Non riding RC events

[SEL]

We've got a fair portion of RC members who for one reason or another are interested in non riding clinics (broken horses, broken humans, no horse right now etc). So far our events organiser has put on a couple of trips plus mechanical horse sessions.

Any other ideas? (Not quizzes etc, they want horsey activities but no actual horses )

Equally if anyone can tell me what ridden clinics are proving really popular that would be useful. I suspect diesel costs aren't helping at the moment but we've had a run of low attendance.

 

[Cragrat]

I've never been to one, but hobby horse events seem to be taking off a bit around us! For adults as well as children

 

[LeneHorse]

Pilates for riders might be of interest if you can find an instructor.

 

[Cragrat]

Are there any famous/interesting yards nearby that would let you organise a yard visit? Perhaps a re-hab yard too?

 

[feesh]

There's a surprising number of non-riding clinics/sessions around here, both $$ and free. Some of these are better with a demo horse or two, but I think a lot of them can be done without:

- saddle fitting clinic/info session
- horse first aid
- "When to call the vet"/"what to do until the vet comes" - presentation by a local vet, about things like what is normal for horses, what is concerning, what is the threshold for calling the vet, how to tell if there's a problem, what info to collect before you call the vet, what supplies to have on hand, what to do with your horse for various conditions until the vet comes (eg "do you actually have to keep a colic case walking?"). Not really actual how to do first aid stuff, but more what first aid you should know how to do.
- Our local equine vet runs education sessions every winter. Includes topics like rehab, muscular diseases, supplements (what actually is proven), caring for oldies, ulcers, etc.
- Feet! Farrier presentations, choosing shoes, studs & winter grip and pads, info about going barefoot, choosing & fitting hoof boots, etc.
- Trailer back up clinic
- Driving 101 (harnesses, how it works, how it's different from riding. Usually these give an opportunity to do one lap of the arena ground driving an experienced horse at the end of the day, but lots of people skip this part).
- DIY massage or bodywork for horse owners (usually I see a specific method like the Masterson method, but I've also seen generic massage)
- intro to clicker training/positive reinforcement

I'm probably forgetting some, but that's what I can think of off the top of my head.