Horsemanship &

       The Cowboy Challenge Obstacle Course

Camp out with your horse and enjoy nightly campfires and great friendly people!

Truly a unique clinic experience!

A supportive and positive learning environment.

Our clinics are about having FUN with your horse while navigating a course with a huge variety of obstacles, games and challenges. At the same time, you'll be enhancing your relationship with your horse through the application of solid horsemanship principles. Using the obstacles, we work one-on-one with you to advance your horsemanship, progress in your riding skills and strengthen your connection through leadership and communication. Our facilities include an arena and several acres of obstacles in a natural environment with hills, trees, trails and other natural obstacles. Over 100 obstacles, team games and challenges make the course interesting and fun!   Working on obstacles is a proven way to strengthen your horsemanship skills and relationship with your horse regardless of discipline, breed, experience or background. Put yourself ahead of the competition. First of all, we don't force - or teach you to force - your horse through an obstacle. In your team, you're the leader. A good leader works on developing and encouraging his followers, not forcing them. Horses, like us, are very engaged, relational creatures. You'll learn how to motivate and inspire your horse to greatness without mental or physical stress. You'll learn that every challenge and obstacle is really the same, once you learn how the horse thinks about them. This will put you ahead of the competition, since the judges are going to score you on your horsemanship. You and your horse are a team, and we focus on that. Each horse and rider has a different skill set.  Some people have been riding for years; others are new to horses.  Some people are starting a colt, others want to hone their skills on the obstacle course.  From kids to adults, we welcome everyone from potential riders to experienced competitors. Rather than having every horse and rider perform the same exercise at the same time, we work with you and your horse individually, focusing on what you and your horse need in the moment.   Every rider has scheduled one-on-one time with an instructor.

Fun on the Obstacle Course

Our clinics are for everyone. If any of the following interests you, you'll have a great time: Building your horses athletic ability and courage. Developing and strengthening the connection with your horse through a solid foundation of horsemanship. Having fun with like-minded folks and their horses. Improving and practicing your skills on the obstacle course for cowboy challenge and trail class events. Building courage and pride in both you and your horse as you attempt and succeed at things you might not have realized possible. Trying something new, challenging and incredibly rewarding for you and your horse. Attending an event suitable for the whole family.

Scott Phillips Scott has a wide variety of experience in the horse industry including backcountry/mountain riding, outfitting, training horses and riders, starting horses and wildies, running the Canadian Cowboy Challenge and operating Amazing Horse Country.  He is the proud owner of eight horses that he affectionately refers to as his "kids". Scott has and continues to study and train horses with Horseman Josh Nichol. He's taken courses in equine anatomy and biomechanics to gain a thorough understanding of these great animals. You'll learn to create, shape and inspire the thoughts and motions of a horse, resulting in the horse finding peace, fluidity, balance, confidence, success and pride.

Challenge Yourself!

Camp with your horse - Individual Stalls

Scott and his mare, Belle

The Question and Answer Section

I have more Questions!

That's great. We have more answers! If you have any questions regarding anything about the clinic, location, facilities or the instructors, please don't hesitate to contact us.  We'll get back to you within 24 hours or less.

This sounds great! How do I let everyone know about it?

That's easy. You can post a link to this page on your Facebook page or email it to people you think might be interested.

How do I Register?

Visit Amazing Horse Country, and click on 'register' beside the clinic(s) you want. It's really that easy.

Clinic Start Times

Courses generally begin at 9AM SHARP.  Arriving the night prior is generally a great idea.

 Is there a prerequisite for attending?

Not at all.  We welcome everyone from experienced riders with experienced horses, to people with colts, to people that have never worked with a horse before.  The only prerequisite is that you're open to learning something new and having a good time!

Is this Family Friendly?

We encourage families to attend.  This is also a great opportunity for a getaway weekend!

Is this Western or English?

Both and neither! All disciplines and breeds are welcome.

Is there a standard I am expected to meet at the end?  

No. The goal is to learn and to take away a few tools to put in your horsemanship toolbox.  Your standard is one that you set yourself.  You might find that you'll be exploring areas of learning with your horse that you may not have realized existed.  

Is there anything I need to do to prepare or practice beforehand?

Nope.  Put gas in truck, put horse in trailer, and head on up.

I have no plans to compete in a Cowboy Challenge or other Trail Class event.  What value is this to me?

Skills such as reading your horse, developing a soft feel and showing your horse how to relax, balance and use his body effectively apply to all disciplines, all events, and all riding scenarios.  This is about improving and developing your horsemanship.  Not only is the obstacle course a great way to put what you have learned to the test (and have fun!), it's a perfect way to expose minute areas that you and your horse need to develop.  We work on those areas and then revisit the obstacle.

Uh...I don't have a horse! 

Not a problem!  Opportunities are available to partner up with one of the ranch horses.  If you've never worked with a horse before this is a perfect place to get started.  Training and one-on-one lessons are also available outside these clinics with the individual instructors.

What about the facility?

   

The Amazing Horse Country Ranch is located 38km west of Innisfail, Alberta on Highway 54. A map link is on our website.

We'll send maps and driving directions out in your registration packages.  A variety of amenities are available in the town of Spruce View.

 Free camping is available and strongly recommended.  There are no hookups available.

You'll have a paddock for your horse free of charge.  Water is available. Bring your own hay and please clean up after your horse.

We have evening campfires - a great way to unwind and chat about your day.  We also host a pot luck dinner on Saturday nights.  You are responsible for your own meals, beverages and snacks.