Intensive Study Classes
Get almost four months of learning in just 5 days
If you are serious about making progress with your horsemanship and riding skills, you will want to consider one of our 5-Day Intensive Study classes, or design one to fit your schedule. We offer the same learning you would get spending thousands of dollars travelling cross-country, at a cost that better fits your budget. You will learn from qualified, experienced instructors and clinicians with years of experience.
What's the Format?
Each class varies a bit in format and timing, but typically, you will receive two to three hours of instruction each day, practice your learning for another 1-2 hours and study readings and videos for an additional hour. Courses are limited to no more than six students at a time. This provides more individualized attention and learning.
What if I want to study something different?
We can work with you to design your own intensive study that focuses on the specific areas where you need the most help. Local students can split an individualized course over a couple extended weekends, if they'd like.
Can I bring my own horse?
We encourage you to bring your own horse partner to get the most value out of your experience, or you can use one of the Center's school horses. Horse boarding is available for $20 per night. Camping in your tent, trailer or RV is included with your horse board or you can stay in one of our "dorm rooms" for an additional $10. There are also plenty of nearby human accommodations.
Upcoming Courses
Create A Balanced Ride
November 17-18, December 1-2, 2011, 5p - 7p
Instructor: Barb Apple Horse Play, LLC
The “Create a Balanced Ride” intensive will focus on
understanding the concepts of Sally Swift’s Centered Riding® so you can find
your balanced seat, know when you are in or out of it and what to do to fix
it. Connecting your groundwork to the saddle and becoming confident and
secure in your seat, riding aids, and walk/trot/stop/ backup transitions are
the goals for this intensive. If you and your horse need a safe and
supportive environment to find your confidence in the saddle, this is the
place to do it. If you are an accomplished rider and want to tweak or refine
your “Mind Body Awareness” leading you to an even better feel, this is
intensive for you.
Tuition: Full Course $525
Half Course $275
Foundational Horsemanship (HS 101)
February 18-22, 2012 or by special arrangement
Instructor: Jim "Hutch" Hutchins and NWNHC Staff
Get a jump start on your natural horsemanship
journey. This course takes you and your horse through the fundamentals that
are key to a life-long partnership and learning. You will learn the natural
horsemanship foundation of Language, Leadership and Lightness, how to ride
with a connected seat and basic rein positions and the skills needed to ride
with lightness and balance.
Tuition: $750
Advancing Freestyle & Finesse Riding
February 26 - March 1, 2012, 6p - 5 p
Terry Wilson, Parelli Professional and "Fast Track" Instructor.
Get beyond your basic riding skills and learn to
ride with confidence at the trot and canter. Also learn to ride with
refinement and soft feel in a bridle or hackamore. With Terry's help, you
will teach your horse how to respond more precisely and willingly to the
skills necessary for
competitive riding or just having more fun with your
horse. Class will also help you prepare for Parelli advanced auditions.
Foundational Driving (DR 101)
Dates TBD or by special arrangement
Instructors:
Woody Hoopes & Jim Hutchins
This class introduces you and your horse to the necessary skills required for driving and will have you working as a team on the ground and get you ready for the next stage of pulling a cart, wagon or farm implement.
Some of the topics covered:
- Leading with respect, driving games and following a path
- Ground-driving, desensitizing to ropes and lateral pressure
- Desensitize to dragging and scuffing noises behind
- Pulling traces
Tuition: $350
Beginning In-Hand Driving (DR 201)
Dates TBD or by special arrangement
Instructor: Woody Hoopes
This class teaches different driving and harnessing equipment, the skills necessary to properly harness and hitch a team, and how to drive single horse. Experienced horses, harness, and vehicle provided, or bring your own.
Tuition: $350
