In my struggle to learn more about developing competitive cowhorses, I have personally participated in a number of clinics. I have ridden in clinics with Bob Avila, Todd Bergen, Ted Robinson, and Lynn Anderson, and have been a spectator at countless other clinics with world-renowned trainers. It is a chance for me to have access to and get help from the people who are at the very top of the performance world.
You can learn so much just from watching them ride, and clinics give you the additional benefit of those gifted people helping you with your horse and your problems. In March, I rode in a clinic with Lynn Anderson, arguably the best person to ever go down the fence. One of the things I enjoyed the most about the clinic was seeing the variety of people who were there, eager to improve. There were great open trainers, non-pros, youth, and beginners. It really struck me how each person would be taking away something totally different from the clinic experience. Now you know what I think about clinics, but I want to share with you what some of the others thought about the process in hopes of encouraging you to participate or spectate in the future!
The Open Trainer- Tom Pasma
Allison: Tom, what do you think makes the clinic experience valuable for an open trainer?
As a trainer, sometimes you get stuck in a training rut or become over-committed to one certain way of doing things. A fresh set of keen eyes can help give you a different perspective on training. You learn new training techniques and can share ideas that will help you in getting your horses to perform better. Participating in a clinic put on by a trainer you respect is a great way to improve your training program for your horses, your clients, and yourself.
Tom Pasma and his wife, Sue Sultze, make their home in Bow, WA. As a past president of the WSQHA, Tom has been a figurehead for many years in the AQHA and NW Performance Horse industry. When Tom is not helping to grow and support the sport, he is an auctioneer.
The Youth – Janelle Hudon
Allison: Tell me a little about your experience at the Lynn Anderson clinic this year.
It was my second year at the clinic and I learned a lot. For people that show or want to show working cow horses, not only is the instruction time extremely productive, but you can watch and learn from those who are getting worked with. The time you spend watching other people is extremely valuable.
The great thing about this clinic is that you get to ride a lot. There are times when you sit for a while, but when you ride with Lynn you come out of the arena feeling like you’ve accomplished something. Lynn has lots of patience, experience, and amazing teaching skills. I recommend this clinic to beginners and the most experienced riders. You will walk away feeling good and knowing that your time and money were not wasted.
Janelle Hudon got into horses the way many of us did: through the 4-H and local shows near her home town of Arlington, WA. Tall Dark and Smart “Stubby” and Janelle excelled to earn Youth Performance Register of Merit, earned the required 25 AQHA points to complete the AQHA Novice Youth in Reining, and qualified for the Youth World Show before the end of the year for Youth Reining. They finished off the year as NWRCHA Limited Youth Champion, NWRCHA Novice Youth Reining Champion, and NWRCHA Youth Reining Reserve Champion.
The Non-Pro -- Linda Rodreguiz
Allison: As a non-pro, what do you find valuable about going to clinics?
As a non-pro rider, I continue to search for help for both myself and my horse. I have found that attending clinics has been extremely beneficial. The short term, intense sessions really help to make a change in my riding. Often times what is being taught is a refresher of what you already know, but hearing it again serves as a reminder with regards to why we do something. Watching and listening as other people ride is another benefit from attending a clinic. When I watch someone else perform a maneuver, I often see them having a problem that I have and learn how to fix the problem. Another reason to attend clinics is the opportunity to ride with various trainers. I think that exposure to different riding styles, training techniques, and exercises is extremely valuable.
Linda says, "I wanted to have a horse from the time I was about 5 years old. I cried that Christmas when my parents told me that Santa was not going to bring a pony. I finally got my first horse when I was 30. For several years, I just did trail riding until a friend introduced me to reining. I bought my first reiner and started showing at local shows. After my first time working a cow, I was hooked. I have been showing in reined cowhorse for the past two years. My husband, Randy, and I went to the Snaffle Bit Futurity last fall for the first time. We got the fever and bought the full sister of the horse that Jim Spence had such great success on, and are enjoying watching her go through the process of becoming a snaffle bitter!"
The Aspiring Trainer- Jessica Morrissey
Allison: What did you think about your first clinic experience?
It was my first time really working a cow. I haven’t ever shown, so I was pretty nervous about doing it all in front of a group of people I didn’t know. It was really nice to have someone so talented, like Lynn, spend the time to teach you how to do it right from the beginning. She was so specific and insightful that I made a lot of progress in a short time.
There were a lot of really great riders in the clinic as well as a lot of beginners and it was neat to see everyone else getting help from Lynn. I learned as much from that as anything. Going to a clinic is a great way of getting a lot of good information all at once. I will say that it definitely does matter who is putting on the clinic. Make sure it is someone who knows their stuff and is currently competitive in the industry. Going down the fence for the first time was a thrill and I walked away from the clinic with a lot more confidence than I went in with.
Jessica Morrissey is an assistant trainer and barn manager at Coastal Equine in Ferndale, WA. She has been riding horses and starting colts for many years and got her start exercising horses in the pleasure horse world. This year will be her first year showing cowhorses and reiners.
