Sierra Vista Riding Club to sponsor a Natural Horsemanship Clinic

The Sierra Vista Riding Club in Cochise County, Arizona, is proudly sponsoring a Natural Horsemanship Clinic by Jerry Bontrager of JB Horsemanship, to be held Saturday and Sunday November 13-14, 2021. Horse riders and horse lovers are invited to attend.

Hailing from Mack, Colorado on the western slope near Grand Junction, clinician Jerry Bontrager specializes in groundwork, desensitization exercises and getting your horse to the thinking side of the brain — all of which translates into everything from preparing a horse for their first ride to improving communication between a well-seasoned horse and their rider. 

Inspired by Buck Brannaman, one of the world’s leading practitioners of handling horses based on classical concepts from the California vaquero tradition, Jerry’s techniques have proven successful as he’s worked with problem horses and wild mustangs. 

In his clinics Jerry teaches subtle changes that can be made on the ground and in the saddle to help each and every person learn how to develop better communication with their horse. Whether on the ground or under saddle, Jerry applies fundamental horsemanship principles that work for all levels of horses and riders. 

In November, both Saturday and Sunday sessions will run from 9am-4pm with a lunch break. Lunch will be provided. Horse-and-rider spots are $120 per day ($240/weekend). Auditors are welcome at a cost of $20 per person per day. Please note, each paid rider participating in the clinic is allowed one free auditor to attend the clinic on the day they participate. Children under the age of 15 are welcome to audit for free! 

While people attending the clinic are certainly welcome to wear a mask, no COVID restrictions, mandate, etc. will be in effect. Also, horses do not need a current negative Coggins test result unless they are traveling into Arizona from out of state.

For more information: SVRC board member Andrea Rice has been the local point person working with Allison Hardas to coordinate the November clinic. If you need more information, have additional questions or want to reserve a spot, please contact Allison by cell 812-870-1586 or email hardasa68@gmail.com.

SVRC background: Established in 1968, the Sierra Vista Riding Club is located on 27 acres of city property behind the Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services Station #203 at 675 Giulio Cesare Ave between SR90 and Charleston Road (see map). 

You can learn more about the Sierra Vista Riding Club by visiting its website or its Facebook page.