosity, confidence and willingness so the horse can think and engage

This clinic is offered as either a one-day experience or a two-day package, allowing riders to choose the option that best suits their goals.

Day One – Foundations & Connection

Day One is designed for riders who want to build or strengthen their horsemanship foundations in a clear, supportive environment.

We begin with a relaxed group introduction where riders can connect, share a little about themselves and their horses, and get familiar with the key ideas we’ll be working with during the clinic. From there we move into practical groundwork and ridden work focused on timing, feel and communication between horse and rider.

Session 1 – Groundwork Foundations

Develop the essential groundwork skills that create a safe, willing and responsive partnership. This session focuses on clarity, timing and consistency, and on helping the horse understand what is being asked in a way that feels simple and achievable for both horse and rider.

The emphasis is on improving communication and feel - learning how small changes in your energy, intention and timing can completely change the horse’s response. We also look at how to stay fair and effective when things don’t go to plan, and how to bring the horse back into understanding while keeps things calm and clear for the horse.

Session 2 – Connection & Relationship in Practice

This session builds on the foundations by developing a stronger sense of connection and mental engagement with the horse. Through groundwork patterns, simple obstacles and relational exercises, riders learn how to keep the horse thinking with them rather than simply reacting to them.

The focus is on reading the horse more accurately, improving timing, and creating a conversation that feels clear on both sides. We explore how to recognise when the horse is present, when they are unsure, and how to guide them back into confidence and willingness.

Session 3 – Ridden Skills & Suppling

Bring groundwork principles into the saddle, focusing on softness, balance and feel. Riders will apply these concepts through practical ridden exercises designed to improve communication, relaxation and responsiveness.

The emphasis is on riding in a way that supports understanding rather than tension — developing a horse that feels connected, balanced and mentally with the rider through transitions, bending and simple ridden challenges.

Day Two – Progression & Partnership

Day Two builds on the foundation work from Day One and is designed for riders who are ready to refine timing, feel and communication at a deeper level.

The focus throughout the day is on improving the quality of the conversation between horse and rider - making things lighter, clearer and more instinctive through better awareness and feel.

Session 1 – Refining Communication & Feel

More advanced groundwork designed to improve responsiveness, relaxation and clarity. Riders are encouraged to pay close attention to timing and feel, and to notice how small adjustments in intention and release influence the horse’s understanding.

Session 2 – Connection & Relational Development

Further relational groundwork and in-hand work designed to strengthen trust, attention and willingness. The emphasis is on building a horse that stays mentally connected even when things become more complex or slightly challenging. 

Session 3 – Ridden Application & Horsemanship Challenges

Apply horsemanship principles under saddle through practical exercises, patterns and obstacles designed to improve confidence, control and partnership.

The focus is on quality of feel, building lightness and an engaged & responsive partner - helping riders notice when the horse is truly with them, and how to bring them back when they are not.

Booking Options

Two-Day Clinic
Open to all riders and horses. This is a progressive learning experience designed to give you the full horsemanship journey, with Day Two naturally building on the foundations established on Day One for deeper understanding, refinement and connection.

Day One Only
Suitable for riders of all levels, whether you are just starting your horsemanship journey or looking to refine and deepen your existing skills in groundwork, riding and connection with your horse.

Day Two Only
To make the most of Day Two, riders will ideally have some prior horsemanship experience, either through a Te Rangi Horses clinic or lesson, or an equivalent foundation in basic groundwork skills. This allows the group to move comfortably into more progressive learning while keeping the experience enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

Clinic Timings

Each clinic day runs from 9:30am to approximately 3:00pm, including a relaxed lunch break. The structure is designed to keep both horses and riders fresh while still allowing enough time for meaningful learning, repetition and coaching. The aim is for riders to leave feeling clear, confident, and with practical tools they can immediately apply at home.

Important Information

Participants should have basic horse handling skills and be able to maintain safe control of their horse in a group learning environment.

Numbers are strictly limited to ensure personalised coaching and individual attention throughout the clinic.

Winter is a powerful time to invest in your partnership. With more time to focus on the details, riders can make real progress in their timing, feel and communication, setting themselves and their horses up for a more confident and enjoyable spring season.

Ground fees payable to Malmo Equestrian: $30 per horse per day.