Description
3-Day Ken McNabb Horsemanship Clinic
Total clinic cost is $975 on a first come basis. To guarantee your riding spot is a $450.00 deposit is required (or the rider is welcome to pay in full). Our clinics are small (about 13-15 riders) so we cannot accept cancellations. Please note all deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. If for some reason you are unable to attend the clinic due to a medical emergency (a doctor’s letter must be provided for the rider)- you are able to move your deposit forward to another event within a 12-month timeframe of your original clinic dates. We cannot guarantee there will be an open spot in another clinic. If this deposit is not able to be used within the 12-month period it is at that point non-refundable. Final payments for the clinic must be made two weeks prior to the event. Each rider will receive 1 free auditor pass per day if you have anyone coming with you for the event. The clinic is 9-5, with 1 hour for lunch. The facility has a great sound system and you will be able to hear everything that is being taught. Ken is a fun teacher and he tries to give you as much information as you can hold in 3 days! This is the clinic of a lifetime no other clinic can compare!
3 Day Horsemanship Clinic
The 3-day horsemanship clinic with Ken McNabb provides a unique experience that you will not find with any other clinician. You will develop a close personal relationship with your horse. You will develop lasting relationships with the other people in the group. These 3 days will help you build confidence in your ability to interact with your horse. This is the most one on one time you will ever get while still in a small group setting. Ken’s simple and easy to understand instruction helps him build a relationship with each individual participant. As you progress through the clinic you can move as you and your horse are ready. If you understand the exercise quickly than Ken will give you the next one, but if your horse doesn’t understand than you can continue to work the exercise until you are ready for the next one. You are not rushed through, but also don’t get held back waiting for others to catch up. You can be an advanced rider working on finishing maneuvers and new riders working on foundation. When the clinic is over you will have a relationship with your horse like Roy Rogers had with Trigger. It’s the best investment you can make in your horse.
Topics to be covered include:
This is foundation, for advanced riders you will be working on finishing maneuvers.
DAY 1
Groundwork: Basic through Advanced Leading
In the Saddle: Hand Positioning and Rein Management
Balance and Body Positioning
Giving to the Bit: Softening at the Poll
Head Elevation
DAY 2
Developing Collected Movement: At the Walk, Trot and Lope as well as Backing Up
Leg Speed Transitions
Directional Transitions
Improving Your Stop
Developing Shoulder Control
Rating Your Speed
DAY 3
Body Control Maneuvers Including:
Turn on the Forehand
Developing the Side Pass
Developing the Rollback and Spin
Reverse Arc Circle, Haunches In, Leg Yield and Shoulders In
Topics That Can Be Covered if Class Desires:
Overcoming Fear of Obstacles
Trailer Loading
Ken has always made it a priority to ride with each student at their level and help them advance their horsemanship. So that they might go home with as much knowledge as possible. In order to do this, he has developed a method based on step-by-step exercises that are designed to meet you where you are in your horsemanship journey and take you to the next level. Ken’s building block style approach allows him to keep the entire clinic group moving forward without slowing down the advanced riders or overwhelming the novice riders. It is an amazing weekend!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Halter / 12ft. lead rope / saddle & riding tack. We have all of these available for sale through our store. You may contact the office or website and we would be happy to help you make sure you have the right equipment. Ken recommends that you bring whatever bit you and your horse are used to riding in, however suggests that you also pack a snaffle bit if you have one, as he might ask you to move into one for certain exercises if it is available.
SCHEDULE
Wednesday: You may check in to stalls or RV Sites at Grizzle Ridge Arena between 12PM and 7PM. You may also check in Thursday morning. Please be sure to reserve your stalls/RV sites through Grizzle Ridge Arena if you plan to camp/ board a horse during your time (information below). You may also choose to drive back and forth if you are local enough.
Thursday: 8:45 AM – 9:00 AM Register by ensuring your signed rider release liability has been received. Please be tacked up and in the arena by 8:55 AM to start with Ken. You should have your horse saddled with a bridle over the saddle horn and have a halter and lead rope on your horse.
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Morning Session
12:00 PM to 1:15 PM Lunch Break (We highly recommend packing a lunch to eat at the arena as the nearest restaurants are about a 30 minute drive).
1:15 PM to 5:00 PM Afternoon Session
Ken will also take a break in the middle of both sessions. Feel free to take a break when you need one. This is your clinic and we understand individual needs.
Saturday: If you are staying at Grizzle Ridge Arena you are welcome to check out Saturday after the clinic is over. You are also welcome to stay over until Sunday, you must be checked out of your stall/rv site by 12PM.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
Due to the nature of horse training and handling in general, accidents can occur. You are advised to make a wise decision for whatever is best for you and your horse in wearing protective headgear for your own safety and to put protective boots on your horse. You are also advised to wear proper footwear, boots that will slide off.
HORSE REQUIREMENTS
Please make sure your horse is vaccinated for everyone’s safety (we recommend checking in with your local vet for vaccination recommendations). You will also have to have a negative coggins at facility check in and an up-to-date health certificate to travel. If you are a brand inspection state, this is a friendly reminder to make sure you have the proper paperwork to travel in the event that you would be pulled over.
OVERNIGHT STABLING / BARN INFORMATION
(Subject to change based on Grizzle Ridge Arena current rates)- We have more than enough stall spaces available. Grizzle Ridge Arena offers stalls at $25.00 per stall/day. Each stall comes with 1 bag of shavings and more are available on site to be purchased (current rate $8 per bag). All stalls have feeders, hay racks and water buckets. Riders MUST bring their own hay/grain. Please PRE-RESERVE your stalls through Grizzle Ridge Arena: https://forms.gle/cR3J8V7nq6UVRwoC7
RV SITES: Grizzle Ridge Arena offers RV Sites at their beautiful facility. There are presently 6 full hookups at $45 per night and 6 electric only at $25 per night. More spots are being developed in the spring of 2025. Please PRE-RESERVE your site through Grizzle Ridge Arena: https://forms.gle/cR3J8V7nq6UVRwoC7
CAMPER: Grizzle Ridge Arena has 1 camper available to be rented out. It is a very spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath full equipped setup at $120 per night. If you are attending this clinic with a spouse or group of friends this may be a great setup for you! Please PRE-RESERVE your sit through Grizzle Ridge Arena: https://forms.gle/cR3J8V7nq6UVRwoC7
For any questions on stalls, rv sites, or the camper rental please reach direct them to Grizzle Ridge Arena: 724-554-4109 or email grizzleridgearena@gmail.com | There are many other local hotel/ cabin/ bed & breakfast options listed below.
FAMILY & SPECTATORS
We welcome any of your family and friends that would like to come and encourage you to spread the word to the public. Observer/Auditor tickets are $25.00 per day or $65.00 for three days. You are welcome to purchase tickets at the door or ahead of time on our website kenmcnabb.com. The arena will be closed to the public except for all riders and spectators. Each rider receives one complimentary observer per day. Children 12 and under are free, but must be under adult supervision. Ken will have a microphone so that EVERYONE is able to hear him teach. Auditors are encouraged to ask questions to Ken throughout the clinic and bring a journal for notes. There is a TON of information to soak up watching the clinic. Ken’s clinics are unique and exciting, with his ability to involve observers in the clinic all day long. He encourages observers to participate in conversation throughout the day and frequently invites you to participate in demonstrations. Grizzle Ridge Arena will have bleacher seating available and there is plenty of room to setup chairs if you have a favorite comfy one you enjoy! Please note that concessions may be available on site. Ken will break for a one-hour lunch and with many local options being 30 minutes away you might consider packing a lunch or snacks to eat at the arena.
COWBOY CHURCH: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Ken will be joined by his dear friend BJ Grimmett of Circle G Ministry to host a message together after the clinic is wrapped up on Friday evening. We’d LOVE to have you join us at the arena around 5-5:30PM start time to enjoy some amazing fellowship and worship. Grizzle Ridge Arena has kindly offered to provide a small meal afterwards and we’d love to have you there! If you feel led to you are welcome to bring a pitch in dish, but it is certainly not required. We invite you to come on out and share with a friend!
Here’s what a couple of people have to say about Ken’s clinic:
WOW! I was able to attend a 3-day Ken McNabb clinic with my wife and daughter. I have ridden my whole life and have a deep love for horses. In 3 days, I learned more about me and my horse through the clinic than I had learned in my 51 years with horses. The coolest thing was being able to buy the Applied Riding video. Each time I watch it, all that Ken taught comes back to life just like I am in the arena with him. It is worth it and was one of the best vacations my family has taken. Neal H. from NC
I had my first clinic with Ken at the age of 45. My studies with Ken over the past 13 years enlightened me to pursue the stewardship of horsemanship, not just the riding give your best, and they will give it back to you! I keep in mind What’s in it for the horse? Brings me true pleasure every day. Terri C. from WA
PLACES TO STAY:
Grizzle Ridge Arena (RV sites & Camper Available for Rent- Information to Book Found in Above Info)
52106 Grizzle Ridge Rd
Jerusalem, OH 43747
*Located about 30 minutes from interstate 70. You get off on State Route 800 and it is all blacktop except for about a mile on Grizzle Ridge.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Shadow Lake Campground: https://www.facebook.com/shadowlakervpark
Sparkman Lake: https://www.facebook.com/sparkmanlake
Nearby Airbnb: If you research Woodsfield, you will actually find some Bed & Breakfasts that look good, but have not been tested by local owners of the arena.
Nearby Hotels: The nearest hotels are found in the town of St. Clairsville, OH and there are several chains. This will be about a 35-minute drive from the arena.
Candlewood Suites St. Clairsville-Wheeling Area, an IHG Hotel
67689 Mall Ring Rd, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17406959200
Comfort Inn
52509 National Rd E, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17402965549
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Clairsville
67806 Mall Ring Rd, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17403121011
Residence Inn Wheeling-St. Clairsville, OH
Access Road, 50694 Ohio Valley Pl, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17406959320
Wingate by Wyndham St. Clairsville / Wheeling
51130 National Rd E, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17406953961
Fairfield Inn & Suites Wheeling-St. Clairsville, OH
67731 Mall Rd, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17406994980
Candlewood Suites St. Clairsville-Wheeling Area, an IHG Hotel
67689 Mall Ring Rd, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17406959200
Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Saint Clairsville
51110 National Rd E, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17406502035
Comfort Inn
52509 National Rd E, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17402965549
Best Western St. Clairsville Inn & Suites
51654 National Rd E, St Clairsville, OH 43950
+17406990010
Sleep Inn & Suites Belmont / St. Clairsville
41371 Reco Dr, Belmont, OH 43718
+17404214417
There is a lot of local lodging in St. Clairsville, we have only listed a few of the options. Please feel free to research more local places to stay.
PLACES TO EAT:
There are a number of places to eat nearby (however there is likely NOT enough time to leave the facility for lunch and make it back in time. We highly suggest packing a lunch for the clinic day.) For evening food options Woodsfield has a Subway, KFC, Taco Bell, Dominos, Riesbecks, Dairy Queen, Traditions Restaurant: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084155717089, & The Woodsfield Diner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084161155747.
Malaga has a Convenient Food Mart: https://www.facebook.com/ConvenientFoodMartMalaga
Beallsville will include and IGA, Beallsville Diner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040746591375 and JLK Carryout Bar & Grill: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041896763893