Whole Horsemanship Clinics at Hill Country Equestrian Lodge!
This, our signature clinic, is ideal for those who wish to delve deeper than the surface of basic riding, to explore the process and details of effective horsemanship. Conducted over an extended, 4-day format, the Whole Horsemanship Clinic teaches students to use their own intuition and creativity, as well as proper riding and training technique in order to communicate with their horse. The result is a deeper connection between horse and human, resulting in enhanced performance as well as a more rewarding relationship between the two.
The clinic is appropriate for all skill levels, ages 12 years and older, and adaptable for both English riding, (including jumping), and Western riding styles and events. Clinic groups are no greater than 5 students. With a student to teacher ration of no greater than 3 to one, each student receives ample individual attention. Those students who have not yet mastered the methods presented by the close of the clinic will leave with the knowledge needed to continue developing their horsemanship skill, and a framework upon which to build it. The clinic curriculum includes:
- Groundwork and Psychology
Use of body language, breath, eyes, and energy to communicate with your horse. - Working with the Rider's Body
Use of Centered Riding and other elements to find and maintain a balanced, non-interfering seat. - Developing and Maintaining Your Horse's Athleticism
Adding proper use of Aids and Cues to your balanced seat; helping your horse to succeed at performing the fundamental and advanced skills necessary for good performance and on-going fitness for any riding style or discipline.
All 4-day Whole Horsemanship Clinics include:
- 2 hours of instruction, plus 2 hours of trail riding for each of 4 days, Monday through Thursday. The Trail Rides offer students the opportunity to relax and enjoy the landscape while out on the trail, as they intuitively practice the skills introduced to them in the instructional sessions.
- An extensive clinic outline and instructional diagrams of horse and rider exercises and skills.
- Video of each students' progress during the clinic.
- Boarding for your horse, if you are bringing your own, plus a $120 discount on the clinic rate.
A 5-night stay is required; Students arrive on Sunday evening, and stay through Thursday evening of each clinic week. Clinic Weeks are listed on the Calendar and below.
Clinic participants must reserve their place in the clinic at the time they reserve their accommodation, or at least 1 week before their arrival date. Not every guest in a specific party is required to participate in the clinic. Some may simply do trail rides or lessons by the hour, or do other activities, or just take it easy!
Whole Horsemanship Clinics may be added to your reservation in one of 2 ways:
Add Whole Horsemanship- Clinic Only to Your Accommodation Reservation
Your Accommodation Reservation, plus a Whole Horsemanship- Clinic Only includes:
- 5 nights lodging in the accommodation of your choice, tax on lodging, breakfast foods stocked in your cabin or suite, use of our swimming pool and Hot Tub Under the Stars, access fee to enter Hill Country State Natural Area through our private entrance and use of its 40 miles of trails, use of all of our ranch pastures, trails, and facilities for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and birding.
- 2 hours of instruction, plus 2 hours of trail riding for each of 4 days, Monday through Thursday of your clinic dates.
- An extensive clinic outline and instructional diagrams of horse and rider exercises and skills. • Video of each students' progress during the clinic.
- Boarding for your horse, if you are bringing your own, plus a $120 discount off the full clinic rate.
This reservation DOES NOT include lunch and dinner meals, or gratuity.
Your party's total rate for your stay will be the total of 1) your accommodation rate plus tax, plus, 2) $1040 for each clinic participant. Specify if any riders will be bringing their own horses, for a $120 discount off of the full clinic rate.
When reserving by phone, be sure to reserve your place/s in the clinic when you reserve your accommodation . Specify if any riders will be bringing their own horses, for a $120 discount off of the full clinic rate.
When booking online, 1) Reserve your accommodation, then, 2) on the next page, choose the option Add Whole Horsemanship- Clinic Only. Add one for each Adult or Child ages 12-17 who will take part in the clinic, at $1040.00 each. 3) Choose one $120 discount off the full clinic rate, for each rider bringing their own horse.
Add Whole Horsemanship Clinic All-inclusive Package to Your Accommodation Reservation
Your Whole Horsemanship All-inclusive Package includes:
- 5 nights lodging in the accommodation of your choice, tax on lodging, breakfast foods stocked in your cabin or suite, use of our swimming pool and Hot Tub Under the Stars, access fee to enter Hill Country State Natural Area through our private entrance and use of its 40 miles of trails, use of all of our ranch pastures, trails, and facilities for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and birding.
- 2 hours of instruction, plus 2 hours of trail riding for each of 4 days, Monday through Thursday of your clinic dates.
- An extensive clinic outline and instructional diagrams of horse and rider exercises and skills.
- Video of each students' progress during the clinic.
- All meals, starting with in-room breakfast goodies for each morning starting with Monday morning, through dinner Thursday evening. All lunches and dinners are served at the ranch house dining room. (Plan to eat dinner prior to your arrival on Sunday evening.)
- Boarding for your horse, if you are bringing your own, plus a $120 discount off the full clinic rate.
- Gratuity.
Your party's total rate for your stay will be the total of 1) Your accommodation rate plus tax, plus 2) $2080 for each adult clinic participant, plus 3) $1890 for each clinic participant ages 12-17 years, plus 2) any non-participating party members' Ranch Vacation Package rates, if any. Specify also, if any of you will be bringing your own horse in order to receive the $120 discount off of the full clinic rate.
When reserving by phone, be sure to specify which of your party members will be participating in the clinic, and which, if any, will not. Party members who are not participating in the clinic may be added to your reservation using our Ranch Vacation Package Rates, and may add lessons by the hour on site, if they choose to.
When booking online, 1) Reserve your accommodation, then, 2) Choose the option Add Whole Horsemanship Clinic All-inclusive Package on the next page; one for each Adult or Child 12 to 17 years old who will take part in the clinic. 3) Add Ranch Vacation Packages for any party members who are not participating in the clinic. 4) Choose the $120 discount off the full clinic rate, for each rider who is bringing their own horse.
- Please note: A weight limit of under 225 lbs. is required for all riders of Hill Country Equestrian Lodge horses; 170 pounds for jumping. Our riding services are offered only to our overnight guests.
Whole Horsemanship Clinics and Packages, and Ranch Vacation Packages are available for the following Dates:
Cancellation Policy
| 2025 Dates | Arrive | Depart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19 | Jan 24 | ||
| Feb 2 | Feb 7 | Optional Jumping Clinic | |
| Feb 16 | Feb 21 | ||
| Mar 2 | Mar 7 | Optional Jumping Clinic | |
| Mar 30 | Apr 4 | ||
| Apr 27 | May 2 | Optional Jumping Clinic | |
| May 11 | May 16 | ||
| Jul 13 | Jul 18 | Optional Jumping Clinic | |
| Aug 10 | Aug 15 | ||
| Sept 14 | Sept 19 | Optional Jumping Clinic | |
| Oct 5 | Oct 10 | ||
| Oct 26 | Oct 31 | Optional Jumping Clinic | |
| Nov 16 | Nov 21 | ||
| Dec 14 | Dec 19 | Optional Jumping Clinic |
Reservations