Blankenship Foxtrotters

Day Clinics @ Blankenship Stables

Limited to 10 Horse & Rider Teams

*All breeds, disciplines and experience of riders & horses are welcome*

Trail Riding, For Competition 

and for Pleasure

Not "just" a trail horse!

A trail horse must take their training so much further than most show horses who ride in controlled show environments.

The trail horse will encounter different footings, scenery, sounds and many obstacles - natural and some not so natural.

With every turn and change of the trail, horses will ask themselves questions of what they think they may see, and answer themselves with how they might have react to what they see:

“Bag in a bush to not take concern over, or…..Bag in a bush that might just be a scary hairy monster that is ready to jump out and gobble them up for a snack!!!”

We encourage the horse to trust, respect and look for guidance from their rider. We will help you become that confident rider, providing clear answers to all of the questions your horse may have out on the trail. Clear answers that will ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for the two of you, on the many trails you will travel.

It’s time to become your horse’s trail leader, his herd leader - the one that takes all of their worries away!

Arrive before 9 and be saddled and ready to hit the trail at 10:00. We will ride a trail loop within our Equestrian Community, pointing out potential problem areas and how to approach them safely. We’ll offer help and tips along the way, with fun and informative conversation.

Back to the barn & break for lunch, back In the saddle and in the obstacle arena at 2:00.

We’ll show you the 5 basic maneuvers essential for complete control of every part of your horse. Once mastered, these 5 maneuvers will enable you to get through any obstacle on the trail or trail course laid before you, safely and effectively.

We’ll then work with each rider one on one to address any problem areas they may have, providing safe and effective ways to address and overcome those problems.

We ask that you bring a horse who is ready to ride on trails and cross a small stream of water. If you are hesitant about taking your horse out on trails or have a problem horse, we recommend attending one of our Basic Clinics, or schedule a private lesson to help understand and overcome problem areas.

Just The Basics

You've bought your first horse - Congratulations!!  Now what? 

Wether you are new to horse ownership or just want a refreser course in a small, relaxed group, we invite you to come and learn more about your very talented equine companion.  Learn why they do what they do.  Recoginize and listen to your horse through his body language, then correclty respond with patience and respect to acheive the results you are looking for....in any and all situations you may encounter in the show ring, navigating obstacles in competition or on the trail.  

Tack myths?  The right tack really does make a difference.  We'll show you why and teach you to make educated decisions to best suit you and your horse's needs.

Arrive at 9am and be prepared for introductions and riding at 10.  We'll break before 1:00 for lunch and rest time for the horses.  During the lunch break we'll talk about individual goals and where you'd like to see yourself with your horse in the future.  Back in the saddle at 2:00 for one on one work.

Introduction To Versatility

Learn the 5 basic maneuvers essential for complete control of every part of your horse. 

Once mastered, these 5 maneuvers will enable you to get through any obstacle on the trail or course laid before you.

Arrive at 9am and be prepared for introductions and riding at 10.  We'll break before 1:00 for lunch and rest time for the horses.  During the lunch break we'll talk about individual goals and where you'd like to see yourself with your horse in the future.  Back in the saddle at 2:00 for one on one work.

Versatility I

Now you know the moves, lets put them to work! 

Learn and practice showmanship while executing obstacle courses, horsemanship patterns as well as Showmanhip In Hand.

Arrive at 9am and be prepared for introductions and riding at 10.  We'll break before 1:00 for lunch and rest time for the horses.  During the lunch break we'll talk about upcoming events, class descriptions, rules, proper tack and attire.  Back in the saddle at 2:00 for one on one work.

Riders must have participated in an "Introduction To Versatility" clinic previously. 

Homework For The Naturally Gaited Show Horse

Every great ride in the showring is the result of countless hours doing "Homework". 

Working with your horses natural ability, learn the different techniques and "Homework Assignments" to get your horse where you want him to be.  Learn how to feel and respond to your horse's changes.  Adjust timing, rhythym and stride to maintain a beautiful 4 beat gait.  Once you've done your Homework, learn and practice ways to acheive the presence and ability to stand out in a crowd.

Arrive at 9am and be prepared for introductions and riding at 10.  We'll break before 1:00 for lunch and rest time for the horses.  During the lunch break we'll talk about show ring savy and how to use the arena to show off your horse's best qualities.  Back in the saddle at 2:00 for one on one work.

2012 Clinic Dates

FEB 12th - - Trailriding for Competition & Pleasure

MARCH 4th - - Just The Basics

APRIL 15th - - Homework For The Naturally Gaited Show Horse

MAY 20th - - Introduction To Versatility

JUNE 24th - - Versatility I

Day Clinic Fee is $95 per Horse & Rider Team.

No auditors other than family members please.

To register for a clinic, please

e-mail foxtrotusa@verizon.net to reserve your spot

at least 10 days before the clinic date. ,

or call us at 941-923-5022.

Clinics are headed by Bud & Tori Blankenship. 

Success on the rail equals success on the trail!

Over the years they have trained and produced numerous Champions, in all disciplines;

       MFTHBA Honors

       *Open Versatility World Grand Champion
       *Amateur Versatility World Grand Champion
       *Youth Versatility National Grand Champion
       *18 World Champions
       *4 Reserve World Champions
       *49 National and World Championship Top 10 Honors

      FOSH Honors 

       *The 2008, 2009 & 2010 FOSH Region 1 Year End 

       High Point Horse
       *The 2008, 2009 & 2010 FOSH Region 1 Reserve 

       High Point Horse
       *The 2008, 2009 & 2010 prestigious FOSH

       Horse Of The Year Award.

       ACTHA Honors

      * 2011, By America's Vote - Our stallion now has the honor of being named one of the Top Ten Favorite Trail Horses of ACTHA's Nationally Televised Competition, America's Favorite Trail Horse!  

What You Will Need To Bring;

__A copy of your current Coggins Test if we do not have one already.

__Any and all tack & equipment that you ride your horse in at home, on trails and at competitions.

__Hay Bag to hang for you horse at your trailer during our lunch break.

__Bucket to fill with water for your horse, or we have water troughs for them to drink from.

__Beverages, snacks and packed lunch for yourself. Bring a cooler or we have a barn fridge you can use.

If you would like to arrive the afternoon prior to a clinic date,

you are welcome to primitive camp in our front pasture provided you have self containment for your horse.  There is also a farm with overnight stalls and hotels nearby.