This is the most commonly used format for clinics. This is because participants generally come from a wide variety of back grounds with many different goals. Participants can individually work on skills they are most interested in. Sessions can be conducted in a ring, cone course, hazard, or over fields and roads.

• Schedule 1 session per hour.
• 45 minutes per student.
• 6-8 sessions per day
• Minimal volunteers needed (1-2)

For groups whom are focused on dressage. A participant drives their dressage test in front of me, while I judge and score each movement of the test. At the conclusion of the test we conference to discuss what worked well, and what should be improved. I give the participant some suggestions, and exercises to do outside of the ring. The second participant enters the ring and drives their first dressage test. When the second participant exits, the first re-enters and does their dressage test again. This time with more input from me as I score their second test. At the end of the second drive we have a few minutes to discuss the difference, and perhaps review a few movements. 

• Schedule 2 Drivers per hour
• Driver A: 30 minutes
• Driver B: 30 minutes
• Driver A: 20 minutes
• Driver B: 20 minutes
• Driver C: Begins at top of the hour
• 6 to a maximum of 8 drivers
• Minimal volunteers needed (1-2)

(Group Class)
This is essential practice for those intent upon competing in a pleasure show since driving in company can be a challenge in itself. Classes are run to simulate classes found at a pleasure show such as reinsmanship, working, turnout and obstacle classes. Participants will be instructed in ring etiquette, movements and show strategies while driving in a group (except in obstacle classes).

• Schedule approximately 1 ½ hrs each class
• 4-5 classes per day
• Three to five drivers per class
• Moderate volunteers needed (1-3)

Weather participating in combined driving, pleasure shows, or recreational driving, cones courses can sharpen your skills as a driver. Drivers walk a set cones course followed by a guided walk of the course with discussion. Courses can include typical challenges designed into courses such as serpentines, ‘L’s, ‘U’s, and bridges. Each driver then drives the course once while being scored, followed by coaching, then drives the course again. 

• Schedule approximately 1 1/2 hours for course design and layout. 
• 1 hour for course walk and discussion.
• 30 minutes per driver, or schedule as a group class.
• Up to 12 drivers.
• Approximately 40 cones & balls needed
• Measuring Sticks Needed
• Several Volunteers Needed (4-5)

Driving hazards quickly, efficiently and safely doesn’t happen without practice. A well driven hazard is 3 parts strategy, 2 parts communication, 1 part bravery rounded off by execution. Drivers walk two hazards with their navigator without coaching. A group discussion follows with a guided walk through the hazards. Teams receive instruction on planning the right route for their horses and carriages. Drivers & navigators learn strategies in communication, body placement and contingency planning. Teams then drive each hazard once with no coaching, then repeat both hazards two more times with instruction. 

• Hazards should be constructed before the clinic date.
• Schedule approximately 1 hour for hazard flagging. 
• 2 hours for hazard walking and discussion
• 30 minutes per driver, or schedule as a group class
• Up to 8 drivers with navigators
• Moderate volunteers needed (3-4)

Handling the reins and whip are the building blocks for carriage driving. The skills your hands, arms, and body must learn are repeated in very few other places in life beyond carriage driving. When this challenge is combined with the challenges of navigating a horse and carriage, the reinsmanship often takes a back seat. While seated comfortably at rein board, without the horse and carriage involved, students can begin to educate their hands through a series of guided exercises. All of the most common rein handling techniques are explained, as well as proper whip handling. This is a very fun class where attendees frequently surprised at how much they learn.

• Schedule 4 or 8 hours class time (you’d be surprised how time flies!)
• 10-20 participating students per class
• Reinboards can be provided by Coachman’s Delight
• All participants will need chairs
• Audio/Visual Equipment will be provided by Coachman’s Delight, Inc.
• Minimal volunteers needed (1)

I hate to use terms like “lecture” or “classroom” because they sound so dull and boring. I assure you that my passion and zeal for teaching keep these sessions from feeling anything like your most mind-numbing high school class. Classroom time can helps us all understand a subject more completely without distractions. Where possible Power Point presentations, slides, or props will accompany lectures. Sessions can be scheduled for 1 to 4 hours, and lend themselves to any size group. This is an excellent activity for driving and riding club meetings in the winter. A clinic day or weekend can have a 1 or 2 hour lecture or discussion forum can be included in the schedule. Guest speaking engagements can be arranged for $250, plus expenses. Audio/Visual Equipment will be provided by Coachman’s Delight, Inc.

Topics discussed can be on the following suggestions, but are certainly not limited to this list:

• Safety
• Harness Selection & Fit
• Harness Maintenance
• Carriage Selection & Fit
• Carriage Maintenance
• Handling The Reins & Whip
• Driving Strategies for Everyday
• Introduction to:
  • Dressage
  • CDE’s 
  • Pleasure Shows
• Dressage Strategies
• CDE Marathon Strategies
• Navigators school
• Pleasure Show Strategies
• Turnout aka: Presentation
• Movements of the Horse

Long lining is an art as much as a skill. Students of all disciplines of equestrian sports benefit from the lessons learned while long lining horses. Many use long lining in starting young horses, but it is equally useful as physical therapy for horses returning from an injury. Long lining is also a great tool to develop horses responsiveness to the bit, collection, lateral work and submission.

• Schedule 1 session per hour
• 45 minutes per student
• 6-8 sessions per day
• Minimal volunteers needed (1-2)