Greetings and Salutations everyone and Happy New Year!

Colt Starting and Horsemanship Clinic Series @ Mission Farrier in Snohomish WA

Colt Starting Clinic, February 25 – 28th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily, $500

This clinic is for unstarted young horses, or an older horse that needs to be restarted.  The first two days of the clinic will center on exercises to get your horses’ respect on the ground and desensitize him to behaviors and things that he will encounter during the first saddling and ride.  During the next two days, we will use these exercises to saddle and ride!  This is four-hour a day, four-day clinic.  We will take frequent breaks as we do not want to push a young horse too fast too soon.  We have found this extended clinic session to be very successful.  It builds trust and respect between horse and human; we feel it is what sets Jon’s clinics apart. 

Horsemanship I, February 26 – 28th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, $300

This clinic we will refine exercises both from the ground and from horseback to build a softer feel, quicker, more accurate responses and a stronger partnership with your horse.    Bring a good attitude and be prepared to work on your horse and horsemanship.  This is a three-hour a day, three-day clinic.

For those of you interested in either the colt starting or horsemanship clinic, please contact the clinic sponsor, Karen Plumlee, as soon as possible.  Karen’s email is missionfarrierschool@hotmail.com or her cell is (425) 985-8321.  Limited boarding options are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Intro to Practical Ranch Roping Series @ Paradise Rock Ranch in Duvall, WA

Basic Ranch Roping Techniques and Practice, 2 afternoons available, $100 per day
Tuesday, February 23rd and Tuesday, March 2nd from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Come learn how to build a loop, throw a shot, and refine your delivery techniques.  This group lesson will involve roping on the ground with our roping dummy.  Ropes will be available to use should you need one during the lesson.

For those interested in participating, please contact Dave Clarke at ntfpdwc@aol.com or (206) 920-1909.

Private Lessons

Private lessons will be available February 22, 23, and 24th.  Please call Jon directly at (406) 570-9779 to schedule these appointments.

Early Spring, Mini Ranch Clinic in Bozeman, Montana

Mini 3-day Ranch Clinic, Thursday, April 29th, though Saturday, May 1st, daily $450

Bring your horse out to the stunning Gallatin Valley in Montana for a very unique and amazing clinic. Both horse and rider will develop skills as they work through various aspects of ranch work including gathering and working cows, sorting, penning, roping, and possibly even branding. This mini three day clinic will be a special combination of Jon's horsemanship clinics and having the rare opportunity to truly ride like a cowboy. Be prepared to ride long and hard, through beautiful hills, mountains, meadows and streams. This will be both an unforgettable and demanding experience.

Horse accommodations are available for an additional expense. Deposit and registration form required.  Please contact Denice Thurston at dthurs@yahoo.com or (206) 276-7668 for more information.
 
Beginning Trail Clinic @ Paradise Rock Ranch in Duvall, WA

Beginning Trail Clinic, Friday, June 4 - Sunday, June 6, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily, $500

Day 1 Agenda “Preparing your horse for the trail”
Day 1 of the clinic specializes in desensitizing your horse to experiences commonly found on the trails of the Pacific Northwest. Jon will guide us through maneuvering these obstacles in a manner that’s safe for both horse and rider. Day 1 provides riders of any level an opportunity to improve communication with their horse, and establish a solid trail foundation on which to build.

Day 2 Agenda “Trail safety and real world experience”
Day 2 continues to focus on the basics of trail riding with a special emphasis on safety for both horse and rider.  This includes a special sit-down, question and answer session on saddlebag and first aid kit preparation.  The afternoon session will provide participants with their first opportunity to head out on the trails. 

Day 3 Agenda “Where it all comes together”
Day 3 includes an all-day long trail ride on the trails that surround the clinic venue, including the Cherry Valley waterfall.  We will encounter multiple obstacles such as water crossings, metal bridges, steep inclines, muddy paths, hikers, and motorized vehicles, oh my!

Pre-registration and deposit required for reservations.  Limited horse/trailer/participant accommodations are available. For Clinic Registration Forms and more information, please contact Denice Thurston at (206) 276-7668 or dthurs@yahoo.com

Full Week Ranch Clinic in Bozeman, Montana

Announcing the 2010 Ranch Clinic in Montana... Mark your calendars for July 19-23rd.  Bring your horse out to the stunning Gallatin Valley in Montana for a very unique and amazing clinic. Both horse and rider will develop skills as they work through various aspects of ranch work including working cows, sorting, penning, roping, and possibly even branding. This 5-day clinic will be a special combination of Jon's horsemanship clinics and having the rare opportunity to truly ride like a cowboy. Be prepared to ride long and hard, through beautiful hills, mountains, meadows and streams. This will be both an unforgettable and demanding experience.

$1000 for the week.  Horse and people boarding are available for an additional expense. Deposit and registration form required.  Please contact Denice Thurston at dthurs@yahoo.com or (206) 276-7668 for more information.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Jon, Kade, Denice and Dave