FOUNDATIONS OF DRIVING
GROUNDWORK & GROUND DRIVING CLINIC IN AIRDRIE, AB
DATE
June 21-22, 2025
TIME
10am – 5:30pm both days
LOCATION
Freedom Ranch
265200 Range Road 24
Rocky View County, AB
TUITION
Earlybird rate until May 31:
$365 participant with horse
$40 auditor
From June 1:
$395 participant with horse
$45 auditor (or $50 cash at the door)
Water, tea, and light snacks provided. Bring your own lunch.
Lay the groundwork for a confident, capable driving horse.
Whether you're preparing a young horse to drive or troubleshooting holes in an experienced horse’s foundation, this clinic will help you build (or rebuild) the essential skills that make driving safer, smoother, and more successful—for both of you.
We’ll take the mystery out of what it really means to prepare a horse for driving. Using a wide range of groundwork techniques, you’ll learn how to systematically teach the core skills your horse needs before they ever pull a load or hook to a vehicle.
This clinic is ideal for anyone who:
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Is starting a horse under harness for the first time
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Is new to driving and unsure where to begin
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Wants to strengthen the foundation of a going driving horse
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Feels stuck and needs clarity on how to move forward or troubleshoot a challenge
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Values groundwork and wants a more responsive, connected, and educated equine partner
All equines aged three and up are welcome. No prior driving experience is required.
LEARN TO...
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Break the driving training into clear, bite-sized steps
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Communicate effectively with your voice, rein, and whip aids
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Design a thoughtful training plan to get you from where you're at to where you want to be, including how to know when your horse is ready to begin pulling a load or hook to a vehicle
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Identify and address the missing pieces that are holding you and your horse back
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Build a solid partnership and develop skills that carry over into harness work
WHAT TO EXPECT
This two-day clinic is designed to meet you and your horse exactly where you’re at. On Day 1, we’ll focus on foundational groundwork, using leading, standing, and lunge work to improve your horse’s response to the aids and build their confidence and partnership with you. On Day 2, those who are ready will have the opportunity to progress into ground driving and more advanced exercises, while others may choose to continue refining the groundwork from Day 1.
Each horse-human partnership will receive individual guidance and tailored support throughout the weekend. Every participant will get three semi-private lessons and one private lesson, along with daily theory sessions and full-group activities. There will be plenty of time to ask questions and apply what you’re learning in a supportive, hands-on environment.
No driving-specific equipment is required. If you have a harness, feel free to bring it—but it’s not necessary to participate. Long lines, driving whips, and other training equipment will be available to borrow.
AMENITIES
Clinic, including theory sessions, will be held in the spacious indoor arena. A washroom is available in the barn. Please bring your own chair.
We will take a 45-minute lunch break each day. There will be some water and light snacks available. Bring your own bagged lunch and water bottle.
Indoor stalls available for participants (cash only):
$30 overnight
$50 full weekend
Dry camping available for $25 cash / trailer (cash only). No hookups. Washroom available in the barn.
