What is a Full Immersion Horsemanship Clinic?

Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey's "Full Immersion Clinic"

Developed to create various learning opportunities to help equine enthusiasts refine their understanding of equine behavior and communication. Sam includes numerous topics with participants learning while unmounted and mounted, and in individual and group sessions. These safe, fun, and supportive learning scenarios offer an in-depth, full-immersion experience.

Learn to recognize behavioral patterns sabotaging you and your horse's interactions, address "holes" you and your horse's understanding of one another, raise awareness of your mental presence and energy, refine the specificity of your communication, and improve the overall quality of the equine partnership while building trust with the horse.  The clinic offers a safe, non-critical environment where you are encouraged to take the time to recognize how, why, and what you're communicating with your horse.  These horsemanship clinics can be a great way to offer perspective and offer participants both short and long-term realistic approaches.  The structure and focus of the clinic will adapt to the participants' and their horses' abilities. Whether a trail rider, jumper, pleasure rider, competitive trail participant, endurance rider, work cattle, Dressage enthusiast, or have other equine interests, participants will be building and refining the quality foundation necessary to be successful in all horse activities!

These typically Friday through Sunday clinics focus on Equine Behavior Assessment, Clear Communication & Effective Aids, Ground Work, and Riding. We also cover topics such as anatomical lectures, tack fit and appropriate usage, "finding a feel" exercises, group discussions, and more.

Who may participate?
From novice to advanced riders, I encourage participants of all ages, disciplines, and experience levels. Horses may range from un-started colts to experienced competitive horses, and everything in between.  This is not a "discipline-specific" clinic. There is a maximum of eight participants.

Can I bring more than one horse?
Typically, yes.  It will depend on the availability at the clinic host's facility. One horse is included in the participant fee, if you would like to bring an extra horse to "split" sessions with, there is an additional fee.

Can I participate if I don't have my own horse?
At this time, one lesson horse is available that is offered on a first-come basis (depending on the order registration is received.)

How long is a session?
A clinic day begins at 8 a.m., with about an hour lunch break midday, and ends around 5 p.m.  The sessions are not by the clock, but individual time is roughly 45 min to 1 1/2 hours several times a day and group ride time is longer.  There are group discussions in-between rides discussing things that arose in each person's session.

Is the instruction individual or group?
Both.  Initially, everyone gets one-on-one coaching, and then depending on the student and their horse's needs, they will continue to have individual time and/or group instruction.
 

What tack do I need?
The only requirement is that all riders must wear an ASTM-approved riding helmet.  Otherwise, tack is often assessed, adjusted for proper fit, etc. throughout the clinic.

How do I register?
If you would like to participate, for a clinic in your area, a non-refundable 50% deposit to guarantee participant slots.

Visit the Registration.
 

What does the clinic cost?

Clinic costs vary depending on the location, host fees, size of the group. A three-day clinic is €500 or $600 USD. For other clinics please see prices next to clinic locations listed at the bottom of the page.

May I audit?
Auditors may pay a daily or a discounted three-day fee.  They are encouraged to participate in all relevant group discussions.  The auditor fee is a €40/day or $50USD/day. 
 

What is included in the price?
Daily unmounted theory discussions, tack/equipment fitting & usage, individual and group instruction and activities.

When may I arrive/depart?
Each clinic host will have their own set of rules. You will be sent a detailed copy once you register for the clinic.
 

Accommodation options
You are responsible for making your own arrangements, some facilities allow spectators and participants stay in self-contained trailers/RVs, etc.

Meals
The clinic fee does not include meals.
 

Clinic Rules
There is NO SMOKING at any clinic facility.
All cell phones must be on vibrate for the ENTIRE clinic.  If you must take a call, please do so not to interrupt the other participant's experience.
You may not ride your horse outside of clinic activities unless otherwise given permission.
 

Email our scheduling team for clinic options in your area or region with the specific registration form. For those who don't have one nearby, you can sign up on the clinic email list, or review if hosting a clinic is a viable option.