Transfer and Other Options:

Topics of study include:

• Psychology and ground work. The basis for effective communication.
• Developing a non-interfering, balanced seat, effective cueing.
• Developing balanced, athletic movement in the horse.
• Applying the above principals to specific disciplines and events.

Whole Horsemanship Clinics are appropriate for riders of all ages. Clinics are offered in either Western or English style, and the principals taught can be applied to all disciplines. Riders of any skill level will benefit from this in-depth study of the fundamentals of effective riding and horsemanship. (Only riders of like skill level are taught together.) A maximum student to teacher ratio of 2 to 1 insures ample personal attention.

Whole Horsemanship Clinics typically include 2 hours of instruction and 2 hours of trail riding Monday through Thursday, with an optional 2-hour instructional session the morning of guests’ departure, (Friday), available for purchase on site for $120.00. Schedules are modified to meet the needs of the participants and seasonal weather conditions.
The purpose of the Whole Horsemanship Clinic is to provide an overall understanding of the effective horsemanship process, thus providing a framework over which the student may continue to develop their skill as horsemen and women. It may be taught in the following disciplines and skill levels:

Western- Western Horsemanship, Reining, Trail, Bridleless - Beginner through Advanced
Hunt Seat and English Equitation - Beginner through Advanced
Dressage- Training through Level 2
Jumping Disciplines up to 3 feet
Eventing through Novice Level (3 feet, 3 inches)

6-Day Sample Whole Horsemanship Clinic Outline

Day 1 - Sunday evening arrival of participants. Please arrive between 4PM and 9PM, unless special arrangements have been made with the ranch. Guests may relax, hike, enjoy the pool and other ranch amenities. Guests may arrive having already eaten dinner that evening, or may drive to Bandera to enjoy one of the local restaurants.

Day 2 - Monday, 8AM- Guests are encouraged to meet ranch staff members at the barn to assist in feeding and care of the horses, then return to their accommodations to enjoy breakfast at their leisure.
9:30AM- Instructional Session- Barn- Ground Work and Psychology. Topics and exercises include:
• Participants’ prior horsemanship experience. Choice of appropriate horse for each rider.
• Equine psychology, herd dynamics, and the leadership role of the rider/ handler.
• Effective human-to-horse communication via body language, breath, and energy.
• How to recognize and use the language of equus.
• Recognizing balanced, athletic movement in the horse.
• Effective handling of the horse on the ground to provide safety, as well as to promote balanced, athletic movement in the horse.
• Ground exercises to develop the horse's athleticism
12 Noon- Lunch at ranch house
Afternoon Session- Groom, tack-up, and trail ride. Free time for relaxing, swimming at the pool, enjoying the hot tub, tubing or kayaking in the Medina River, or shopping in nearby Bandera. Massages and facials are also available for an additional fee.
7PM- Dinner at ranch house.

Day 3 - Tuesday, 8AM- Feeding and care of horses at the barn, followed by breakfast in guests’ accommodations.
9:30AM- Instructional Session- Barn- The Rider’s Body: Developing a balanced, non-interfering seat. Balance Ball, mirror, imagery, and other exercises incorporating fundamentals of Centered Riding, and other techniques, followed by a mounted lounge line lesson.
12 Noon. Lunch at Ranch House.
Afternoon Session- Groom, tack-up, and trail ride, followed by free time as described on Day 2.
7PM- Dinner at ranch house.

Day 4 - Wednesday, 8AM- Feeding and care of horses at the barn, followed by breakfast in guests’ accommodations.
9:30AM- Instructional Session- Barn. The Rider’s Body review. Establishing a balanced, non-interfering seat first, then adding appropriate aids and cues to properly aid the horse in executing skills and maneuvers in a balanced, athletic way. Introduction of vertical collection, lateral flexion, proper use of rider’s hands. Identifying different types of maneuvers. Planning for, preparing for, and positioning the horse to successfully execute those maneuvers or skills.
12 Noon- Lunch at ranch house.
Afternoon Session- Groom, tack-up, and trail ride, followed by free time as described on Day 2.
6:30PM- Depart for dinner and country-western dancing in Bandera.

Day 5 -Thursday, 8AM- Feeding and care of horses at the barn, followed by breakfast in guests’ accommodations.
9AM- Instructional Session- Barn. Practice of principals learned thus far. Incorporating pieces of information into one image and feeling. Applying Whole Horsemanship to specific disciplines or events. Mapping a plan for the students to continue developing their horsemanship skills.
12 Noon Lunch at Ranch House. Afternoon Trail ride of 2 hours, followed by free time.
7 PM. Dinner at Ranch House.

Day 6 - Friday, 8AM- Feeding and care of horses at the barn, followed by breakfast in guests. accommodations.
9AM- Optional additional 2-hour instructional session, incorporating and practicing techniques studied thus far.
Guests prepare to depart. Lunch may be provided for $12 per person upon request.

When the clinic is extended to more days, more advanced skills or maneuvers are introduced and practiced, and/ or specific disciplines are addressed, depending upon the students’ needs and requests.

Program Director/ Head Instructor Dianne Tobin has over 30 years experience training horses, from starting youngsters under saddle, to working through problems of older mounts. She has competed successfully and won high-point awards in Showmanship at Halter, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Reining, Trail, English Pleasure, and English Equitation. She also spent eight years as a successful Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, and has an extensive knowledge of human biomechanics, kinesiology, and mind/body awareness. This knowledge, coupled with her horsemanship experience, gives her a unique perspective on the horse and rider relationship, and a special ability to communicate concepts and ideas to her students.

First class accommodations are offered in private cabins or luxury suites. The lodge is located on an authentic working guest ranch. An Early Texas/Ranch architectural theme is carried throughout the newly constructed cabins and barn, while the existing historical ranch house provides an operational and thematic centerpiece. Accommodations are strategically nestled among the oaks and perched among the junipers with just enough distance between them to provide guests a sense of privacy without feeling isolated. All are within walking distance fromthe equestrian area, the private park entrance, the cool pool and jacuzzi, and the ranch headquarters.

The private cabins feature bedroom, sunroom (which can be used as a second bedroom), two bathrooms, and a living/kitchen/dining room with cathedral ceiling and 22 foot tall limestone fireplace in the center of the room.
Kitchen is fully equipped, and living room has a sleeper sofa. Private Cabins sleep up to six people.
Luxury Suites feature bedroom, sunroom, (which can be used as a second bedroom), kitchen, (fully equipped), and bathroom. Luxury Suites sleep up to four people.
For the comfort and safety of the guests, lodge interiors are no smoking and pets are not permitted.

Spa Services available in the privacy of your accommodation. Candle-lit dinners in the dining room are also available by reservation.

Meals 
The packages include breakfast foods, stocked in your accommodation. All other meals are served in the dining room of the 100 year old ranch house headquarters. Dinners are served by candlelight in the main ranch house. The kitchen is closed on Sundays - no meals provided that day.

Tack:		Western, some English upon request
Horses:		Registered Quarter Horses from champion bloodlines
Pace:		All paces according to riding level. For the instructions it would be good that riders have some prior experience to fully appreciate the classes | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 4 out of 5)    Low Intermediate +
Age:		Min 5
Weight:		Max 225 lb
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 2 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 14

Riders of any skill level will benefit from this in-depth study of the fundamentals of effective riding and horsemanship. (Only riders of like skill level are taught together.) A maximum student to teacher ratio of 2 to 1 insures ample personal attention.
Students may work with their own horses, or with one of the Lodge's. Our clinic mounts are individually selected for their excellent dispositions, responsiveness, beauty and athleticism. 

We’re proud of our horses! And no wonder! Every individual in our herd has been selected for his or her beauty, athleticism, training, and disposition. And that makes your riding experience here one you will find no place else. From show records to pedigrees, to exceptional versatility, every one of them has something very special to offer its lucky rider. And you needn’t worry that this is a “bait and switch” routine. These are the actual horses on whom our guests take their lessons or clinics and enjoy their rides. So read on, and enjoy getting to know our horses, our stars!

Molly
Molly Minnick is our awesome 12 year old grey Quarter Horse mare. She is a grand-daughter of World Champion cutting horse Smart Little Lena, is trained for reining and shown in TRHA events. Her way of going is incredibly smooth and flowing and she responds to the most subtle of cues. What makes her even ore amazing is her ability to adapt to various skill levels of rides- quick with a balanced rider, more deliberate and careful with someone less skilled. Molly and Socks were Dianne’s personal horses who came with her to the ranch in 1999.

Socks
This lovely 13 year old Quarter Horse gelding arrived at the Lodge with Dianne and Peter in 1999. In 1998, Socks won championship trophy buckles in Trail, English Equitation, Showmanship at Halter, and Western Horse, novice division. His versatility and sensitivity under saddle make him a favorite of skilled riders here at the ranch. You may recognize his lovely, expressive face, rich color and distinctive markings from the Tractor Supply commercials he has starred in with George Strait.

Impy
Impressive Identity is a grandson of the World Champion Halter Quarter Horse, Impressive. He is Peter’s personal horse, and came to the ranch in 1999 soon after our arrival here. His lovely gaits and steadiness on the trail make him a favorite for trailrides, as well as lessons and clinics. His tolerant temperament makes him ideal for riders of many ages- children through adults, and of varied skill levels. At 23 years old, he still carries the elegant beauty and condition of his famous grandsire.

Tuffy
This handsome senior statesman is a perrienial favorite of young riders here at the ranch. He has nurtured many a newcomer through their first ride, and willingly and quietly carried them as they developed their riding skills.Tuffy’s elegant carriage and nimble movement belie his 20+ age under both Western and English tack. Tuffy has been featured in Ford truck tv commercials in his role as Hispanic singer Emilio’s horse.

Mandy
This pretty bay Quarter Horse mare has been part of our herd since 2003. Bred and trained for Western Pleasure, she has smooth, collected gaits, and a quiet attitude on the trail. Her compact 15 hand size and lovely proportions make her a favorite, especially among the ladies learning to ride here at the Lodge. She is superb under Western, and is equally stylish under English tack. What a doll!

Jack
Blackjack Bargain also came to live at the Lodge in 2003. His long, flowing strides and elegant 16-1 hand frame make him a favorite for Hunt Seat riders and students. (He travels equally nicely under Western tack on the trail.) At 7 years old, he already shows the sensible and willing attitude typical of the Quarter Horse breed, and is quickly earning his place as the preferred mount of many guests here at the ranch.

Smoky
Smoky, registered as Relentless Jack in the APHA and IBHA, is a classic Grulla lineback dun. His unusual color and elegant lines and movement give him an eye-catching quality under Hunt Seat and Western styles. His “floating” trot and gentle, rocking canter delight guests on the trail and in the arena. Smoky came to live at the ranch at age 9, in March of 2004.

Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.