Booking a camp requires a $100 deposit, which is non-refundable but is transferrable between camps.

 
PayPal is a convenient way to make your deposit:



Harlequin Stables, Nanaimo, B.C.
RESCHEDULED from Jan. 2012 to February 18 & 19, 2012

Back Country Horsemen Clinic, Dot Ranch, Merritt, B.C.
May 12 — 13, 2012

Kelowna Hoofbeats 4-H Clinic, Kelowna, B.C.
May 26 — 27, 2012

Fundamentals of Cow Work #1 (Essential Reined Work & Introduction to the Flag)
Dot Ranch, Merritt, B.C.
June 1 — 3, 2012

In this first of the series, we break down, analyze and get clear on basic skills and abilities for the horse and rider to have a solid foundation and confidence in where to be, how to be and when to be. Covers lateral flexion in all gaits, counter bends, straightness, stopping, turnarounds, rollbacks and backing. The emphasis is on softness, responsiveness, feel and timing. There is an expectation on both horse and rider to really ‘step up’, and push themselves, balanced with allowing plenty of time to absorb and shape what is offered. Really guiding the human to become aware of their part of helping the horse do his part.

The flag offers a low key environment where each horse and rider are given the attention and direction most needed to develop their confidence with the reined work to test on a simulated cow. The flag provides a controlled situation whereby strengths are built on, weaknesses exposed and corrected the true purpose of impulsion, stop, and turn suddenly become clear with some purpose. Oh! And did we mention a ton of fun! This one is run here at home on the Dot Ranch with its unparalleled beauty and ambience.

Clinic size: max 8-10

Cost: $575 + HST (includes hay, great shady, dry pen, and no-hookup camping)
Introduction to the Bridle Horse  ... La Jaquima (The Hackamore)
Vancouver Island
June 8 — 10, 2012

 
Developing a Bridle Horse in the Old Californio style is a journey of time, patience, feel, grace, awareness and dedication. It is truly an Art form, deep in its roots, mysterious, elusive, often intimidating, sometimes misunderstood.  It has given rise to the ‘natural’ Horsemanship movement, Working Cow Horse, western dressage and is the epitome of Great horsemanship. Horses and riders  alike gain skills, confidence, pride, self-responsibility, connection and softness that permeates their entire being and way of living. In this clinic, the basic use of the Jaquima (hackamore/bosal) will be introduced. Sometimes considered as the next step after the snaffle, sometimes used as the first headgear on the horse. the hackamore (bosal) is an indispensable tool in creating a soft, supple and strong horse capable of self-carriage, collection, and finesse. It is also the most profound journey in "feel" for the aspiring horseman...it simply demands softness, awareness, clarity and timing...Come ready to explore a fascinating, challenging yet infinitely rewarding journey for yourself and your horse. This clinic is a must for any seeking answers to collection, confidence, feel and true communication. Also beginning to demystify the spade bit...what it is, what it isn't, and more on the steps involved in creating a truly empowered, confident and connected horse.
 

Clinic size: max 8

Cost: $550 + HST
 
Kiowa, Colorado
June 18 — 22, 2012
 
Bruce Sandifer. After last year’s amazing experience, how could I not go again this year? With horses in tow this time for sure…!

 
Fundamentals of Cow Work #2
(Introduction to Basic Cow Work)
Dot Ranch, Merritt, B.C.
June 30 — July 2, 2012
 
In part 2 of this series, we take the skills, techniques and experiences from both the reined and flag work to the next level.                                                               
  • Advancing the reined work with more timing and refinement
  • Rider position, balance, focus and relaxation
  • Refining feel and timing
  • Assessing and building upon each individual horse’s understanding and confidence with the maneuvers on the flag
  • Exercises that give everyone a feel for working with a live, thinking animal.
This is where things start to get real! We will really be cleaning up the reined work, getting solid with the flag and allowing the horses to really feel positive with their experiences, and then it’s off to find the cattle! Once again, the emphasis will be on building confidence in both horse and rider, introducing them to cattle one on one. Following, tracking, stopping and turning with the cow, getting real clear on slow and right beats fast and wrong. Good stock handling is based on awareness, timing, focus and quietness…sound familiar? As confidence is gained, the fun really begins as the horses start to ‘get’ what they are doing….and love it! You’ll be sure to want to come back for the third installment after this taste….



Camp size: max 8—10

Cost: $650 + HST (Hay, pen, camping, cattle fee)
 
Connecting at the Dot
Dot Ranch, Merritt, B.C.
July 20 — 23, 2012

 
Basic awareness development, the 'Allow', finding feel and creating confidence. Explore the concept of "Conscious Horsemanship" and why it is so vital to become your own Guru.....for yourself, your horse and life. Horses are such a powerful metaphor for our growth and the path to our true inner-self, and this course will allow self-power, guidance and sense of self-governing to be applied to horsemanship and ourselves.  New for this year, is the introduction of Yoga, to be taught by a certified Instructor, specifically with our focus in mind, starting our day open for connection…Breathe, stillness, balance and flexibility. Am also working on setting up a Reiki level 1 course with Maxine Boulding the following day if there is enough interest. Reiki is energy work, and such a integral part of increasing one’s ‘Feel’, as well as so healing.

Camp size: max 6

Cost: $550 + HST
 
Fundamentals of Cow Work #3 (Advancing Cow Work)
7 1/2 Diamond Ranch, Merritt, B.C.
July 27 — 29, 2012

 
Held at the beautiful 71/2 Diamond Ranch, with its full cabin facilities and great, fresh cattle, this is where all your rein and flag prep gets tested, and utilized! With camps this size, there is nowhere else you are going to get this number of works on fresh cattle, allowing for an extremely intense and information-packed weekend that’s just a ton of fun as well.

Here we will be again looking at each individual’s progress and refining as we go along. Softness of the rider, softness of the horses, balance, position, setting it up right and allowing the horse to follow through. Going from defensive to offensive positions as well an introduction to Cow Horse (circles, fence work,speed control, etc.) all the while still honing those reining skills and maneuvers as weak spots show up, with the flag available as well to constantly improve with feedback and videotaping to really see firsthand what is going on with yourself.  To watch the horses really ‘get’ what is going on and literally start working on their own for the pure joy of it while staying balanced  and out of their way, yet ready to support them as needed is truly one of horsemanship’s greatest feelings….one warning is needed, however….Cow work is EXTREMELY addicting!

Camp size : max 8—10

Cost: $900 + HST  in cabin, $750 + HST camping  (included: hay, pen and cattle fee)

 
Special Deal: Take all three Fundamentals of Cow Work Clinics for $1825 including cabin at the 7 ½  Diamond ($1775 without cabin).


 
Feel Like a Kid Camp
Dot Ranch, Merritt, B.C.
August 3 — 6, 2012

 
It’s back! This riotous, romping, fun-loving, zany and very special camp is an absolute MUST for well, pretty much anyone that misses or missed out on horses when you were a kid. We swim with the horses, moonlight ride, bareback (NO bareback pads…ok? Didja ever see a kid use one?) ride, the infamous scavenger hunt, “Kid Hunter”, and a few unexpected surprises that your Counselor/chaperon/ mediator host comes up with! The only complaint from last year’s intrepid “Kids” was   “We need NAP time!”…Once again, Camp size is limited to 6-8 for maximum camaraderie and basically that’s how many S’mores are available … Oh, and because I said so…..! Of course there will be all sorts of learning and growth opportunities, but hidden, of course, so  you Kids don’t actually really know you are….Be prepared for the best weekend of your summer and memories that will last a life-time.

Camp size: max 8

Cost: $550 + HST
 
Ranch Roping Clinic
Dot Ranch, Merritt, B.C.
August 17 — 19. 2012

 Further information to follow
 

Contact Us