[ViewParadise]

Let me say that I am NOT a Clinton hater!! I saw this pic (gray horse jumping) and though 'accident waiting to happen'...
Am I being sensitive? Would you do this?
http://academyhorse.com/Pricing.aspx

[Nike13]

Ack! Scary! I'm not a CA hater either, but his jumping photos are getting ridiculous. I got a catalogue in the mail last week. The cover was a picture of him lunging a weanling up a 2ft cross country bank. Why? These people are lunging horses over stuff that an eventer would take seriously and never send a weanling or inexperienced jumper at. Seems like a lot of showing off at the horse's expense.

[Petstorejunkie]

Why would you want to teach a horse to hump giant rocks?

[AliCat518]

Oh lord. That doesn't look like it would end well.

[VaqueroToro]

Owww, skinned gaskins anyone?! Shaved underbelly? I can only hope that the horse is just supposed to step up on it and not actually try to jump the thing.

Even the most gnarly of eventing jumps are designed to break or collapse when a horse can't properly clear them (except for maybe the tables, but those are wood at least).

[hundredacres]

I can't see how that moment ended safely. Was this the picture just before, or after her slid off the giant stone.

Horses aren't dogs - the stupid tricks serve no purpose and hardly look safe.

And FWIW, I'm not a "hater", but he does grate on my nerves with some of the stupid, idiotic things he says....I have no real respect for his methods.

[Cindyg]

Yeah, I think it's an accident that DID happen. I don't see how the horse got out of that without scraping something sensitive!

ETA: That obstacle course looks awesome.

[Plumcreek]

Besides jumping rocks, over $4,700 for 6 Weeks? And trained by a student? You 'get' to spend One Day with your horse and the student trainer?

[kookicat]

Owww, skinned gaskins anyone?! Shaved underbelly? I can only hope that the horse is just supposed to step up on it and not actually try to jump the thing.

Even the most gnarly of eventing jumps are designed to break or collapse when a horse can't properly clear them (except for maybe the tables, but those are wood at least).

No, most of them are solid and stay put if they're hit. We're starting to get frangible pins and styrofoam logs, but they're the exception, not the rule.

Photo is stupid though- not even sure what they're trying to show.

[starrunner]

I am not sure that there would be many trainers worth that amount for starting my horse for 6 weeks. It is a bit concerning to me that they say girth galls are common and that you cannot visit or observe the horse being worked.

I have never galled a horse that I have kept up properly (even in heavy work), except for one mare that was very thin skinned and reacted badly to the neoprene, but in a nice mohair she was comfy.

Same with the rock thing. I think it's great to work with horses with many obstacles and develop confidence, etc, but I am not sure what the goal there besides possibly injuring the horse? Anyone seen this obstacle in person and can comment on it?

[Tee]

Good lord - what the heck is the purpose in that?? Seems like they want to show horses doing more and more dangerous stuff 'willingly' to promote their programs.

No thank you.

[Remudamom]

Eeks. I've used his methods to start around 20 horses with good results, but that pic is over the top. Why risk something like that?

I know of a local girl who has had her horse at CA's for a session, maybe two. She sent the gelding because he's nuts and she wants to keep him. He's still nuts.

[Graureiter]

Yes, that made me cringe.

I would prefer to be trained with my horse, not just have one day.

[VaqueroToro]

No, most of them are solid and stay put if they're hit. We're starting to get frangible pins and styrofoam logs, but they're the exception, not the rule.

Then you guys are more nuts than I originally thought! I mean that in a completely that-takes-guts sort of way.

[Appsolute]

YES! It makes me cringe! All I can think of oooohhh his stiffles!

That and what a crappy shoeing job, if you are going to spend that much on a clinic, how about splurging for a decent farrier.

[psb]

I supposed it's not photoshopped? I was looking at the trainer's hand. After a few rope burns, I wear gloves. I agree with some of the other posters on the price also. woweeee....

[big_red_ottb]

There's another picture down below that has two handlers on either side of a bank, lunging two horses over said bank at the SAME time....wtf??? You couldn't pay ME to put my horse somewhere that thinks jumping over huge rocks and jumping two horses over an obstacle at the same time is okay.

[HPFarmette]

Throughout the training session period you can expect to receive a telephone call from your Clinician approximately every two (2) weeks to update you and discuss your horse’s progress.

Great, huh?

[kookicat]

Then you guys are more nuts than I originally thought! I mean that in a completely that-takes-guts sort of way.

Oh, yep. I think all eventers are a little bit nuts.

[JFJ]

After a few rope burns, I wear gloves.

I am usually one to always wear gloves when lunging, but I have to say, I've started using CA's method and its a very different way of lunging. I've never needed gloves, never even got close to a rope burn. Before I started my pinto with his method, I always needed a chain over the nose to lead him and I would only lunge him in a bridle. His prices aren't cheap but it is quality stuff. If I had the money I'd send a horse there in a heart beat. His farm looks amazing.
The picture with the rock ...not the best photo choice.