Challenge by Choice Clinic

Through a series of exercises and simple drills participants discover a new connection to their horse. We approach obstacles and refusals with positive communication which keeps rider and horse calm and responsive. We also find that when we prepare for certain things off the horse it translates quicker once riders are mounted. For riders that attend not because they are having trouble, but just want to have better skills, this clinic helps them make their horse more responsive using less cue (and less Drama!)

Our obstacles are really very simple. You determine the level of challenge for you and for your horse at each obstacle.
(aka "Nothing scary unless that is your "Challenge by Choice")

We are not another desensitization or "spook" clinic.

Challenge by Choice Horsemanship workshops develop rider skills, and help diffuse dramatic situations that arise when riding.
With acceptance of a wide range of participants, from fairly inexperienced riders or green horses, to considerably experienced people and some very well trained horses (and some horses who have learned a few evasion "tricks") and anxious riders with phobias or riding stresses, a nice mix allows a variety of experiences from which all participants can learn and grow.

Eric Wagner and Beth Wonson combine their own unique skills and experience in a fun and highly active three-day workshop where you will challenge yourself to achieve or maintain the level of horsemanship that you desire. In an emotionally safe learning and sharing environment, you will explore, identify and set your own goals. You will stretch and grow in relationship with your horse and your horsemanship. Eric and Beth will lead you in activities and sessions that will help you to become physically and mentally prepared for riding, define mutual respect and leadership as related to your horse and to develop a community of supportive peers working on like goals. Each day will include group activities, hands on horse work, structured riding time, community and fun!

You will:
Develop individual goals as a rider and horseman.
Identify what currently motivates you to ride.
Assess your own areas of strength and challenges.
Gain specific tools and behaviors to increase physical and emotional readiness to ride.
Identify the relationship you desire with your horse and strategies to get there.
Learn skills to increase mind/body connection with your mount.

If you’ve been to all the desensitization clinics, spook clinics, obstacle rides and still are missing that connection with your horse or if you have anxiety or riding issues, that you don’t know how to deal with then a Challenge by Choice clinic is for you.

If you desire tools for positive reinforcement while learning new skills, you owe it to yourself and your horse to experience the blend between a holistic approach to riding and horsemanship and a no nonsense set of drills to get you through any event or just your daily ride.

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Logistical info:
Participants should bring water, healthy snacks and a sack lunch. Additionally participants should bring a notebook, pen and camera if desired.

Bringing your horse? Please contact Wagner Ranch as early as possible to make arrangements. Overnight stabling available at additional charge.
Need to use a ranch horse? Please contact Wagner Ranch as early as possible to make arrangements. Additional charge may apply.

In order to provide the maximum learning and growth experience for each participant, the number of attendees will be limited. We recommend that you register as early as possible.

Fee: $ 275 per person. Deposit of $100 required to hold space.

Facilitators:
Eric Wagner - Owner and operator of the Wagner Ranch/Eric Wagner Training Center, Eric has always had horses in his life. His parents began breeding Welsh Ponies and Arabian horses in southern California in the late 1950’s and moved to the Arroyo Grande ranch in 1964.
Eric began apprenticing for Top National Arabian trainer Jeff Wonell as a teenager, handling prestigious horses such as Khemosabi. As a young adult he worked with other renowed trainers including Ron Bechtel and Dave McGregor before opening his own training facility in 1979.
In operation for over 30 years, Eric Wagner Training Center (EWTC) has been a successful show barn for Arabians, Paints, Welsh Ponies, Morgans and other breeds. EWTC is also known for training solid endurance, competitive trail, pleasure and family horses of all breeds. Eric shares his knowledge and skills with horses and humans through a holistic approach to increasing fitness, wellness, skill building and remediating changes.
Eric is also certified in human massage therapy, equine sports and canine massage therapy and equine cranial sacral therapy. ewagnertraining@yahoo.com

Beth Wonson – A life-long horse enthusiast, Beth’s expertise is experiential and adventure-based education facilitation with a focus on empowering individuals to build upon strengths and achieve goals. Beth’s facilitation style is fun and engaging, encouraging participants to stretch and grow in an emotionally and physically safe learning environment. Beth has presented to schools, agencies and groups across the US. ewonson@gmail.com

Nearby hotels and/or camping arrangements sent upon request

Next Clinic
APRIL 28 & 29- 2012
Starlite Meadows Farm
Nipomo, CA
$275 per person

For reservations, questions or to book a clinic @ your facility please contact:

ewagnertraining@yahoo.com
805-489-7368

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Check out the
CHALLENGE BY CHOICE
follow up
MINI CLINICS

Have fun, add to your tool kit and build a community of riding buddies!

These are not spook clinics. Spook Clinics are about desensitizing your horse. Challenge by Choice Mini Clinics are about developing tools, skills and strategies for improving riding pleasure and managing your horse in any situation. For best results and understanding it is recommended that riders participate in a 2 or 3 day Challenge by Choice Horsemanship workshop prior to participating in the mini clinics

Drills Mini Clinic - It is not about the obstacle, it is about your tools!
Each session we will highlight one of the 5 drills. You will have an opportunity to get positive results by practicing constructive strategies to help you on the trail, in the arena or anytime you and your horse are confronted with a challenging situation.

Open Equitation Mini Clinic - Riding as an Athletic Activity!
We will start with a short and relaxing tai chi exercise session. Then you will mount your horse and become re-engaged with the fundamentals of good horsemanship. Riders and horses will have fun, build muscular strength, endurance and stamina and develop skills for group riding.

Fee:
Prior "Challenge by Choice Horsemanship 2 or 3-day Clinic" Participants $20 per session
Never attended a CBC Horsemanship 2 or 3-day Clinic - $30 per session
Use a ranch horse (based on availability) $10 per session
Audits - $10

Reservations and payment must be made in advance. Register for 4 or more sessions and get a 5th session free.

Follow-up Mini Clinics
3rd Saturday of the Month
from 2-4pm

We’ll be working on the drills, intro and reviews from the
Challenge by Choice clinics.

ewagnertraining@yahoo.com or 805-489-7368

join us at the Wagner Ranch & Enjoy the Ride!

EXPLORE A NEW CONNECTION WITH YOUR HORSE........

...CHALLENGE BY CHOICE HORSEMANSHIP

A NEW INNOVATIVE CLINIC PRESENTED BY THE WAGNER RANCH

Next Clinic
April 28 & 29, 2012
Saturday & Sunday
Starlite Meadows Ranch
Karen Luce - owner
Nipomo, CA

Reservations & Information
or
if you have a location and would like to host a clinic
contact us : ewagnertraining @yahoo.com