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Horse Clinics: Rider Info
Clinic FAQs - Answers To Common Questions
Thinking about riding in one of our clinics? Here are answers to the questions we hear most often —including some situations that may very well mirror your own. (You might even find an answer to a question you didn't know you had!)
Some of the more detailed Questions and Answers will take you to another page. Just hit your browser's back button to return to this page.
Don't hesitate to (or call 213-923-1215) if you have further questions or need clairification.
If you would like to ride in this clinic, attend as an observer, or have further questions, please contact Keith Hosman at 213-923-1215. For information specifically regarding the ranch where the horsemanship clinic will be held, (to get directions or to arrange for stabling, for instance), follow the tab in the navigation bar above marked "Where & When."
Cost to Ride
For the cost to ride in or observe a clinic, find the specific event you'd like to attend on our "Where & When" page. Please note that riding slots are limited and deposits are required. Sorry, we do not offer refunds on deposits.
1) Get your deposit in, as described above. (Pay your balance when you arrive at the event or before you begin riding the first day.)
2) Shots, health papers, Coggins
NOTE: most facilities require a Coggins test and proof that your horse is current on all necessary shots REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOUR HORSE CAME FROM. Also, if you're traveling across a state line, you'll need a health certificate from your vet. If you do not have these, please ask us to find out if they are necessary at the clinic you will be attending. If you have any doubts, better safe than sorry—get the paperwork. It can take a week to ten days to get the Coggins—so if you don't have it call the vet today. When you arrive at the event, you'll be asked to sign an insurance waiver and show your health papers as outlined above. Horses without the proper papers will be barred from participating—which means you'll lose your deposit—and we don't want that to happen.
3) Get your horse shod if necessary.
4) Arrange for accommodations for your horse. These arrangements are up to you. Naturally, we suggest that you leave your horse at the facility where the riding clinic is held. For further info follow the tab above marked "Where & When."
5) If necessary, make motel reservations. For local area motels and more, follow the tab above marked "Where & When."
Location Info (Map, Hotels, Feed Stores, Vets, etc.)
To find farriers, feed stores, veterinarians and motels, plus a list of other services you might need while at this event, follow the tab in the navigation bar at the top of this page marked "Where & When."
You must supply your own horse. You must be able to "walk and trot your horse in the presence of other horses." As outlined above, your horse should be shod, healthy, sound, and current on its immunizations. If traveling from out of state, you will need a current Coggins test (usually "current" is six months), vet health certificate and appropriate ownership papers (e.g.: AQHA registration). You must bring these papers with you. The owner of the facility will require that you sign an insurance waiver.
Horses ridden in the clinic must be able to walk and trot under saddle and must be able to tolerate the presence of other horses and riders. The more riding time you have spent on the horse, the better. Stallions are not allowed. Mustangs are only allowed after clearance from us - drop us an email to discuss.
There is no age limit. However, our clinics represent an investment of your money and time and the decision to enroll your child must be taken seriously. If you are considering a clinic for your child, please ask yourself whether he or she can fully concentrate for the days we ride. Children often do better than adults because they haven't had years of other training advice that they must "sift through."
Clinics conducted soley by Keith Hosman will be limited to 10 riders. Those clinics conducted with fellow John Lyons Trainer Patrick Benson will be limited to between 12 and 15, depending on the size of the riding arena.
For your horse, a partial check list to get you going:
Feed, first-aid kit, horse supplements if desired, lightweight blanket or fly sheets if necessary, liniment for rubdowns, fly spray, water and feed buckets or bags, clips to hang buckets, manure buckets, pitch fork, halter and lead rope, snaffle bit, headstall and reins, saddle (one that fits correctly, is oiled and in good repair), saddle blankets, cinch, etc. Basically, you need to bring everything needed to care for your horse during your stay.
For you:
Please dress according to forecasted weather. Depending on the season, you may want to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear (you never know), bug repellant, lip screen, personal hygiene products, first-aid kit, salt tablets if prone to dehydration, notebook and pens, camera, film, audio cassette/player – and a smile. You may want to bring your own (lawn) chair to the program. The $6-folding-Wal-Mart-kind are the best for this sort of thing.
