Heidi Potter Centered Riding® / Natural Horsemanship Clinic

Guests stay in comfortable log cabins on either side of the river which are situated for privacy and to afford magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Meals are taken in the main lodge and particular attention is paid to the cuisine and wines served.

• Overview:

  There are over 120 riding horses on the ranch, consisting mainly of Arabians and Quarter Horse crosses (14-16hh). The Arabian horses are raised and trained exclusively for the use of the guests, who often like to visit the mares and foals. The ranch also has some excellent Welsh ponies for children. The horses are trained western and are used to being neck reined; they do not go on contact. All guests are asked to post the trot and to stay in two point or galloping position for the canters and when climbing hills. This is important to us as it keeps the horses from getting sore backs. Those who do not comfortably adapt to riding in this manner will be kept on slower rides.

• Equipment Required:

  Helmets are required, there are some available to borrow.

• Horse Breeds:

  Arabians, Quarter horses and draft crosses

• Trip Pace:

  Slow to moderate, to suit riders

• Tack:

  Western saddles with snaffle bits

• Weight limit:

  The ranch has a limited number of horses for riders over 180 lbs.

• Hours of Instruction:
  5 per day
• Instruction and Training:
  This clinic combines unmounted exercises, groundwork, arena instruction and trail riding. Heidi Potter has been an avid rider and horseperson since her childhood, when at the age of 14 she saved up $350 to buy her first horse. This horse became one of her lesson horses, as Heidi became a Centered Riding instructor in 1998 and was teaching and training full time in Vermont. She is one of 16 Level III CR Instructor/Clinicians in the United States and was able to study with Centered Riding founder, Sally Swift, who resided nearby. At this time Heidi was also training in Natural Horsemanship, especially under Jon Ensign of Montana. This training focuses on understanding the individual horse and interacting with him in a way he can understand. Heidi specializes in using calmness, clarity and positive reinforcement to improve behaviors and relationships. In 2000 Heidi became a CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) Certified Instructor and later earned both her Master Level certification and Clinic Instructor certification. In 2010 she was the recipient of the Clinic Instructor of the Year award presented to her at the CHA International Conference, in honor of her ability to conduct meaningful clinics and for positively influencing the careers of many instructors over the years. To insure a maximum learning opportunity, classes are limited. Topics covered include horse psychology, self-awareness, ground work methods, safe and effective horse handling techniques, and riding to release tensions, become more sensitive, and improve stability and balance.
• Types of Instruction:
  Centered Riding Instruction, Clinics and Lessons, Horsemanship Skillbuilding

There are no separate activities planned for non-riders, who can take advantage of this unique location to fly fish, hike and visit with the ranch animals. With a rental car the town of Dubois is about 40 minutes away.

Hadley teaches four flowing yoga classes a week in the ranch’s yoga yurt, Monday and Wednesday afternoons, Friday mornings, and Saturday afternoons. The classes are designed to stretch the muscles that typically become sore during riding. They are friendly for people without much (or any!) yoga experience, but they also offer something to the more experienced yoga practitioner.

At the ranch. We can provide details for services for transportation from the Jackson Hole airport or the Riverton airport.