Have you ever attended an event that you enjoyed so much that you didn’t think it could get any better? That is how I felt after attending the 2009 Light HandsHorsemanship Clinic last year. Returning this year I knew I would enjoy it, but I wondered how much better could it get? Well . . . it was awesome!

The fourth annual clinic, which was presented by Tom Spalding and Spalding Fly Predators, was held the weekend of May 20-23 in lovely Santa Ynez Valley, California at Intrepid Farms. Art Perry, owner of Intrepid Farms, who has hosted the event since its inception, opened his gorgeous home and grounds to a crowd of over 150who came to watch, learn and be inspired by a legendary group of horsemen who are known throughout the world for their expert horsemanship skills. This year attendance was up 25% and attendees came from across the United States as well as Poland, France,Hungary, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Australia.

The entire event was organized by Debbie Beth-Halachmy, who along with her staff made it her mission that everyone enjoyed themselves. High end vendors marketed their wares, delicious catered lunch and dinners were served throughout the event,along with great entertainment from local musicians. But of course the main reason for the event was to learn and gain knowledge from the panel of horsemen assembled for the weekend. You would be hard pressed to go anywhere and have access to thenumber and quality of horseman that were present over this weekend. These fine horsemen included Dr. Robert Miller, Lester Buckley, Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Jon Ensign, Jack Brainard, Richard Winters, Monty Roberts and the MC for the event Rick Lamb.

This year the clinic expanded to four days. The opening day guests were invited to tour the private Museum of the Cowboy, which has an incredible collection of saddles, bits, spurs and many other fascinating items that help paint a picture of the settlement of California and the Santa Ynez area. After this informative tour, clinic attendees made their way to the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Carriage House, which further defined and explained the settlement of the area with their large collection of wagons and carriages. In the afternoon, host Art Perry delighted visitors with his Intrepid Museum, which has a comprehensive collaboration of Morgan history, as well as wonderful equine antiques and collectibles from around the world. This history packed day was followed by a welcome reception and lecture by MC and host of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show, Rick Lamb.

The next three days, clinic attendees were literally bombarded with knowledge from the clinicians. “Lightness” of course was the theme for the entire clinic,and each clinicians put there own stamp on it, demonstrating how to start a young horse with Richard Winters to developing the rhythm and cadence of a finished horse with Jack Brainard. Along the way guests were treated to demonstrations of Western Dressage by Jules Adams and an Azteca Stallion. This is a new division recognized by AMHA and USEF that is now being included in many Morgan shows. There was also an entertaining talk by Monty Roberts who displayed his “light” touch, riding his horse with fishing line as reins.

Eitan Beth-Halachmy entertained the crowd with the palomino Morgan Indigo Gold,who along with Santa Fe Renegade will be representing the Morgan breed at the World Equestrian Games this September in Kentucky.

World Champion, WH Zimbabwe wowed the crowed with clinician Lester Buckley, who demonstrated how to apply dressage principles to everyday riding for all horses.Dr. Robert Miller, who developed and named foal “imprinting” as we know it today spoke on predatory behavior, and “why lightness is the exception, not the rule of horsemanship.” Jon Ensign impressed the audience showing the progress that can be accomplished on a 30-90 day broke horse, ending the clinic with a young horse walking through tarps, over bridges, and roping a simulated cow.

After informative sessions during the day, clinic attendees were treated to ranch style cooking with delicious catered dinners. Evening entertainment included presentations from Petrine Mitchum and Hollywood Horses, Cowgirl Poetry and an informative talk on “Horseman of the Past-Forefathers of a Revolution”. On Saturday evening everyone gathered around for “The Campfire and Tall Tales”. This particular event has become an underground hit, and the story tellers, including Dr. Robert Miller, Jack Brainard,Sheila Varian and Ernie Morris heralded some of the funniest and most memorable moments of the clinic!

By the end of the four day event, everyone was literally stuffed with knowledge and I heard more than a few people talking who were excited to get home and apply some of what they had learned over the weekend. All the clinicians were delightful to listen to and each of them shared their own brand of horse wisdom, all following a “light” approach to working with your horse regardless of the seat or discipline.For those who enjoy attending clinics and are interested in expanding their knowledge,this clinic simply cannot be beat. Intrepid Farms was an idyllic backdrop for thee vent. Clinic attendees received red carpet treatment throughout the weekend and the wealth of knowledge that was available was tremendous. Planning is already in progress for next year’s event, which will be held May 19-22, 2011. Debbie reports she has two additional clinicians to join the already elite panel. The best just keeps getting better!

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