Dustin Sippola Clinic

“I’m not afraid to be seen trying”

Gathered at Black Creek Ranch horsefly BC It was our first time hosting Dustin Sippola for a colt starting/ horsemanship clinic.

It was a hot weekend In august when summer decided to show up. The three mornings were spent colt starting and the two afternoons were spent on our older horses refining our skills as riders and getting together more with our horses.

On the first morning 14 colts and excited riders awaited to see the unfolding of events. Maybe slightly nervous for the unknown. The group was a combination of experienced cowboys, competent horse owners and courageous first time colt starters. Whatever the level of experience Dustin met everyone with  his calm and quiet demeanor. Taking the time to kindly and patiently explain, demonstrate and help each one of us and our horses out.

Learning from Bryan Neubert, Joe Wolters and Sid Cook. Dustin credits the majority of what he knows and techniques to those three as well as years of life experience.

The colts were fresh and feeling themselves but with a steady energy Dustin took his time and never got worked up, just helped each colt work through the beans they needed to get out of them.

By mid day the first day everyone’s colt was saddled and getting a feel of softness in the aids from the ground.

The ranch horsemanship commenced mid afternoon. Dustin has been doing clinics for the past 3 years and I think the most popular question I got asked Pre- clinic was ‘What is Dustin Sippolas Ranch Horsemanship?’

At the basic level it consisted of just getting you and your horses’together’ keeping them between your reins and your legs and going where you go together as a unified team with forward motion.

How did we work on that? We started on 10m circles and then riding straight lines to a destination keeping your horse with you.

There was the flag obstacle, riding our horses between a waving flag and a slicker hanging on a fence. (This was also done with the colts on the third day and if it was a competition between the broke horses and the colts the colts would’ve won for most trusting and bold,) proving that Dustin’s foundation is a solid one on the colts he starts.

The ranch horsemanship consisted on addressing whatever needed to be worked on. We rode out and did hill work, riding straight down hills to help with collection and backing up hills to strengthen the hind end.

We worked the flag to improve the stop and rollbacks of our horses. As well as roped the heel o matic and worked on dragging tires. Anything to prepare and strengthen our horses for the real life scenarios they will face whether it be from daily ranch work, the branding trap or navigating steep and hilly terrain with confidence.

Day 2 offered the first uncomplicated and quiet rides on our colts. And day three was another ride in the arena, walk, trot and lope and then we ventured out with all 14 colts for a trail ride along the horsefly river.

The colt starting, which can be the most fearful, because let’s face it the majority of us don’t want to be bronc riders, it was just plain good old cowboy fun. And showing With the right preparation and when the horse and rider are part of the same conversation it’s not a scary thing for either one of them and they now move forward with understanding and confidence in their life.

The two and a half days riding with Dustin was full of knowledge, encouragement and support. It was a feel good clinic. The horses felt good, the riders were all happy it was a very uplifting and positive clinic.

Dustin is very kind. A smile and a laugh are never far from him.

He takes the time to listen to each riders concerns and questions and thoughtfully responds with an answer.

The group of riders, participants and auditors were amazing each and every one of them. It was a supportive and kind group each cheering eachother on and encouraging. They showed up every day with smiles on their faces ready to learn more and help their horses along, not afraid to be seen trying.