Everyone attending a clinic brings a different skill set and experience level along with their personal goals and expectations. Bill Dorrance once stated, “One understanding is worth a thousand techniques.”  That is why I try to tailor each clinic to the needs of the participants. I do not teach a method or promote a program, instead, we focus on building a better understanding.  ~RJR

Ranch Roping:

The cowboys catch rope, lasso or reata has for ages been the primary tool used for catching and handling cattle for the purpose of branding or doctoring.  A cowboy’s roping skills carry great value among working hands.  There is an appropriate and effective “shot” for any position a roper is in relative to the animal being roped.  I help clients learn the proper positions, swing, and delivery for the many different shots.  Catching the calf is the easy part of roping.  The more difficult and important part of the equation is what happens after the calf is caught  – so we work at handling rope, calf, and horse after the catch.

Stock Handling:

Every cowboy knows the joy and the great benefits of having a real job to do with a horse.   Working cattle, that is, doing something specific with them, is not as simple as it sounds.  It involves timing, feel, and balance – the three essential ingredients for success in most endeavors.  Handling cattle from horseback affords many opportunities to advance and refine communication between horse and rider.

Colt Starting:

Colt-starting is not a one-size-fits-all method, but an ever-changing dynamic exchange.  Each horse is different, deserving and requiring a particular approach.  There is no delete button on a horse.  If they don’t get a good start, you can be stuck with difficult and unwanted behavior patterns for the rest of the animal’s life.  A proper foundation sets the horse and rider up for success.

Basic Horsemanship:

Most horses reach a level of performance that reflects the primary handler’s level of understanding.  My horsemanship clinics are designed to advance the riders’ understanding of the horse, and to increase their awareness of the little things that make the big differences for both the horse and the human.