From Problems to Success - South Island clinics
Schedule
Fri, 29 Aug, 2025 at 11:00 pm to Sat, 30 Aug, 2025 at 02:00 am
UTC+12:00Location
South Island New Zealand | Auckland, AU
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"Don’t say don’t say do", Tom DorrenceHorse problems are so often a horse not understanding that there is a better option and most problems are only symptoms of the real problem!
Horses will only do one of two things; what Mother Nature has programmed them to do or what they have been taught to do.
You can gain the understanding and skills to not just solve problems but prevent them in the first place, with a congruent approach to a Foundation that sets you and your horse up for Success.
Clinic dates:
CHRISTCHURCH
Stage 1 - 30&31 August
Stage 2 - 13&14 September
Christchurch $460 per clinic, Contact Heather by emailing [email protected]
OAMARU
Stage 1 - 6&7 September
Stage 2 - 4&5 October
Stage 3 - 8&9 November
Oamaru $440 Contact Franca by emailing: [email protected]
STAGE 1 - Essential ground skills
Christchurch 30&31 August
Oamaru 6&7 September
This has been referred to as the missing link by experienced riders and it's where it starts for the horse - on the ground. What we do here creates his perceptions of us and forms his behaviours which will be referred to when under saddle.
We will cover: Horse psychology, how horses learn, how to build confidence and how to create responsiveness in order to stay safe, have fun and achieve results.
We emphasise teaching the understanding of the concepts as well as showing you exercises that lead to a horse that spooks less and yet is more responsive to your requests. Everything we do has a practical application. By understanding not only the "how" but also the "why" you will be able to prepare your horse for any task as well as preparing him for riding before you even get on.
This clinic is the pre-requisite to most of our other clinics, both ridden and liberty and ideally should be paired with our Stage 2 - Control & Confidence in the Saddle clinic.
If you want to learn how to develop a calm, connected and responsive horse this is where to start.
We will set “homework” after Stage 1 to keep you on track and prepare for Stage 2.
Christchurch $460 Contact Heather by emailing [email protected]
Oamaru $440 Contact Franca by emailing: [email protected]
STAGE 2 - Control & confidence in the Saddle.
Christchurch 13&14 September
Oamaru 4&5 October
This clinic follows on from our Stage 1 and is all about transferring your ground skills into the saddle with an emphasis on safety.
Learn how to prepare your horse for riding and develop the "three essentials" in the saddle of lateral flexion, hind quarter yields and "go". Students must have completed a Stage 1 ground skills clinic with us.
This is about taking the steps to prevent problems and continue to develop your horse through the ridden foundation to develop your partnership. Preparation determines outcome.
Learn the different approaches to developing your horse mentally and physically, both of which are important.
Another crucial factor is the sequence of development. If you ever wondered how we achieve bridle-less riding with all our horses - it’s not magic, it’s a process! We can show you how and why we develop our horses in a way that creates connection. This results in the bridle no longer being needed for control.
You can achieve this, too, and we can help you!
Christchurch $460 Contact Heather by emailing [email protected]
Oamaru $440 Contact Franca by emailing: [email protected]
STAGE 3 - Advancing Horsemanship (8&9 November)
This is the third in our Success series and where it all starts to come together, concentrating on advancing the ground and riding skills from the previous two clinics. Here we build on the aids you’ve taught to introduce the corner stone of lateral movements, the secret to lightening the forehand and performing good forehand yields. We cover increasing speed and distance on the ground, increasing responsiveness in the ridden horse, introduce the support rein and the canter. The idea is to give you all the buttons you need to move forwards and be successful. This is open to anyone who has done the previous clinics.
Cost for each Stage is: $440
Contact Franca for bookings and inquiries by emailing: [email protected]
Your instructors, yes you get two, Russell Higgins and Assistant Instructor Franca Zingler in Oamaru, Ruth Carlyle in Christchurch
Russell started his first horse under saddle 39 years ago and since then has worked with thousands of horses in 19 different countries of various breeds and disciplines.
A truly international instructor, over the passed 26 years he has taught in 18 different countries. His experience consists of driving heavy teams, starting young horses, foundation training, farm and ranch work, dressage, jumping, cow working, trail riding, Safari riding in Africa, polo, working equitation, garrocha, liberty performance. As well as competitions, clinics and performances at Equitana, Equidays and Equifest.
Russell continues his own education both in New Zealand and international. His goal is to be better so he can better help his students achieve their goals.
Christchurch venue is Selywn Equestrian Centre:
https://www.selwynequestrian.com
Oamaru venue is: Clandeb Equestrian Park, 353 Pukeuri-Oamaru Road, Oamaru North:
https://www.clandebperformancehorses.com/
www.russellhiggins.co.nz
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Where is it happening?
South Island New Zealand, 52 Amaru Rd, One Tree Hill, Auckland 1061, New Zealand, AucklandEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
